Page 38 of Pregnant By the Mafia Boss

“No. It’s good for the both of us, Fiona. Talk later.” There’s frustration coded in his sentence, and I don’t know why. It’s not his father. Not his promise, but he should understand, given how loyal he is to the Bratva.

“Bye, Ruslan.” I hang up, deciding to cheer myself up by calling my friends, Rachael and Sofia on a three-way call.

“Hi! I’m sorry for not being in contact. I’ve been feeling a little under the weather with the baby and stuff,” I tell them, not able to admit to real reasons. Neither one of them would believe me anyway, because this new life of mine is stranger than anything I can make up.

“Oh my God! Where are you staying? You have got to be kidding me!” Rachael squeals as I talk to them on FaceTime.

“I’m in the same suite I’ve been in since I got here,” I say with a smile, but they don’t know this suite is slowly becoming a prison I want to escape. Not that Ruslan has me locked in and guarded anymore, but he might as well.

“Oh, you sound so posh right about now. I miss yousomuch. Drinks aren’t the same without you on a Friday night,” Sophia pouts as I touch the screen. Both of them know about the baby, and they were shocked asking me a billion questions, but as always, my friends are ride-or-die and supportive.

“Of course not. You can’t have fun without me. It’s forbidden, but I can’t wait to see you both at my wedding. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Sorry I didn’t give you much planning time,” I tell them, wishing I was marrying somebody I loved by choice, not by convenience.

“Us too, but I just got my bridesmaid dress delivered today, and my ass looks the best it’s ever looked in a dress.” Rachael puts up the chef’s kiss symbol as I nod proudly. I know both the girls inside out, and I knew what would be flattering on their bodies, so I was happy enough I got to pick their dresses, since I couldn’t bridesmaid shop with them.

“Good. Racheal I’m so happy you love it. How about yours, Soph? Does it fit?” I ask with concern.

“Yes. Like a fucking glove, and the lavender silk is to die for. I’m in love with the dress. Thank you for not making us turn into giant powder puffs,” she praises, the nostalgic times of old, bringing me comfort.

“I am not that pitiful. I can’t have my friends looking hideous on my wedding day. That’s a complete scam,” I banter back, feeling like parts of my old self are still there.

“Good! Smart lady. By the way, what did your dragon lady boss say when you explained that you met your Russian shining knight of armor, and wouldn’t be returning to her trash magazine?” Rachael laid out.

“Umm. I didn’t resign, because I don’t know if I’m quitting.”

“What? You’re going to stay? You’re like a lady of leisure now. Get Ruslan to help you pay for your own magazine.” Tilting my head, I sort through the idea. “That could work. If I asked him, but I have a little too much pride for that.”

“Gosh, so what did you do about it?” Sophia asks.

“I told her I was taking paid maternity leave. I also have sick leave I haven’t used either.”

“Wow. You really love her, don’t you?”

“Mmm, love and boss don’t go in the same sentence for me, but there’s worse people in the world.”

I know because I’ve been faced with them. My boss is a very nice person as far as I’m concerned.

“Well, well, good luck with that. Meanwhile I’m on a dating roll. He’s a total finance bro, though, sixth date,” Sophia states as I laugh. She has a strict list and if men don’t match up, they’re out.

“I don’t give him much hope of lasting,” Rachael chimes in, reading my mind as we dive into our circle’s gossip. I cherish my friends and I’m happy they’re still in my life.

The middle of the day is pretty boring as I eat, lounge around watching TV and waiting for Ruslan to get home. He surprises me, arriving right after lunch as I walk down the stairs in my casual jeans and white tee. A staple outfit for me. He’s waiting at the bottom with a smug look on his face.

“I’m back.”

“I can see. You’re early.”

He touches my hand on the banister. “Yep. That’s because I’m taking you out.”

“Where to now?”

“It’s time to shop until you drop.” A giant smile crosses my face as I leap into Ruslan’s arms. He kisses me quickly with a chuckle.

“Told you, that you’d like the idea. You’ve only got three sets of pajamas, and you don’t have many clothes. You’re becoming Mrs. Utkin soon. You’re my woman, and our bloodline is rich. I want you to look and feel as if you’re living a good, lavish life, because you will be.”

Tingles ride down my spine, the promise enticing. “Okay, I won’t argue. I love to shop.”

Ruslan’s eyebrows wiggle as he leans into my ear. “Oh, and make sure you get yourself some sexy lingerie.” The bloom of heat ripens on my cheeks as I quip back. “If you’re lucky.”

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