Page 10 of The Bratva Queens' Kings

I wince, the weight of the task ahead momentarily bowing my shoulders. "I'll talk to him myself."

Julia gives me a look that's all too knowing, a silent acknowledgment of the delicate dance ahead. She nods, and there's a tightness around her eyes that tells me she understands what I'm not saying. The implications of bringing a child into our world are vast and treacherous, and yet it's a risk I'm willing to take, for reasons that feel as instinctual as they are unfathomable.

I straighten my back, pushing aside the fear that gnaws at me with a ferocity that could rival any of our enemies.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to face the looming challenge ahead. I make my way through the bustling headquarters, the energy of our operation thrumming around me. As I approach Luca's office, my steps falter slightly, nerves fluttering in my stomach like a caged bird desperate for release.

With a steadying breath, I knock on the heavy oak door. The sound echoes in the room, followed by a deep voice granting entry. Stepping inside, I find Luca at his desk, his gaze sharp and assessing as it lands on me.

"What can I do for you, Lana?" His voice is smooth yet edged with a hint of wariness. Luca was always the most perceptive of us, able to sense the slightest shift in the tides of our world.

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling the weight of my decision bearing down on me like an oppressive force. "We need to talk," I begin, each word carefully chosen. "About something important."

Chapter 6

Luca

"Luca, we need to talk."

Hearing Lana's voice, firm yet laced with an undercurrent of... something, pulls me from the maze of thoughts I've been lost in. Standing in the dim light of my meticulously organized office, her silhouette framed against the door, she's the picture of strength and vulnerability all at once. It's disarming, unsettling. It's Lana.

I've spent months, hell, maybe even years, crafting layers of self-control, building walls to keep this... attraction at bay. But seeing her now, it's like a punch to the gut, a reminder of that one night we crossed a line we can't uncross. Best fucking night of my life, and I've been running from it ever since.

"What's up?" My voice is calm, collected, belying the storm of emotions her presence stirs within me.

"I'm pregnant."

The words hit me like a freight train. For a moment, I'm speechless, my mouth agape as I try to process the bombshell she's just dropped. A million thoughts race through my mind, but one sticks: But we've only had sex once. How could this even be happening?

"Are you sure?" The question tumbles out before I can stop it, a mix of disbelief and an irrational surge of... hope? Fear? Hell, I can't even tell anymore.

She nods, her expression unreadable. "Yes, I'm sure. But Luca, it might not be yours."

Fucking hell, I knew she wasn't a saint – none of us are – but the thought of her with anyone else twists something deep inside me. Rage? Jealousy? Doesn't matter. Right now, Lana's got my full attention, and I'm not sure whether to grab her or strangle someone.

"Who else could it be?"

I can't even look at her as I ask, turning instead to face the wall, a pathetic attempt to hide the storm of jealousy and fear raging in my eyes.

Lana's voice is steady, unnervingly calm in the face of the chaos our lives might soon become. "There are two other possibilities... Grigori and Roman."

"Does anyone else know?" My voice is cool, detached, as if I'm discussing business, not the potential paternity of the woman I can't admit I want more than I've ever wanted anything.

"Julia and Grigori knows. Roman doesn't. Yet."

Turning back to face Lana, I school my features into an expression of indifferent curiosity. "And when do you plan on telling Roman?" My tone is light, almost teasing, but there's an undercurrent of genuine interest. How she handles this, how we all handle this, will redefine the dynamics of our twisted little family.

Lana meets my gaze, her eyes a mirror of the resolve I've come to admire in her. "Soon. I just... needed to talk to you first."

I stare at Lana, my heart pounding in my chest. To hell with it, I need a drink. I cross over to the bar, pouring myself a stiff one before taking a long swig. The burn of the alcohol is a welcome distraction from the chaos in my mind.

Fucking hell, I've never wanted kids. They're messy and needy and complicate shit beyond reason. And yet... the thought of Lana carrying my child, well, it does things to me that I don't quite understand.

"What are you going to do?" I ask her, taking another sip from my glass.

"I'm going to have this baby," she replies firmly.

"Good for you," I say simply, feeling an odd sense of pride for her decision. It's not like I care about the kid or anything, right? No, this just makes things interesting is all.

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