Page 55 of Innocent Bratva Virgin

“Hard? Talking to a stranger?”

Vlad nodded again.

“I get it, babe. I do. And you can still keep it just for those you trust in every other situation. There’s nothing wrong with that, so don’t guilt yourself. Kate’s patient.”

He chuckled through his nose. “Thanks.”

“It’s not perfect, of course, but it’s not supposed to be. You’re doing amazing, and you should take more credit for that.I’m so proud of your progress and thrilled that I can still help and provide support.”

Vlad reached for my chin, pulling it up so that I would look him in the eye. “You’re amazing.”

I grinned, then leaned forward to kiss him again. I let myself melt into it and then leaned back to rest on my elbow, still looking at Vlad in his gorgeous golden eyes.

“How was your day?” he asked.

Shrugging, I turned the corners of my lips down. “Fine. Standard therapy stuff that you kind of know by now. My mother has finally decided to accept my apology for missing her party. And hey, it only took her like five months to do so. I haven’t spoken to either of them since…well, the thing happened. I imagine I should at some point. But I’m waiting untilI’mready for that. So, all in all, it was slow but calm, and I will fully admit that I liked that part.”

Laughing, Vlad scooted us up so that he could sit more comfortably while we talked. I knew we weren’t going to bed when he walked in, but it was still funny that even after these past months, we still had to talk for a while before Vlad felt comfortable sleeping.

“I know you do. And I fully support you not wanting to break the news to them yet. I’m in no rush to ‘meet the folks’ as it were, and you deserve to stretch your legs. Not feel so pressured by them.”

Smiling, I nudged Vlad gratefully. “Thank you. It’s totally that.”

He smirked. “I’ve picked up a thing or two being in all these sessions. Oh, but before I forget. Adley texted earlier that she invited us to dinner with Ivan. What’s that about?”

“Oh,” my brows shot up, and I chuckled, “that. Well, we were chatting while Adley was feeding Grace. I told her that she needed a break, a date night. And Adley immediately made it a double date. Sorry.”

Vlad shook his head, rolling his eyes before kissing me quickly. “It’s fine. It’s fine. I’m just glad that you two have become friends.”

“We have,” I replied with a smile. “I like Adley a lot. I see why Ivan likes her.”

Cocking a brow, Vlad eyed me. “Should I be concerned?”

I laughed. “No, no. Adley and I are both very happy with our current partners. Still, if either of you kick the bucket, that’s a different story.”

Vlad laughed, and I still always melted at the sound. I pulled up into more of a seat, leaning against him, and began to idly smooth my fingers over his chest.

“I liked getting to hang out with Grace, too. She’s a good baby. It’s fun to see her discover things.”

Narrowing his eyes at me, Vlad immediately clocked that this was the third or fourth time I’d brought up playing with Grace in the past week. I knew I was being less than subtle, but men could be really dense sometimes.

“I see,” he dragged out. “So, is this a hint? Are you saying youenjoyedbaby time and perhaps…want more?”

“Yes, you dummy. I’ve been trying to get that through your head for like a month now.”

He laughed, but I could see the nervousness in his expression. Vlad had a lot of baggage associated with his parents, and I wasn’t about to push him into something hewasn’t ready for. I wanted a child, yes, but I wanted Vlad with me—safe and mentally sound and happy—more.

“Well,” he scooted up farther, taking my face in his hand as he leaned forward to brush his lips over mine, “maybe someday soon, then. Still…”

Kissing me, Vlad’s touch became more and more intense, and my entire body warmed. I was very okay with where he was taking this conversation.

As he pulled back and I looked up at him, Vlad smiled, the devilish grin lighting up his face and making my pussy weep with anticipation.

“Practice makes perfect.”

I snuggled into him, smiling. “Hmm, that it does. You sure you’re not too tired?”

I was flipped up off the bed and planted right back down on it in a blink, making me giggle as Vlad shoved himself between my legs and towered over me.

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