Page 72 of Trapping His Darling

The cake was a masterpiece, a work of art that depicted Roman’s journey within the Bratva. As we gathered around to sing ‘Happy Birthday’, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unity and family that transcended the darkness that often surrounded us.

Roman’s eyes sparkled with excitement, as he made a wish and blew out the candles. The cheers and applause that followed were a testament to the love and support he had found within the Bratva.

As the festivities continued, I took a moment to reflect on the journey we had all embarked upon. In a world of shadows and danger, moments like these were a reminder that, even amidst darkness, there could be light, joy, and celebration.

Roman’s 12th birthday party was not just a celebration of another year, but a celebration of the bonds that held us together, the resilience that defined us, and the hope that guided us forward. In that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the family we had become, and the future that lay ahead.

As the celebration continued, the music shifted to a lively tune, and the courtyard transformed into a dance floor. Guests of all ages joined in the festivities, but it was Tiffany and I who took the center stage.

I extended my hand to her, and she accepted it with a warm smile. I felt like we were finally happy. This was our moment. We moved gracefully together, our steps matching the rhythm of the music. The guests watched with admiration as we twirled and swayed, our movements a testament to the unbreakable bond we shared.

In that moment, it wasn’t just a dance; it was a declaration. It was a statement to our family, our friends, and our enemies, that no matter what challenges we faced, we faced them together. The world of the Bratva was a complex and dangerous one, but in each other’s arms, we found solace and strength.

As the song came to an end, I pulled Tiffany closer, our foreheads touching. Our smiles spoke of a love that had weathered the darkest storms, a love that was as unyielding as the bonds of our criminal empire.

The guests erupted in applause, their cheers and whistles filling the air. We had shown them that even in the midst of chaos and danger, there could be moments of pure joy and unity.

And as we stood there, locked in each other’s embrace, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the woman who had become, not only my partner, but my anchor in this tumultuous world. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead, and our love would remain unwavering, a beacon of light in the darkest of times.

After our loving dance, Tiffany returned to avoiding me. She hid behind her new friendship with Sloane, but I wasn’t fooled. I wanted to hunt her down, but I told her I’d give her 24 hours. I mean, she was recently punished for waltzing off on her own. I had to give her a little slack.

I walked down the opposite corridor to my beloved wife, watching as she went back into the birthing wing with a tray of food from downstairs. Seemed like she was taking good care of Sloane indeed, which made sense since she was a mothering type of woman. It was why I’d wanted to impregnate her with my child.

Knowing I was successful had me wanting to shout it from the rooftops. The men would be overjoyed. A pang hit my chest as I remembered Tiffany’s face when she asked for space. She wasn’t taking the family tradition too kindly, and I couldn’t blame her.

If I found out there was a plot to take me out after I’d raised my child, I would want to take revenge as well. I bumped into a solid wall, since I was too busy looking at the tiled flooring.

There in front of me stood my brother Alexie.

“What do you want?” I grumbled.

“When are you going to stand up to him?” He growled.

I didn’t ask who he meant. He was talking about our father. He didn’t understand the intricate way politics were played. Alexie was a hammer. He had no finesse. It was what made him a sloppy leader.

I reached for the ice inside my veins. Calmly I reminded him, “it’s not like you’ll ever get the throne back, so what does it matter to you?”

Alexie’s eyes flashed pure violence. “I could fucking kill you,” he spat.

I motioned with my hands. “Come at me.”

With a roar, he rushed me, but he was again blinded by his emotions. At the last second, I sidestepped his body and watched as he ran straight into a wall. It knocked him on his ass. He shook his head slightly before looking at me, bewildered.

“I’ve grown up since the last time you saw me. I’m no longer your punching bag.” I stood to my full height. “I am the heirof the Bratva throne, and I will not be disrespected in my own household.”

We glared at each other before Alexie relented, softening his gaze.

“You think I don’t know I fucked up?” He asked me.

I shook my head. “I know you do.”

“You don’t understand. The drugs, the drinking, the camaraderie with the soldiers; it all went to my head. Before I knew it, I was power tripping. Fucking for the sake of fucking, and killing for the very same reasons.”

“What changed?” I was genuinely curious.

“Besides that night?”

I nodded.

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