Page 64 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

"Y-yes," I stammer, my gaze flicking between him and Demetrius's lifeless body. "I just… I never thought it would end like this."

"Sometimes, there's no other way," he replies solemnly. "But it's over now, and we're safe."

"Thank you, Nikolai," I whisper, my voice trembling with gratitude. "You saved us."

My beautiful, brave husband looks over at me and gently places his hand on my cheek. His touch, so gentle, warm, and inviting after the cold violence I witnessed, calms me. I smile and lean into it, suddenly feeling like my body is at peace.

I am no longer in fight mode. I now know I’m safe.

Suddenly, I feel three sets of arms envelop me from all around. I look up to see Boris, Damien, and Lev, all grinning down at me.

“We were so worried,” Boris exclaims.

“Sister, it’s so good to see you’re safe,” Damien mutters, clutching my hand.

“Developed a hobby of getting kidnapped, have you?” Lev jokes. I burst out into laughter, tears in my eyes, before extracting myself from their hugs.

With Demetrius's lifeless body crumpled on the ground and no danger in sight, I explain to my husband and brothers that I need to get out of there and waste no time rushing outside to Fedor's side. Dima stands by a car door and, after giving me a close hug, steps aside to let me see Fedor lying there in the backseat. My hands tremble as I carefully touch him, checking for any serious injuries. The bloodied bruises and cuts make my heart ache, but he's alive, and that's all that matters.

"Anoushka," he whispers, his voice weak yet filled with relief. Our eyes lock, and in that moment, we share a silent understanding; we've survived this hellish nightmare together.

"Thank God you're okay," I murmur, tears pricking at my eyes. "I was so scared."

"Me too," he admits. "But you were amazing, Anoushka. You stood up to Demetrius like a true warrior."

“What choice was there?” I whisper, now clutching my belly as the thoughts of what might have happened if Nikolai and the rest hadn’t arrived come rushing through my head.

And then, when I think of how my baby could have been in danger, it becomes harder to breathe.

“Anoushka?” Dima asks carefully as I extend my hand out for support and sway.

“Anoushka?” I hear him scream louder, the sound of footsteps running toward us.

And then, the world goes black.

Chapter 27 - Nikolai

With all instructions passed to clean the scene of war, Boris, Damien, Lev, and I venture out to catch up with Anoushka and get an update on Fedor.

When we step outside, I see Anoushka at the open door, talking to Fedor. Such a deep sense of love flows through me while watching this incredible woman check up on my brother after the trauma she’s been through.

I couldn’t have ever dreamed of a better wife.

But then, I watch Anoushka's eyes roll back into her head. She extends out a hand, sways, and collapses, limp and lifeless, into Dima's arms. Panic surges through me, and I can barely feel my feet as I run to her side, my face contorted with fear and concern. "Anoushka!" I cry out, my voice cracking, as I take her from Dima.

“Anoushka!” Boris yells next to me while Damien instructs someone to get some cold water.

"Nikolai, what's happening?" Fedor's weak voice comes from the backseat of the car, his injuries from the earlier altercation still fresh and painful.

"Get the convoy ready, now!" I shout, my heart pounding in my chest. Boris, Damien, and Lev snap into action, their faces etched with worry for their sister. I carefully settle Anoushka into my arms, feeling the weight of our entire future resting upon my shoulders. Her beautiful face is pale, her chest barely rising and falling with each shallow breath.

What the hell is happening here? Tears stream down my eyes as I try to assess if she’s shot or injured.

“Did we miss something?” I call out to Boris as the tears keep rolling down my cheeks. “The baby!” I bellow. “Where the hell is the convoy?”

“Nikolai, breathe,” Damien tells me, trying to take Anoushka from my arms.

“No!” I roar. He backs off. I clutch her closer, waiting for the cars.

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