Page 40 of Hating the Bratva

For how confident and self-assured Delaney seems to be on the surface, I see her insecurities. She’s good at keeping them hidden from other people, but she craves validation.

“So a lot?”

I let out a sigh and shift so that I can look at her. As soon as I do, she averts her eyes to the sand.

“None of those women matter to me. No one compares to you, and I don’t want you to think about it.”

My words are true. I don’t care about any women that came before Delaney. They are the last thing on my mind when I’m with her. She sinks back against my chest.

“Okay.”

I hold her tight against me as we watch the kids in front of us play in the sand. One is building a sandcastle while another one keeps running back and forth from the water. The breeze lifts Delaney’s hair, and I hold back my laugh as pieces of sand blow with it.

“We didn’t use a condom last night,” she says quietly.

“I know.”

She turns around to look at me in shock. “Why?”

“I told you that you’re mine.”

“Alek—”

“What?”

“This isn’t funny.”

“I’m not laughing, Bunny.” It was stupid for me not to use a condom last night, especially when she’d made it perfectly clear she doesn’t want kids. I got caught up in the moment, but I have to admit the thought of having a claim on her is appealing. I’m guessing that wouldn’t go over well if Ivan found out his fiancée was pregnant with my child. Then what choice would there be except for me to marry her? Her face is filled with a mix of shock and hurt.

“We’ll get you the Plan B after we leave here.”

“And what if that doesn’t work?”

I kiss her forehead. “Then we’ll figure it out.”

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