Page 17 of Pregnant By the Bratva

Her smile falters, just for a second, and I know I’ve hit a nerve. She’s hurting, and that hurt can be molded, used to my advantage. Kace’s betrayal has left a void, and if I play my cards right, I can fill that void, redirect her loyalty—or at the very least, her anger.

“I’m not some animal you can just tame,” she snaps, the fire returning to her voice, but there’s an edge of uncertainty now, as if she’s not entirely sure of her own strength.

“Maybe not,” I concede, leaning back and letting her have this small victory. “But you’re smart enough to know where your options are, and right now, they’re limited.”

Sarah’s eyes narrow, and I can see the wheels turning in her head, trying to figure out what angle I’m playing. She’s also realizing the truth—she’s alone in this, with no allies left in Kace’s camp. Whatever future she’s going to carve out for herself, it’s going to have to be on new terms.

“Loyalty to Kace is no longer an option,” I continue, my tone more measured now. “But that doesn’t mean you have to face this world alone. Align yourself with me, and you’ll find things might not be as bleak as they seem.”

She doesn’t answer immediately, but I can see the conflict in her eyes. The defiance, the anger, the hurt—they’re all battling within her, trying to find a foothold in this new reality.

Sarah takes a deep breath, her gaze locked on mine. I can see the resolve forming in her eyes, the calculations running through her mind. She’s not just some scared girl thrown into a world she doesn’t understand—she’s someone who’s learning to navigate it, who’s adapting. Now, she’s about to play her next move.

“I’ll help you get your money back,” she says, her voice steady, though I can hear the undercurrent of tension. “In double if you want. I know that’s what you want from me.”

I can’t help but grin. She’s sharper than I expected, more perceptive. This conversation is taking a turn I didn’t anticipate,and I’m finding myself intrigued. She’s not just bargaining for her life—she’s offering to become an asset, something useful. She’s right. I do want that money back, but the prospect of getting twice as much? That’s an offer I can’t easily dismiss.

“What do you want in return?” I ask, leaning back into the couch, my tone almost casual. “Your freedom?”

I watch her closely, waiting to see how she’ll play this. Most people in her position would jump at the chance to negotiate for their freedom, to get out from under the thumb of someone like me. Sarah’s smarter than that—she knows her situation better than anyone.

She shakes her head, her eyes darkening with the weight of her reality. “If I go out there, Kace will get to me. I can’t take that risk.”

I nod slowly, understanding where this is going, but I let her continue. She’s on the edge of something big, a decision that could change everything for her, and I want to hear it in her own words.

“I want your protection,” she says, the words heavy with the gravity of her situation. “Right now, siding with you is the smart thing to do.”

The admission hangs in the air between us, thick with tension. I can see it in her eyes—she’s not doing this out of loyalty or trust. If anything, she probably hates me just as much as she hates Kace, maybe more. She’s also pragmatic, and she knows that in this world, the Russians protect their assets. And if she becomes an asset to me, that protection extends to her.

I chuckle softly, amused by the irony. She’s offering herself up as a tool for my use, not out of fear, but out of a calculatedunderstanding of her own survival. It’s smart—maybe even brilliant, considering the position she’s in.

“You want my protection,” I repeat, more to myself than to her, savoring the shift in our dynamic. “So, you’ll give me what I want, and in return, you want me to keep you safe from Kace. That’s your offer?”

She nods, and there’s a flicker of something vulnerable in her expression, but she quickly masks it with that same resolve I’ve seen since she first walked in here. “Yes. That’s the deal.”

I let the silence stretch out for a moment, watching her squirm just a little. Not because I’m unsure, but because I want to see how far she’s willing to go, how much she’s willing to give up to ensure her survival.

“This is getting interesting,” I murmur, leaning forward, my elbows resting on my knees as I meet her gaze directly. “You hate me, don’t you?”

She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t look away. “Yes,” she admits, her voice firm. “I hate what you’ve done to me. I’m not stupid. I know how this world works. Hate won’t keep me alive, but being useful to you will.”

I can’t help but grin again, genuinely impressed. “Smart,” I say, almost to myself. “Very smart. You understand the game, and that’s something I can respect.”

She watches me carefully, trying to gauge my reaction, but I can see the tension in her shoulders, the way she’s holding her breath, waiting for my decision. She knows that if I refuse, if I decide she’s not worth the trouble, she’s as good as dead. If I accept….

“You’ve got yourself a deal,” I finally say, my voice smooth and decisive. “You’ll work for me, help me get back what’s mine, and in return, you’ll have my protection.”

The relief in her eyes is palpable, but she’s smart enough not to show too much of it. She’s still wary, still unsure of how far she can trust me. Good. That caution will serve her well.

“Understand this, Sarah,” I continue, my tone hardening slightly. “If you cross me, if you try to double-cross me or play any games, I’ll make sure Kace’s betrayal feels like a mercy in comparison. Do you understand?”

She swallows hard, nodding. “I understand.”

I lean back again, satisfied with the outcome. This arrangement could be more beneficial than I initially thought. Not only do I get a skilled hacker to help me recover what was stolen, but I also get the added satisfaction of turning Kace’s most trusted asset against him. It’s a win-win.

“Good,” I say, the grin returning to my face. “Then let’s get started.”

Sarah exhales slowly, as if releasing a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. The tension in the room eases slightly, but it’s clear that the battle isn’t over for her. She’s made a deal with the devil, and she knows it. In this world, survival trumps everything, even hatred.

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