Page 53 of Pregnant By the Mafia Boss

“Whatever works for you. That’s what’s important.” I knew she was dating an art director for the last eight months, and as far as I knew, they were slow and steady with it, but it’s good news, because I knew right away that he was the right person for her.

“Yep. I’m nervous, I’m not going to lie, but I feel like I’ve got a good support system around me.”

“You do have a good support system. Ruslan and I are here. That’s going to make our babies no more than two years apart. That’s amazing! Arina will have a playmate!” I just love how my life is falling together, and how my friends are doing well in life too. Sophia got a higher paying job, and I decided to go back to work part time in the future, my boss accepting my terms.

“I can definitely give you plenty of tips, though. One of them being don’t have a baby in a basement.” Ruslan and I laugh together as Ruslan waves into the screen.

“Congratulations, Rachael. So far, it’s been a fun rollercoaster ride. But I disagree with Fiona, maybe you do want to have one in the basement if you want it to turn out as great as Arina.”

“You guys are so funny, but I do prefer a hospital. Thank you. I do have to go, but I’ll see you both on the weekend.” We say our goodbyes as I feed Arina, content, snuggled in with my man. I’m just an ordinary Chicago girl, living my life in extraordinary circumstances. I guess this mob wife lifestyle doeshave its perks. I’m enjoying motherhood, and despite all the earlier strife, being a Bratva wife wears really well on me.

Who knew a one-night stand would turn out to be my forever guy. Sometimes it’s worth taking the risk.

“I love you, Red October. You know that?” Ruslan whispers, his beard tickling my ear.

“I do know, and I love you right back.”

Chapter Twenty-Six - Ruslan

One year later…

Chicago does put on a good showing in the summertime, and today is no exception. The meat is cooking on the outdoor grill of the estate grounds, the mouth-watering aroma of kebabs drifting right under my nose as Fiona drops Arina’s bucket hat on her head.

It only take two steps after lathering her up with sunscreen for my mother to swoop in and scoop her up, bathing her with kisses. Arina grins, hugging her grandmother back. “Oh, Fiona, Arina’s growing up so fast! Too fast. I swear, I only saw her four months ago, and she was only crawling back then. I’m going to have to put the brakes on her. She was so tiny back then and you were breastfeeding.”

Shaking her head, Fiona pings one of Arina’s soft dark curls, her big emerald eyes staring up at her grandmother as she holds on to her hand. “Yes, tell me about it. She’s so full of beans too,” she says wearily, looking happier this time to be at the Utkin family reunion under better conditions. I flip the hamburger patty on the grill, listening to the sizzle as I throw on more onion to caramelize.

It was my idea to bring the family to the estate. That way there’s less chance of external interference. Not that I expect any trouble. Especially now we have files that can keep everyone under our thumb, but for Fiona and Arina’s comfort, I’m more than happy too.

“You’re looking well, though. How do you feel? Are you ready to give us another one?” My mother grins, winking and nudging Fiona as I glare at her.

“Mom, back off. We’ve got one,” I remind her as my mom laughs it off.

“Sorry, sorry. What’s a grandmother if they don’t ask for another child?” She shrugs, but I know for fact, she’s not joking. She’s already informed me, she expects Fiona to pop out two more to run around and play with, to which I promptly told her to enjoy the grandchild she already has.

I’m in the best of moods today, and Fiona looks the happiest she’s ever been. I think her going back to work for a couple of days a week has helped give her shine back.

“I feel good, but not good enough for child number two. Let me recover from this one,” she jokes with my mom as they both hug. I’m relieved the initial animosity between them is gone. I can understand she might want grandkids to play with because she’s a widow, but she’ll have to wait. Andrei joins in the conversation, giving Arina a high five, and me a short hug.

“You look nice in your summer dress, Fiona. Arina keeping you busy?” They might have gotten off to a rocky start, with the kidnapping, but now they’re getting along famously.

“She sure is, but it’s a good thing. Work is too,” she tells him with a lemon spritzer in her hand. I can’t help but admire my wife, enjoying the view of he—her wide-brim straw hat, her long brown hair falling down her back, her summer floral dress, hitting all the right curves and flaring out. She looks too good, and I’m resisting the urge to whisk her away for a little while because I want her to get to know the relatives and let her hair down.

“Ah, the magazine you work for. I think I know your boss.”

Fiona’s eyes widen as I hear her talking to my cousin just out of earshot. “You know my boss? The dragon lady? Alexandra Kritcher?”

Andrei chuckles, sliding his hands in his khaki shorts with a cheeky smile. He’s one of Chicago’s eligible bachelors, and his life is a whirlwind of dates, but personally, I prefer my life and wouldn’t trade it to return to clubbing and hunting down women for the night again. Fiona’s changed all that for me. I let myself drift back into the conversation, hoping Andrei can find himself a nice woman to settle down with.

“Ah, I wouldn’t say Alex is a dragon. At least she wasn’t when I took her out on those dates back in the day,” he replies.

“What? You dated my boss, Andrei?” Fiona quizzes.

“Imighthave. Timelines are a little blurry, but hey, if she gives you any trouble, you just let me know. I can sort something out.”

Tilting my head at him with curiosity, I narrow my eyes in suspicion. “No. You won’t sort anything out, Fiona can handle herself just fine. Right, babe?”

Fiona winks, and as much as her dress spells sunshine, so does her smile. “I sure can. We get on fine now. There’s more respect between us.”

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