Page 20 of Accidental Bratva Daddy

"I know, Mama. I'm so sorry." I squeeze Luka's hand, drawing strength from his touch. "I have something to tell you. Something important."

As I repeat the story of my whirlwind romance and impromptu marriage, I can practically feel my mother's shock radiating through the phone. When I finish, the silence stretches on for what feels like an eternity.

"I don't know what to say," she finally speaks, her voice heavy with a mixture of relief and disappointment. "This is... unexpected, to say the least."

"I know it's a lot to process," I say softly. "But I hope you can be happy for me, Mama. Luka... he's good to me. He makes me feel safe."

Another long pause follows. "If this is truly what you want, then of course I'm happy for you," my mother says at last. "But please, Natalia, be careful. There's so much we don't know about this man."

"I will, Mama. I promise."

After a few more minutes of tense conversation, I finally end the call. I set my phone down on the table, my hand shaking slightly.

"Well," Luka says, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of my hand, "that went better than expected."

I let out a humorless laugh. "If by 'better' you mean they didn't immediately disown me, then sure."

Luka's expression turns serious. "They'll come around, Natalia. Give them time. Besides, everyone is safer this way. They might not know it, but your decision is keeping them out of the hand of some very bad people."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The reality of our situation is beginning to sink in, the weight of it pressing down on my chest. He’s manipulating me in such a cruel way, but I can’t deny that this is the only thing keeping my family safe. He’s right, even though it hurts.

"Listen," Luka says, his voice gentler than I've ever heard it, "we have the suite for the rest of the week. Why don't we stay a few more days? Give you some time to process everything before we face the world as husband and wife.”

I look up at him, surprised by the offer. Part of me wants to refuse, to assert some semblance of control over my life. But the thought of facing my family, the press, the endless questions and judgment... it's overwhelming.

"Okay," I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "A few more days."

Luka nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Good. Now, eat your breakfast before it gets cold. We have a honeymoon to enjoy, after all."

As I pick up my fork, I can't help but wonder what exactly I've gotten myself into.

10

Luka

The steady drumming of water against tile fills the spacious bathroom as I step into the shower. Steam rises around me, enveloping my body in its warm embrace. I close my eyes, letting the hot water cascade over my tense muscles, willing it to wash away the stress of the past few days.

It's been a whirlwind since Natalia and I exchanged vows in that staged ceremony. Our "honeymoon" has been a strange dance of passion and hesitation, desire and doubt. Every moment with her is intoxicating, yet I can't shake the feeling that I'm playing with fire, and I’m the one most likely to get burned.

As if summoned by my thoughts, I hear the bathroom door open. My eyes snap open, my body instantly alert.

"Luka?" Natalia's voice, soft and hesitant, carries over the sound of running water. "Are you in here?"

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry despite the steam surrounding me. "In the shower," I call back, my arousal spiking almost instantly.

There's a pause, heavy with possibility. Then, "Can I join you?"

My cock twitches at her words, already responding to the mere thought of her naked body pressed against mine. "If you want," I manage to say, aiming for nonchalance.

The shower door slides open, and Natalia steps in. My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of her. Water droplets cling to her pale skin, glistening like diamonds. Her auburn hair darkens to a rich mahogany as it gets wet, clinging to her neck and shoulders in enticing tendrils.

"Hi," she says, a shy smile playing at her lips.

"Hi yourself," I reply, unable to keep the hunger from my voice.

For a moment, we just stand there, the hot water rushing over us both. The tension between us is palpable, crackling like electricity in the steamy air. Then, as if drawn by some invisible force, we move towards each other simultaneously.

Our lips crash together in a searing kiss. I wrap my arms around Natalia's waist, pulling her flush against me. She gasps into my mouth as she feels my hardness pressing against her stomach.

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