Page 25 of Unwilling Bratva Bride

“Understood,” he gritted out.

I shoved against him, pushing myself away as I pressed him into the wall one more time for good measure.

He didn’t break eye contact, just glaring away as the color moved from his chest and neck to his face. Abrahim was no softy, and as “Irish twins,” the fucker had been right there next to me for as long as I could remember. The fifteen months that separated us often landed me in the same grade as my younger brother, and we both fucking hated it.

Until, of course, we’d both been yanked from public education when we were ten. Couldn’t let the government teach his kids, The Old Man would say.

Vlad moved to stand near Abe, glaring right back at me, and for the guy who never picked a damn side, I was actually a bit surprised.

Ugh. The aggression was probably uncalled for. Not backing down now, though. But…

“Sudden change. I get it. But she’s here.” I looked between them both. “So, watch what you say to my wife.”

With that, I left. Adley needed to know about tomorrow, and I was done with this conversation.

Chapter 11 - Adley

The growing well of nausea and insecurity that swarmed my guts like bees grew every passing second. This room, the entire fucking house, was like a goddamn dream that someone else should be living. I couldn’t stop staring at the incredible view, and still…

I clutched the empty package of birth control in my hands. I hadn’t even moved from where I’d managed to shuffle over to the bed. Nothing in my brain made sense right now, as oddly juxtaposed as the scenery and the darkness I’d seen come off Ivan in an all-encompassing wave.

“Umm…”

I didn’t really want to say anything, not even to myself, but I needed to break the silence that still hung over the room. It pressed down too effectively, and I just couldn’t stand it anymore.

Nearly laughing at the ridiculousness of my thoughts, a shuddering breath left me instead, and I slowly stood up from the bed. I was unsure where I was going; my body just moved, and I ambled around. Eventually, I found myself in the bathroom again.

The room with the toilet and tiny trash can was right there.

I stepped inside, holding my hand over the small garbage as I pressed down the lever with my foot. After a few seconds, I open my fingers. They shook as the useless container fell into the bin.

What in the absolute hell is my life?

A buzzing sound shook the stagnant air, and I realized my phone was vibrating. It stopped as soon as I heard it, suggesting a notification or text message.

Mom?

Speed suddenly felt important, and I hurried back to the bed, not sitting on it but sliding down onto the floor next to it as I grabbed my forgotten phone. Flicking open the screen to indeed a new text, I quickly saw that it wasn’t from my mother but from Dad. I frowned, my brows pinching together.

He didn’t text hardly ever.

Hey Sunshine. I just wanted to tell you again how truly grateful we all are. Mom and the twins. Me. You’ve saved this family. SUCH BIG TIME. The twins say thank you, too. They’re excited to start school when the time comes and say you have to BTS shop with them? I don’t know what that means. Love you.

I giggled lightly as the tears streamed down my face. Dad constantly texted like an English professor or something. Periods, commas, etc. It was hilarious…and I suddenly missed it like I wouldn’t see it again.

Which is ridiculous. Ivan said you could see them.

“Such big time,” I murmured—our little catchphrase.

Holding the phone between my hands, my thumbs poised at the ready, I tried to think of what to say. I couldn’t exactly tell Dad I was having second thoughts or that, apparently, he was going to be a grandpa at some point.

My heart thudded against my ribs, and I sighed. They…they needed me. And I would not let them all down.

Of course, Dad. Sorry, it was so abrupt. I just wanted to act quickly. Ya know? I love you. Tell Mom and the twins the same. I’m beat. Heading to bed.

I hit send and set the phone down, not bothering to look for the delivered notification or read one, for that matter. I was actually tired—tired of trying to process what exactly was happening and why Ivanstillintrigued me.

“Clear your head. You need to just reset, Adley.”

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