Page 40 of The Bratva King's Twins

There were more layers to him than he let show, especially around others, but with me, he was becoming someone I missed when he wasn’t home. His touch made me feel some type of way, and there was certainly no denying the mutual attraction.

He made me see how being his wife wasn’t the worst punishment in the world, and with his child actively growing inside me, there were too many elements to consider all at once. I had no idea what my brothers would do if they knew I was pregnant, or what Ari would do, for that matter.

If they were to interfere…I didn’t know what I’d do.

My stomach turned at the thought, knowing Ari was still waiting for a response.

But as that nausea cloaked me completely, forcing me to cover my mouth with a hand as my skin went cold, it took everything in my power to hold it down.

Concern stitched Ari’s brows together as he inspected me closely, reaching out to steady me on my uncertain feet.

“Vivian?” he questioned, dropping everything else to make sure I was alright.

All the while, I couldn’t stomach the idea of having to choose between my blood and the man who was trying his hardest to give me everything I never had.

Chapter 19 - Ari

Vivian looked paler than a sheet as she stood there on the court, nearly swaying on her feet. If I hadn’t been holding her, I was sure she’d be keeled over on the ground.

Concerned why she suddenly looked so sick, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. If it was because of my questions, I had overwhelmed her, and that wasn’t my intention.

Even if it made me seem doubtful by questioning her loyalty to me, I needed to know. I needed to know our connection meant something to her and that she valued our relationship like I did.

Staying by her side, I pressed the back of my hand against her forehead, only to feel how ice-cold and clammy her skin was.

Not caring about the game or my questions anymore, I brushed some stray hair out of her face and did my best to make sure she was alright.

“What’s wrong, Vivian?” I asked, hoping to get to the bottom of it. “What do you need?”

It seemed like she wanted to say something but couldn’t since she was stopping herself from vomiting. There was no missing how nauseous she looked, and I didn’t want her to have to deal with it while standing right in the sun.

“It’s alright,” I murmured, wrapping my arm around her waist as I headed for the back door. “We’ll get you out of the heat.”

Vivian couldn’t say a word as she covered her mouth and walked as best as she could, heading inside. She was still so pale, and it worried me.

It was a nice, sunny day and we had been out there for some time, but I didn’t think it was hot enough for her to get heatstroke. I could only hope, at least.

As quickly as I could, I took her to the nearest bathroom and helped lower her to the floor where she immediately wrapped her arms around the toilet and couldn’t hold it back anymore.

Making sure her hair didn’t get in the way, I held her ponytail back and stayed with her while she let it all out.

I had never been great with vomit, even after dealing with my siblings through their illnesses, but I did my best to grit my teeth through it just like I used to. I didn’t want to step out—not while she needed someone by her side.

Even if I wasn’t fond of it, it had become second nature to me, and I didn’t have to think twice about it.

As wave after wave coursed through her, I gently rubbed her back and hoped it was soothing for her. I wanted her to feel at ease even if it was somewhat traumatic for her to go through.

When she hit the handle on the toilet and eventually sat back, leaning against the wall as she pulled herself together again, I put a supportive hand against her shoulder.

“Are you feeling alright?” I asked, keeping my voice calm and quiet.

“I should be fine...I just felt nauseous,” she murmured with her head against the wall.

“I guess we haven’t eaten anything yet,” I added, realizing we skipped food altogether and went straight to playing tennis. “You probably need something in your stomach. I’ll go grab something for you.”

Vivian nodded absently, and I had the feeling my words went right over her head, but I got right to it anyway.

Slipping out of the bathroom, I made my way to the kitchen and rummaged through the cupboards in search of anything that might be easy on her stomach.

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