Page 69 of Mafia Christmas Vows

He shakes his head.

I know that he’s probably sporting the erection to end all erections, but Alexei is like that. Sometimes, he just wants to watch me. He wants to make sure that I’m taken care of, first.

It’s why I know he’s going to be a great dad.

Taking a huge breath, I steel myself for the courage about what’s going to come next.

I send a silent prayer up to his mother, who I hope didn’t exactlywatchwhat we just did, but I hope she’s watching over us and giving me the courage I need.

I roll over onto my stomach. “I have something for you.”

Alexei’s lips tuck into a frown. “Milaya, you are not supposed to get me a gift.”

“Okay, that seems like the pot calling the kettle black a little, sir.”

“My gift was a gift for the both of us,” he says smugly, tucking my face into his shoulder.

I giggle as he kisses the side of my neck. “Alexei. Seriously. This is a present for both of us too. Kind of,” I say.

He pulls back. “Well. If it is for the both of us, milaya, then please. Do tell me.”

I take a huge breath. I grab one of Alexei’s hands, and pull it down, running his warm fingers past my breasts and all the way until I stop it right on top of my belly.

His eyes darken. “Milaya, I told you, I don’t need?—”

“I’m pregnant,” I whisper.

It takes Alexei a second to figure out what I said. I wonder if I should repeat it in Russian, because he seems to be struggling to process.

Then, when he realizes, his eyes go wide. “Maggie,” he croaks. “Really?”

“Really,” I whisper.

His jaw drops. Then, his eyes widen with fear. “But we just…”

“I’m pretty new,” I whisper. “It’s not like the baby knows, or anything.”

“The baby…” his voice gets thick. His eyes look up to mine. “Our baby.”

“Yes, Alexei. Our baby,” I whisper.

I squeak when he tugs me close, pressing a huge kiss on my lips. His hand on my belly trembles.

“Milaya?”

“Yes?” I ask.

“You are the best gift. I love you,” he whispers.

I smile, pressing my lips to his.

“I love you too.”

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