Page 29 of Accidental Bratva Daddy

"Luka!" I scream, rushing to his side. My hands hover over him, unsure where to touch, what to do. "Oh God, Luka, stay with me. Please."

His eyes find mine, clouded with pain but still alert. "We need to move," he grits out. "More will be coming."

I nod, forcing myself to focus. I tear a strip from the bottom of my dress, the sound of ripping fabric loud in the quiet garden. With shaking hands, I press the makeshift bandage against the wound in his side. Luka hisses in pain but doesn't pull away.

"Can you stand?" I ask, my voice steadier than I feel.

Luka nods, jaw clenched. With my help, he struggles to his feet, leaning heavily on me. We stumble toward the gate, every step sending fresh rivulets of blood soaking through the bandage.

As we make our way to safety, my mind races with the implications of what just happened. The rival mafia, the attack on Luka, the dangerous world I've been thrust into—it all swirls together in a dizzying mix of fear and adrenaline.

But beneath it all, there's a growing certainty that I can't ignore. Despite the danger, despite the secrets and lies, I know now thatI would do anything to protect Luka. The realization terrifies me almost as much as it thrills me.

We reach the gate, and I fumble with the latch, my hands slick with Luka's blood. Finally, it gives way, and we stumble out onto the quiet street beyond. The normal world seems surreal after the violence we've just escaped. Cars are parked along the curb, streetlights cast pools of yellow light, and in the distance, I can hear the faint white noise of traffic.

"My car," Luka pants, gesturing weakly down the street. "Black SUV. Keys... in my pocket."

I nod, adjusting my grip on his waist. "Just a little further," I encourage, though whether I'm reassuring him or myself, I'm not sure.

We make it to the car, and I help Luka into the passenger seat before running around to the driver's side. My hands shake as I start the engine, adrenaline making every movement feel jerky and uncoordinated.

As we pull away from the curb, leaving the Governor's mansion and its hidden dangers behind, I can't help but wonder what other secrets are waiting to be unveiled. And more importantly, how many more times will I have to choose between my old life and the dangerous, exhilarating world Luka has pulled me into?

The night air rushing through the open window is cool against my skin, a relieving juxtaposition to the warmth of Luka's blood on my hands. I glance over at him, his face pale in the sickly glow of the passing streetlights. He’s still conscious, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that makes my heart race for reasons that are far from fear.

Whatever comes next, I know one thing for certain: nothing will ever be the same again. The woman who walked into that party earlier tonight is gone, replaced by someone stronger, someone willing to fight for what—and who—she wants.

As we disappear into the Moscow night, I make a silent vow. I will protect Luka, just as he's protected me. I will uncover the truth about my father's death, about Viktor's betrayal, about the dangerous world I've married into. And no matter what happens, I will not let this man I'm falling in love with slip away.

14

Luka

The first thing I register as I claw my way back to consciousness is pain—a deep, throbbing ache in my side that pulses with each breath. The second is the unmistakable scent of antiseptic and gauze. My eyes flutter open, squinting against the soft light filtering through heavy curtains.

I'm in my own bed, I realize with a jolt of surprise. The familiar dark wood paneling and plush bedding a stark contrast to my last memory of stumbling through moonlit gardens, Natalia's arm around my waist as we fled for our lives.

Natalia.

My gaze sweeps the room, landing on a figure curled up in the oversized armchair beside my bed. Even in the dim light, I'd recognize that vibrant auburn hair anywhere. Natalia is fast asleep, her chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. She looks exhausted, dark circles shadowing her eyes. Her designergown is rumpled and stained, a makeshift bandage wrapped around one slender arm where she must have been injured during our escape.

Despite her disheveled state, my breath catches at the sight of her. She looks like an avenging angel, fierce and beautiful even in repose.

A faint smile cascades across my lips as I watch her sleep. For someone who claims to despise me, she certainly seems concerned for my safety, willing to go to great lengths to keep me alive. The thought warms something deep in my chest, a feeling I'm not quite ready to name. I can almost picture it, a future with her by my side, the two of us together, her fierce and stubborn pride a complement to my own tenacity. She would be an amazing mother.

I shift slightly, trying to get a better look at her, and have to bite back a groan as pain lances through my side. The movement must have made some sound though, because Natalia stirs, her eyes fluttering open. I quickly avert my gaze, not wanting her to catch me staring.

"Luka?" Her voice is rough with sleep, but tinged with worry. "Are you awake?"

I turn my head to meet her gaze, struck anew by the vivid green of her eyes. "I'm awake," I confirm, my own voice gravelly. "How long was I out?"

Natalia sits up, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Almost twelve hours. The doctor said your body needed time to recover from the blood loss and trauma."

My brow furrows as I try to piece together the fragments of memory. "Doctor? How did we get here?"

"I drove as far away as I could, then used your phone to call your men," Natalia explains, leaning forward in her chair. "They brought us back here and summoned your house doctor. He patched you up and gave you something for the pain that knocked you right out."

I nod slowly, impressed by her quick thinking. "Thank you, Natalia," I say, letting a hint of warmth creep into my voice. "That was smart thinking. Are you alright? You weren't hurt?"

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