Page 33 of The Bratva King's Pregnant Bride

“Yes, twins,” the doctor confirmed, his eyes darting to me nervously. “If you look at the scanner, you just might see them.”

I had processed many different kinds of news—of loss, of wins, of bad business deals, of good partnerships. This, however, was news I wasn’t sure that I could process.

I looked between the doctor and Maya again, trying to find any signs to assure me that all this was a joke and not real life. She was expecting twins. Twins. I wanted to say something, anything, to comfort her, but I couldn’t think of a single word.

So, I did what I normally do in situations like these: I waited.

Ever since I’d discovered Maya’s pregnancy, it had been my sole duty to protect and look after her. Now, instead of one child, I would have two.

With the quiet dignity of a sinking stone in water, we accepted the news.

Back in the car, after I helped Maya into the back seat, I sat next to her and gestured for the driver to take us home

The engine came to life, and slowly, we rolled away from the hospital premises. As we passed the front gates, moving out onto the open road, I felt an unusual calm settle upon my heart.

The sun shone, and I took in the freshness of the air that filled my lungs, the sounds of nature, as we drove. The journey was pleasant enough, but Maya kept glancing over at me, seeming worried about something.

I knew her well enough to guess what she was feeling, and I was sure it would come out eventually.

“I can’t believe this,” I said.

“Neither can I,” Maya replied.

I turned to Maya to give her the reality of things. “Maya, news will get out that you’re carrying my children. My blood. You’ll be a target. These children will be targets. My enemies will do everything in their power to tear us apart. This means your old life is gone, for you’ll always be in danger. I alone can see to your safety. So you will live with me.”

It was an order, one I expected to be obeyed without question.

However, Maya seemed eager to test me. She opened her mouth, but before she could voice any protests, I grabbed her jaw.

“This is for your protection, little mouse. Yours and my children’s. I am not giving you a choice in the matter. Do not challenge me.” I put finality in my tone. I only had so much patience, after all.

The expression on Maya’s face told of internal struggle. The urge to be left alone. To enjoy her sweet freedom. However, before long, her chin relaxed as she sighed.

“Okay. I will allow you to keep me safe for the sake of the children.”

It wasn’t much of a choice for either of us, really. Maya would stay by my side. We would raise their children together. I’d known she wouldn’t be able to resist that idea.

Now, she wouldn’t be alone. She’d have me to help her in every way possible. She would have the love she longs for—and the security she knew was needed to keep her and our children safe.

With each second we spend together, she will grow closer to me and the children. In truth, it will give her some peace to know she has my protection.

“Agreed. Just know that your life won’t be easy,” I warned her. “There will be moments where it will be very hard. However, while it may be difficult, you won’t be the only one fighting for yourself and your child. I will kill anyone who tries to hurt you.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll survive,” she said, chuckling. Her face softened, but then, a strange glint came into her eyes. “Just promise me that whatever happens, you won’t let anyone take me again.”

I leaned forward. “Of course.” I kissed her cheek softly. “No one else will have you. I wasn’t joking when I said you were mine.”

We fell silent as the car drove through the busy streets of New York City with the sounds of traffic rushing around us.

Chapter 13 - Maya

Mansions. I had heard of one too many. I had seen a few up close. But had I actually been in one? That was definitely a no.

When we rode up to Dominik’s residence, the sight that greeted me was nothing short of grandeur. The building was a spectacle to behold, a crazy work of art. Pristine white, with enormous windows that yawned over the yard, the mansion loomed impressively.

To be honest, I felt a little intimidated as I looked out the car’s window at the fresh green lawn, the flowers in orderly beds, and neat lines of shrubs, all trimmed.

A row of sturdy oak trees watched on in silence as we rode past them towards the residence.

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