Page 57 of Forced By the Bratva Beast

“Okay. I know that. We have found her, though.”

Surprised, I shift my hair back off my face. “Where was she?”

“Here. Under our noses in a downtown apartment. The doorman was covering for her.”

Warily, I look at him, knowing how ruthless he can be. “And what did you do to him?”

“Had him fired. Nothing much.” He grins. “I’m growing soft because of you.”

“Maybe that’s not such a bad thing,” I murmur. “What about Dr. Perri?”

“I found a solution that can work for the both of us.”

“Which is?”

“We’ve had her sent for psychiatric evaluation. This is where she will be admitted for her obsession with jailbirds and admitted to a mental hospital.”

I nod sadly, but also not wanting Dr. Perri anywhere near anybody else. “Right. I guess that’s that.”

“Want to know how?”

“No. It’s enough to know you won’t kill her.”

“And one more thing.”

“What?” He stills for a moment, staring at me with a sentimental gaze. “What?” I repeat, a little on edge.

“The Saints of Destruction members that killed your parents… every single one of them are dead. They were all killed in a shootout four years ago. It’s a good thing, because I would have killed them,” he replies evenly, the shocking admission bringing me tears of relief.

“Shit. I… I didn’t expect that,” I whisper as Andrei caresses my back.

“That’s what you don’t know. I would do anything for you, Sophia.”

Taking a few minutes to process, I think of my parents, hoping they’re road tripping somewhere in another place. Andrei’s investigation has lifted an old, scarred burden off my back that I didn’t realize I was carrying. I sit silently, rocking the cot, not hearing any noises coming out, that lead me to believe Anya is waking up.

“Thank you.” With my eyes full to the brim of tears, I stare at the man I swore I wouldn’t love, but now I do… more than anything.

“I have some other stuff to say…,” Andrei admits as he looks down at his hands, avoiding my gaze.

“What stuff?” I prod softly, waiting and hoping it might be what I want.

“Ah, why is this harder than it needs to be?” He sighs, raking a hand through his dark hair.

“What?”

“Our deal. I want to talk about it. The baby is here,” he states glumly, his eyes lifting to meet mine, a longing in them. My heart rate picks up, anticipating the worst. We bicker too much sometimes, and he loves to get under my skin at times, but often I think he does it on purpose. I think about sitting in my apartment feeding Anya, and not being here, and it breaks my heart.

Please don’t tell me.“Okay, then let’s talk about it.”

Andrei stares at me, nodding, eventually speaking. “I know I said I would make you fall in love, but I’m afraid the opposite has happened.” Frowning in misunderstanding, I shake my head, but he keeps going. “I’m… I’m,” he closes his eyes, opening them and taking my hand, the warmth seeping through, bringing me peace. “I’m in love with you. I’m the one who is. I fell. Hard. Call me selfish, but I can’t let you go. I don’t want a divorce.”

My heart soars, wanting to burst open as I squeeze his hand, tears glittering in my eyes. “So don’t.”

“Don’t what?” he asks, full vulnerability lining his face.

“Don’t let me go. I don’t want a divorce either because I’ve fallen in love with you, and you’re the only person I want to infuriate me forever.” Laughing, a look of sheer relief rides over Andrei’s face.

“Good. Wife.”

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