Page 73 of Stolen By the Bratva King

“I was so worried when I saw you and Oleg brawling like that,” I admit.

David’s eyes glide to Vlad. “I might not have gotten out alive if it wasn’t for him.”

Vlad gives David a stoic nod. “I did what I had to do, boss.”

I swallow hard, realizing that in the chaos, Vlad was the one who fired the fatal bullet that hit Oleg. I knew it had to be this way in the end. Either David or Oleg as the last man standing.

“Thank god you were there,” I whisper, my eyes meeting Vlad’s.

He gives me a quick nod of approval. “Did you get the pictures you need for the police?”

I tap my camera with one finger. “Yes. Even though Oleg is dead, I have the pictures to prove he was the mastermind behind all of this. We can use the research I’ve obtained and hand it all over to the police. I’ll explain the findings, and hopefully David’s name will be cleared.”

Vlad clears his throat and shifts his weight. “The fires at the warehouses can be traced back to Oleg too. All his men are dead, and our guys will never talk. We’re in good shape to pin it all on him, since it’s well known by law enforcement that there was already bad blood between the bratva crews. They know you wouldn’t sabotage your own warehouses, David.”

“We’ll let themthinkthat anyway.” I grin at David.

David’s eyes shine in the moonlight. “What a relief. I couldn’t have done it without either of you.”

“I love you.” I turn to face him, hugging him close. “You’re a loyal man who deserves to be cleared of something you had nothing to do with in the first place. You’ll be a hero to our baby because you’re one to me, too.”

He smiles and pushes my hair back. “I love you so much. Fate brought us together. I know that now.”

Pride takes root in my body and branches out. With the war behind us, David and I have so much to look forward to.

26

Hazel

Istrut into my office, breezing through the rows of cubicles. A few heads snap up in my direction, eyes widening as my coworkers notice me.

I’m wearing a skintight red dress that hugs my hips and stops mid-thigh. It’s not appropriate work attire but I don’t care. I don’t plan on staying here long.

I straighten my posture and lift my chin, a small smirk curving the edges of my mouth. I keep my focus straight ahead.

Whispers rouse and stir behind me, but I ignore them, leaving them in my wake. Let them talk and gossip. It makes no difference to me now. I have bigger goals to accomplish today.

I round the corner. My heart skips when I see Veronica, right where we planned to meet in front of the supply closet that nobody ever uses.

A small gasp escapes her lips and her eyes shimmer with admiration. “Wow. Gorgeous mama.”

“Do you really think so?” I glance down at myself. “I’m feeling a little self-conscious because of my baby bump, but I managed to stay poised on my walk through the main floor.”

Veronica’s enthusiasm is all the reassurance I need. “No, you pull it off well. You areglowing.”

I blow out a relieved breath. “Thank goodness.” I rub my palm over my dress and give her a sheepish look. “I’m nervous.”

Veronica closes the space between us and puts her hands on my arms, her eyes linking with mine. “You havenothingto be nervous about. You aresosmart and strong. I want to be you when I grow up.”

This makes me laugh, but I say, “this is Robert we’re talking about, Veronica.” Self-doubt is insects crawling under my skin.

She shakes her head. “Cross him off your list.You’ve worked hard, put your life on the line.Literally.You’ve earned this. You’re in love, and you deserve the world.”

I rope her into a tight hug. Her curls tickle my cheeks. “You’re such an amazing friend, V. Your support means everything to me.”

She pats my back. “Just promise you’ll keep in touch and meet me for a dinner and drinks sometimes.”

When we pull away, we’re both sniffling. “Absolutely. You’re one of my closest friends.”

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