Page 58 of Captured By the Bratva

She looks on the verge of tears all of a sudden. “What is it?” I ask. “What’s wrong?”

41

CATHY

Itake a deep breath, steadying myself. "Ivan, I’m pregnant." My voice trembles, and I feel his hand tighten around mine as he processes the words.

For a moment, he just stares, his face a mix of emotions I can't quite decipher—surprise, disbelief, and something else, something deeper.

His gaze shifts back to mine, and he takes a steady breath. "How long have you known?"

"A few days." I hesitate, searching his eyes. "I wanted to make sure. I wanted to find the right moment."

He’s silent for a beat, and I brace myself, waiting. But then, he nods, and his expression softens, the usual guarded look giving way to something vulnerable, raw. “Are you happy?”

A warmth floods through me, and I squeeze his hand in response. "I want this, Ivan," I whisper back, surprised by the strength of my own words. "Not just an heir. A real family. A real home. For all of us."

His gaze falls to my stomach, a soft, almost tentative smile breaking through his usually stoic expression. "It’s strange," he murmurs. "I told myself all I wanted was an heir, that it wasa practical choice. But now it feels different. It feels like…" He trails off, struggling for words. "Like a chance to create something better than what I had when I was a kid."

I reach up, resting a hand on his cheek, feeling the slight stubble against my palm. "We can do that," I say quietly, watching the emotions flicker in his eyes. "We can give our child the love we never had."

Ivan swallows hard, his hand still wrapped around mine. "I don’t know if I know how to be that kind of father, Cathy." His voice is low, pained, and I see a shadow cross his face. "I grew up with… rules, harsh ones. Any sign of weakness was beaten out of me. My father made sure of it. Rely only on yourself.”

I feel a pang of sadness, understanding more deeply why he is the way he is. "My childhood wasn’t exactly perfect," I confess, feeling the vulnerability rise up in me. "I learned early on that I couldn’t rely on anyone either.”

He nods slowly, his fingers brushing over mine. "I want to be better than that," he says, almost as if speaking to himself. "I want to give our child more than just lessons on strength and survival. I want to give them a real childhood. Maybe even happiness."

"That’s all I want, too," I whisper, moved by his honesty. "Our child deserves that. They deserve to feel safe, loved, and like they can be whoever they want to be."

Ivan’s face softens, and he lets out a quiet breath. "You’re right," he murmurs. "It won’t be easy. There’s a lot I don’t know, a lot I’ll need to learn."

"We’ll figure it out together," I say, squeezing his hand again. "We don’t have to be perfect. We just have to try. And I know you’ll be a good father, Ivan. I saw how you were with Nik, Elena told me about you taking care of hurt animals.”

He looks down at me, a rare vulnerability in his gaze. "Cathy, I know this hasn’t been the easiest path for you. I know I’ve donethings, forced you into things that…" He trails off, the words hard for him to voice. "But you’re still here, despite it all. And I want you here, with me. I want us to do this together."

My heart swells, and I feel tears prick at my eyes. "I stayed because I saw something in you worth staying for," I say softly. "I could have left, Ivan. I could have run a hundred times, but Anya and Nik helped me see who you really are. I see someone who wants to be better, who wants to build something new. And that’s the man I want by my side."

The peace we’ve just found shatters with the sharp, piercing shriek of an alarm reverberating through the mansion, cutting through the warmth like a knife.

Ivan’s expression turns cold and calculating as he immediately strides to a monitor on the wall. I follow him, my heart hammering as a chill settles over me.

“What is it?” I ask, my voice wavering as I reach his side.

Ivan’s jaw clenches as he stares at the screen. “The front gates have been rammed open,” he says in a low, steely voice. “Several cars. Fast approach up the drive.”

A surge of dread washes over me, the reality of the situation hitting with terrifying clarity. This isn’t just another scare or empty threat. It’s Jimmy—he’s here at last, and he’s bringing violence with him.

Ivan turns to me, his hand resting protectively on my shoulder, his gaze piercing and unwavering. “I planned for this. Don’t leave this room until I come back for you. Promise me.”

His tone is an unyielding command, but I detect the urgency behind it, the fear he doesn’t want to show.

I swallow hard, nodding. “I promise.” But as he moves toward the door, I feel a mixture of helplessness and frustration bubbling up.

Ivan pauses in the doorway, looking back at me. “I will protect you, Cathy. No matter what.” His voice is calm, yet there’s an intensity in his eyes that shakes me.

I reach for his hand, gripping it tightly for a brief moment. “I know you will, Ivan. But let me be a part of this, too. I’m done hiding from him.”

He hesitates, a flicker of something—pride, maybe—crossing his face before he nods. “Stay here for now. When it’s safe, I’ll come for you.”

---