Page 14 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

I stared at Roman in disbelief, the enormity of what he was suggesting washing over me. It all sounded so surreal, like something out of a movie. But this was my life we were talking about.

Roman's expression softened slightly, and he reached out a palm to grip my thigh, sending sparks to my core. "I'll handle this, Gwen. You already know I will.”

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The weight of the decision pressed down on me, threatening to crush me under its enormity. When I opened my eyes again, I found Roman watching me intently, his dark eyes searching my face for any hint of my thoughts.

In that moment, I made a choice—not the choice he wanted, perhaps, but the only one I could see that might give me a chance to save Riley and myself. I would agree to his proposal and play along with his dangerous game, but deep in my heart, I knew I would never truly be his.

I would bide my time, gather information, and, when the moment was right, find a way to escape this gilded cage.

"Okay," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do it. I'll marry you."

Roman's eyes darkened, a flicker of ease crossing his face before quickly schooling his features into a calm mask. He nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his expression as he smiled.

"Good girl," he said, his voice low and intense. He reached out a hand to cup my face, his thumb gently brushing my cheek. I almost flinch at first, but the sensation is so oddly comforting, and I scold myself for nearly sinking into his hand. "You're making the right choice, Gwen."

I swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to run. Instead, I met his gaze steadily. "So, what happens now?"

Roman stood up, his imposing figure looming over me. "Now, we make it official. I can have the paperwork processed quickly and quietly."

My heart raced at the thought. This was really happening. I was about to marry a stranger, a dangerous man with ties to the criminal underworld.

But I had to remind myself—this was all part of the plan.

Play along, gain his trust, and find a way out.

Chapter 5 - Roman

The sun creeps through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse, casting warm light over the opulent, immaculate space. I’ve never been one for soft mornings, but I’m willing to try to enjoy the moment today. I have to, anyway. Because today isn’t just about me anymore or my family—it’s about Gwen. And with the hell she’s about to go through by my side, I have to make sure I’m there for her for every second of it.

I stand at the kitchen island, my fingers gliding over the edge of the stack of documents before me, each one meticulously prepared to seal my fate with Gwen.

I lied to Gwen when I told her marriage was the only way to keep Riley safe and get her back. Well, it was the truth, but not the whole truth. The reality was that the second I laid my eyes on her, the second I saw those sparkling baby blue eyes, that bright smile, that sweet laugh. The second she locked eyes with me, she practically beckoned me to talk to her; I knew I was going to make her mine.

Besides, I can keep her safe this way. I can protect her now that she’s close. And I’ll take out each and every one of those fucks who thought they could ever get away with laying their predatory eyes on her.

Yet, the thought of marriage in such a rushed and unceremonious manner still gnawed at me. I’ve always envisioned a grand affair—an occasion worthy of my family, my heritage, and the Bratva. I’d probably have married someone my family wanted me to, but I never really cared for that sort of thing, true love and all of that. Marriage was a business for my family, a union between two powerful forces to expand and create more power.

For us, marriage isn’t about romance; it’s about necessity. That was also part of the case for Gwen and me, besides the fact that I simply wanted her, so I took her. I need to create a bond that protects her and asserts my strength against the threats lurking in the shadows of Las Vegas. If I can keep her close, I can keep her safe.

When I hear the soft thud of footsteps behind me, I don’t need to turn around to know it’s her. Gwen enters the kitchen, her expression a mixture of confusion and reluctance. The light glints off her hair, and for a brief moment, I’m captivated by how stunning she looks, even with the shadows under her eyes.

“Are we seriously doing this?” she asks, crossing her arms over her chest. Her voice is laced with defiance, a tone I’ve come to anticipate. She’s still in denial, still believes that she really has any other choice other than this one in this matter. It’s frustrating, but it also makes me feel sorry for her.

I turn, leaning against the counter, letting the documents slide into view. “Yes, Gwen. We are seriously doing this.”

She narrows her eyes, and the stubborn set of her jaw makes me want to grin.

“Fine.” She takes a deep breath, determination settling in her gaze. “I’ll sign, but only because I want to help my friend. That doesn’t mean I’m doing this for you.”

“Of course not.” I wear a slightly amused tone, masking the satisfaction that simmers beneath my skin.

“This is just a title,” She adds. “I have your last name. That’s all this is. I don’t want to talk to you, see you, be around you, nothing. You get my friend back, and then we’re done.”

I can't help but chuckle at her defiance, finding her stubborn resistance oddly endearing. As she leans over thekitchen island to examine the papers, I seize the opportunity to close the distance between us. My hands slide around her waist, fingers splaying across the soft fabric of her shirt. I feel her body stiffen at my touch, but I don't relent.

Pressing myself against her back, I bring my lips close to her ear. The scent of her floral and intoxicating shampoo fills my senses. "Oh, Gwen," I murmur, my voice low and tinged with amusement. "You're still pretending you have a choice in this, aren't you?"

I feel her sharp intake of breath, her body trembling slightly against mine. My grip tightens, not painfully, but enough to remind her of my presence, my power. "This isn't just a title, dorogaya. This is a bond, a contract, sealed in blood and unbreakable. You're mine now, in every sense of the word."

---