Page 124 of Ruthless Lullaby

It took time for me to process it all. We had many late-night conversations, addressing my fears and doubts. And to my surprise, Maron was always open, always willing to explain more. He even introduced me to some of the women in theorganization - wives and girlfriends who had gone through the same adjustment I was facing.

Gradually, I began to understand the Bratva through Maron’s eyes. I realized that while it’s a world I may never fully grasp or feel entirely at ease with, it’s an inseparable part of the man I love. And loving Maron means embracing all of him, including the world he’s bound to.

I feel at peace with it now. Not because I approve of everything the Bratva does, but because I trust Maron. I've seen how he navigates both worlds while maintaining his integrity, and protecting those he cares about. It's a delicate balance, yet he handles it with a grace that never ceases to amaze me.

And the sex… the least I can say is that it's mind-blowing. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced or thought possible. We ravaged every room in this lavish mansion with our desires. Did things I would never admit to anyone. And I continue to crave Maron's touch like a drug, always hungry for more. Every night, we give in to our desires, unable to resist the explosive chemistry between us.

My pregnancy only heightened my already insatiable libido, and Maron matches it. We devour each other like starved beasts, leaving nothing but a trail of sweat and pleasure behind.

I quickly finish my fancy meal of cheese and caviar on garlic bread, gulp down my remaining orange juice, and gather the plates and utensils to be loaded in the dishwasher.

But as I push back my chair and stand up from the breakfast table, a sudden cramp hits me again. It's not terrible - just a little twinge in my lower belly - but it's enough to make me pause and take a deep breath.

“Hey there, little one,” I say out loud, rubbing my stomach. “Chill out in there, okay?” I shift around, trying to find a morecomfortable position, and the pain starts to recede. “Good job, kiddo,” I mutter with a smile.

I can't believe that I’m entering my third month of pregnancy. It's getting tough to keep hiding it from Maron. I know I'll have to spill the beans very soon, at least before I reach the twelve-week mark. Somehow, he hasn't caught on yet. Probably because I've always had a little extra on my belly anyway.

But for now, I allow myself to procrastinate a little longer. Who knows, maybe I’ll have a talk with him tonight. But before that, I must push away my worries and focus on the joy of being reunited with Betty. I miss her too much. We haven't had a chance to catch up in weeks, and today, she finally has a day off. She even promised me to make some of her infamous carrot cakes.

Glancing at the clock, I realize I have just enough time to call an Uber and make it there within the hour. I make my way to my bedroom to get ready, picking out the new summer dress I bought recently - a beautiful combination of blue and white with delicate straps. Then I head to the bathroom.

I step into the shower, savoring the sensation of hot water cascading over my body as I lather up with vanilla-scented shower gel. Pregnancy has heightened my sensitivity to scents - some of which now repel me, while others, like vanilla, have become unexpectedly irresistible. It was never my favorite before, but now, its sweet fragrance fills me with a surprising feeling of joy.

Standing under the shower, another wave of discomfort washes over me, but this time, it’s more intense. The cramp seizes my abdomen, causing me to gasp for air. My hand instinctively goes to my belly, but the pain only intensifies. It spreads to my back and hips, like a tightening vice grip. Cursingunder my breath, I lean against the nearby wall for support, but the shift only makes the muscle spasms worse. Desperate for relief, I try to distract myself from the pain by focusing on the sounds and scents of my surroundings.

And just as quickly as it came, the pain disappears.

Welcome to the world of pregnancy, Mindy.

I guess it's just a part of the process. You’ve got to embrace all the changes the body goes through. I take some deep breaths to steady myself and focus on seeing Betty soon.

Stepping out of the shower, I quickly dry myself and slip into the dress. By the time I’m done with my makeup, my phone pings.

"Your driver has arrived."

Temporarily forgetting about my cramps, I head to the car waiting downstairs.

It’s going to be a good day.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Mindy

"Mindy!" Betty squeals, practically tackling me as I walk in. "Get over here, for a big old girlfriend hug!"

“Whoa Bets!” I laugh, stumbling backwards. “I missed you too, but let your girlfriend breathe.”

"Sorry, sorry," she grins, not looking sorry at all. "But look at you! Did you rob a fashion magazine again?"

I strike an exaggerated pose. "What, this old piece of cloth? I just threw it on."

Betty snorts. "Yeah, and I just 'threw on' a gourmet feast. Speaking of which..." She sniffs the air dramatically. "Do you smell that?"

"Mmm," I inhale deeply. "Is that Aunt Betty’s infamous, calorie-laden, diet-destroying carrot cake?"

"Don’t forget about waistline-wrecking." Betty winks. "Now, park your cute little ass on that couch and tell me everything. How's life with Mr. Eyebrows?"

I burst out laughing. "Mr. Eyebrows? That's a new one."

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