Page 71 of Trapping His Darling

An ominous tingle ran up my spine, but I shook it off. “True.”

We reached the landing, and I opened the doors to the left of the staircase. The birthing suite could fit over fifty people inside of it. There were couches and daybeds. Places to get ready and a large bathroom connected to it. It was built with the birth of the first male heir to be born. My father in law let me know that during a chess match one night.

I’ve learned a lot from my father in law over the past few weeks. Even though I felt nauseous every time I was in his presence, I kept a smile on my face and played my part. That reminded me of Viktor’s betrayal. He told me there would be no more surprises. Yet here we were, with another bomb dropped on my shoulders.

“It’s tradition,” Viktor spoke from the doorway, ignoring Sloane, his eyes solely on mine.

“I don’t care. We were supposed to be partners,” I snapped at him.

“We are.” He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my stomach.

I stilled.

“Does this mean-” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

“Yes.”

“When?” He found out and didn’t tell me? I wanted to know all the details.

“A few weeks ago. I was trying to come up with the right way to tell you, so we could tell my father together.”

I snorted. Was my marriage based on lies? I pulled away from him. “I need some space.”

“What? No.”

“Yes,” I stated. “I need time to think about everything I have learned. I need time away from you.”

Viktor’s eyes grew cold and he glared at me. “You have 24 hours, and then I’m coming for you.” He spun on his heel and walked out of the doors. I jumped when I heard the front door slam.

“What are you going to do?” Sloane asked me.

“I’m not too sure. I know that once the baby comes, we will have something to distract the men with. Do you know what you’re having?”

Sloane shook her head no. “The doctor didn’t want me to have any more stress than what I currently have.”

I nodded. “Well, why don’t you lay down and get some rest. I’ll come grab you when supper is on the table.”

“Oh, thank you. I would appreciate that so much.” She sank down on the bed and let out a loud groan.

I waved goodbye and headed out. It must be hard growing a child. I placed a hand on my stomach. Was I ready to give Viktor a child? Would I outlive my usefulness after that? I couldn’t dwell on these questions. It felt like I had too many enemies lining up behind me. I needed to protect myself and my child.

It didn’t seem like anyone else would.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Viktor

The Bratva compoundbuzzed with excitement, as we prepared for Roman’s 12th birthday party. After their arrival, it seemed fitting to celebrate him while we were all together. Who knew when that time would happen again?

I couldn’t help but smile, as I watched the festivities unfold around me. Roman, the child prodigy, had become an integral part of Alexie’s, and therefore our family, and today, we celebrated him with all the pomp and grandeur he deserved.

The courtyard had been transformed into a carnival of delights. Colorful balloons swayed in the breeze, and the aroma of freshly grilledshashlikwafted through the air. The laughter of children, and the cheerful chatter of adults, filled the atmosphere.

As I made my way through the crowd, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Alexie’s protege, Roman, had grown, not only in age, but in wisdom and resilience since he helped dismantle that biker organization. His mute state was a testament to thedarkness he had faced, but today, we celebrated his strength and brilliance.

I spotted Tiffany chatting with some of the other women, a smile on her face as she admired the decorations. She looked radiant, a stark contrast to the dangerous world we navigated. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner, someone who understood the complexities of our life, yet brought light and laughter into it.

The highlight of the party was the games and activities we had planned for Roman and his friends. A dunk tank had been set up, and I couldn’t resist taking my turn, much to the delight of the children. Tiffany’s laughter rang out as I hit the water with an exaggerated splash.

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