Page 52 of Knocked Up by the Bratva

I let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of her words settle over me. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that responsibility.”

Katya squeezes my hand. “You don’t have to be. Just take it one day at a time. And remember, you’re not alone in this. You have people who care about you, and I’m one of them.”

A sense of warmth spreads through me as I meet her gaze. For so long, I’ve felt isolated, like I was trapped in this strange, dangerous world with no one to lean on. But in this moment, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I’m not as alone as I thought.

Katya stands, brushing invisible wrinkles from her elegant dress. “I should leave you to get some rest. But remember what I said, Jennifer. Don’t lose hope. There’s more to Timur than meets the eye.”

I rise to walk her to the door, her words still playing in my mind. “Thank you, Katya.”

She gives me one last smile before stepping outside, leaving me standing in the doorway, a whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my head.

As I close the door behind her, I can’t help but glance back at Tyler, still peacefully asleep in his crib. Maybe she’s right. Maybe there’s more to Timur than I’ve allowed myself to see. Maybe, despite everything, there’s hope for us—whatever that means.

For the first time in a long while, I don’t feel as suffocated by the future. It’s still uncertain, still terrifying in some ways, butI feel a flicker of something else too—something that feels a little like hope.

Chapter Twenty-Four - Timur

The night air is crisp as we arrive at the event, the sleek black car pulling up to the grand entrance. I step out first, adjusting my suit jacket. It’s been a while since I’ve attended something like this, and even though I don’t enjoy these social gatherings, tonight is different. Tonight, I have Jennifer by my side.

I glance back at her, watching as she steps out of the car, her hand delicately placed in mine. The moment she steps onto the pavement, my breath hitches. She’s stunning. The dress she’s wearing hugs her figure perfectly, a deep red that contrasts beautifully with her pale skin. Her hair is pulled back in loose waves, framing her face, while the diamond necklace I gave her gleams under the soft lights. She’s utterly captivating.

For a second, I find myself staring, unable to tear my eyes away from her. I knew she was beautiful, but seeing her like this—confident, poised, and completely mine—ignites something primal in me.

“You’re staring,” she whispers, her lips curving into a teasing smile.

I smirk, taking her arm. “Can you blame me?”

She rolls her eyes playfully, but I see the way her cheeks flush slightly. I like seeing her like this—relaxed, confident, and teasing. It’s a side of her I don’t often get to witness, and I realize I want more of it.

We step into the grand ballroom, the buzz of conversation and clinking glasses surrounding us. The crowd turns to watch as we enter, whispers following in our wake. As the head of the Sharov family, my presence always draws attention, but tonight, it’s different. All eyes are on her. They want to see who’s by my side, who has tamed the untamable.

Jennifer clings to my arm a little tighter, pressing herself close to me. “Ready to play the perfect couple?” she murmurs, her voice low and full of mischief.

I arch an eyebrow, amused. “Is that what we’re doing?”

She grins, her eyes sparkling. “Might as well, right? Give them a show.”

I chuckle under my breath. I like this side of her—playful, daring. I’ve been used to her quiet defiance, her fire that always burned beneath the surface, but tonight, she’s showing me something else entirely. She’s teasing me, playing a game, and I can’t help but get caught up in it.

As we move through the room, greeting various business associates and high-ranking officials, Jennifer plays the role of the perfect wife effortlessly. She’s charming, smiling warmly at everyone, her fingers trailing lightly over my arm as she speaks. Her touch is electric, sending jolts through my skin, and I know she’s doing it on purpose.

She leans in closer, brushing her lips lightly against my ear as she whispers, “Everyone’s watching us.”

Her breath against my skin makes me tense, but not in a bad way. “Let them.”

Her fingers curl around my bicep, and she tilts her head slightly, her lips almost brushing mine as she speaks softly. “Are you enjoying this as much as I am?”

The teasing in her voice makes my blood stir. She’s playing a dangerous game, one she knows will push me to the edge. “You have no idea,” I growl lowly.

She pulls back, giving me a sultry smile before turning her attention back to the crowd. It’s infuriating and arousing at the same time. She knows exactly what she’s doing, and I can’t help but admire her for it.

As the evening wears on, she continues to toy with me. Every touch, every flirtatious glance, is a calculated move. She’s enjoying the power she has over me tonight, and I can’t deny it—I’m enjoying it too.

At one point, she leans in again, her lips grazing my jaw as she speaks, “Do you like it when I do this? Pretend we’re the perfect couple?”

There’s a challenge in her voice, one I’m more than willing to accept. I turn to her, my eyes darkening with desire. “Careful, Jennifer. You might make me believe it.”

Her smile falters for just a moment, a flicker of uncertainty passing through her eyes before she regains her composure. She pulls away slightly, her fingers still resting lightly on my arm. “Maybe that’s the point.”

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