Page 6 of The Bratva Queens' Kings

Leaving the bathroom, the weight of the world suddenly feels like it's crushing down on my shoulders. Julia's there, her eyes wide with worry. She doesn't need to ask; one look at my face and she knows. Damn it, she knows me too well.

Her voice is gentle, cautious, as she broaches the subject we're both thinking about. "What do you want to do, Lana? There are options... keep it, adopt out, or... you know."

I sink down onto a chair, the reality of the situation hitting me like a freight train. "I haven't got a clue, Jules."

Julia doesn't flinch, doesn't judge. That's not her style. Instead, she just waits, giving me the space to process, to figure out my next move.

"I mean, how do I even begin to deal with this?" I continue, my mind racing through scenarios I'd never imagined I'd have to consider. "Any one of them... it changes everything. And not just for me."

Julia nods, "First things first, we need to confirm the pregnancy with a doctor. Get some real answers before making any decisions."

It's logical, practical even, and I cling to that like a lifeline. It's something tangible I can do instead of spiraling into the what-ifs. "Right, a doctor's visit."

"We have to be careful though," she adds, her eyes now sharpening with strategy. "We can't just go to any clinic—they talk—and you don't want anyone knowing about this until you're ready."

"Discretion is the name of the game," I mutter, knowing too well how vicious the rumor mill can be.

Julia reaches for her phone, her thumbs swiftly dancing over the screen. "I know someone who can help. She's discreet and owes me a favor." She looks up at me, resolve etched in her features. "She'll see you privately."

Relief washes over me in an unexpected wave. It's not much in the grand scheme of things, but it's enough for now—a path forward,

"Thank you."

"We're in this together, Lana. Always have been."

I watch her as she continues to type away on her phone, setting things in motion with a proficiency that makes me wonder how I ever got so lucky to have her by my side. Finally, she looks up, her face a mask of serenity belying the quickfire actions of a moment ago.

"Now that's out of our way, you have a meeting later today. A politician," she reminds me, her tone taking on a more professional edge, "He wants to talk about the new security measures. Wants to ensure the supply of illegal goods from your syndicate remains untraceable. To avoid incidents like... the other night."

I pause, mid-motion in the act of shedding the day's armor for the night's solace. "You heard about that?" With a heavy sigh, I add, "Nothing is ever a fucking secret under this roof." The fabric of my dress falls away, replaced by the soft embrace of my pajamas.

Julia's expression turns serious, her next words carrying the weight of a grave warning. "That's exactly why we need to keep your pregnancy a secret. You have no idea how much men like Perez would pay for information like that."

"You're right," I acknowledge, the fight gone out of me for the moment. "We keep this between us. Lock and key."

As I lie on the bed, my mind refuses to shut down. Images of Grigori, Roman, and Luca flash before me, each with their own allure and danger.

Who among them would stand by me once the truth comes out? Or more chillingly, who would try to use this child as leverage?

Through the night, scenarios play out like scenes from a spy thriller—covert doctor visits, whispered conversations in shadowed corners, sudden betrayals. Sleep is elusive; every creak and whisper in the house has me on edge.

In the darkness, I find myself touching my abdomen, not quite able to connect with the reality growing inside me. This child doesn't know it yet, but they're already at the center of a storm. A pawn or a blessing—I haven't decided which yet.

Chapter 4

Griogori

The sun hadn't even bothered to fully show itself before we were back in the grind. Lana, looking every bit the queen she is, sat across from a politician whose name isn't worth the air it takes to say it. Me? I'm just the shadow on the wall, silent, watching. Always watching.

The politician, a man with too much sweat and not enough spine, starts his spiel. "Ms. Lana, we need to ensure the... continuity of our operations. Without attracting attention."

Lana leans back, her boredom barely masked by a facade of interest. "And you think I'm not aware?" Her voice is cool, detached. "Tell me, what exactly are you proposing?"

He shifts, uncomfortable under her gaze. "New routes, perhaps. More... discreet methods of operation. We can't afford another slip-up."

"Slip-up?" Lana echoes, her tone laced with mockery. "You mean ensuring our business thrives under the very noses of those who wish to see us fall? That 'slip-up'?"

I almost smile. Almost. Lana's got this guy dancing on strings he doesn't even know he's attached to.

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