Page 46 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

“You didn’t. You helped to save her. That’s what matters,” I assure her. “And now you can let that guilt go. You can focus on being the incredible woman you are.”

A tear slips down her cheek, and I wipe it away with my thumb. “You don’t know how much that means to me, Roman. You always know what to say.”

“I’m just saying what’s true,” I reply, my heart swelling with pride for her. “You’ve got the biggest heart, and you’veshown it time and again. You’re a loyal friend and an incredible wife. I don’t take that for granted.”

“Thank you,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Really… thank you.” She paused, and I noticed a spark of conflict in her eyes.

“I care about you, Roman,” Gwen says, and I can’t help but notice how forced it sounds when she uses the word ‘care,’ almost as if there’s another word she wants to use but is too afraid to. “More than I expected to. More than I like to, to be honest.”

I chuckle and roll my eyes. Her lips part, but no words are coming out. “I care about you too, Gwen,” I say to fill the silence and remove some of the pressure from her, which works by the way her body relaxes into mine. “I never expected things would turn out this way with us.”

She nods eagerly. “Me neither. But I’m glad.”

As she leans back into me, I can’t help but think about the future. We’ve faced so much already, but I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning. Whatever challenges come our way, I’ll be there to fight for her, to protect her, and to care for her fiercely.

“Just promise me one thing,” I say, the words spilling out before I can think better of it.

“Anything,” she replies, her eyes wide with sincerity.

“Promise me you won’t let fear hold you back. If you ever feel like you need to fight for something, you do it. I’ll be right by your side, no matter what.”

Her expression shifts, a flicker of something more in her gaze. “I promise, Roman. I won’t back down.”

And at that moment, I knew we’d get through anything together. We’ll face the darkness, hand in hand, and emerge stronger on the other side.

Chapter 17 - Gwen

The soft light of morning filters through the curtains, warming the room as I sit on the edge of the bed, my thoughts swirling like a chaotic storm. It’s been just over twenty-four hours since we rescued Riley, yet the emotional rollercoaster of last night feels like it happened seconds ago. The anxiety of waiting, the uncertainty of whether we’d bring her back safely—it all still lingers like a heavy fog in my mind, thick and unrelenting.

I remember pacing the living room, my heart racing with every minute that ticked by. I could feel the weight of every unanswered question pressing down on my chest. Had Roman and the guys succeeded? Were they safe? Was Roman dead? Was Riley? I tried to remain calm, but I felt so helpless, just a woman waiting for news, anxious for my husband’s safety.

When they finally returned, the relief that washed over me was overwhelming. Riley’s fragile form, slightly bruised but most importantly alive, filled me with a sense of gratitude I hadn’t realized I was capable of. I threw myself into her arms, squeezing her tightly, knowing we had triumphed over darkness. But as I pulled back, my gaze shifted to Roman. He was hurt, and the worry knotted in my stomach again.

Last night, once the dust settled, I found myself tending to him, my caring instincts kicking in. The way he leaned back against the couch, his expression a mix of pain and defiance, made my heart race. I wanted to scold him for putting himself in harm’s way, yet the urge to care for him overwhelmed any frustration.

As the night wore on, I didn’t want to admit it, but every brush of our hands and stolen glance sent me a thrill. I couldtell he appreciated my attention, and I found comfort in the idea that we could face anything together.

Now, I breathe in deeply, trying to shake off the remnants of anxiety as I prepare to meet Riley again. Anya and Maria took her away from me last night while I tended to Roman, helping her clean herself up and setting her up with a delicious, fresh meal in the guest room. I can’t wait to see her and talk to her. I’m so glad she’s safe.

The sun shines brightly outside, a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions from last night. Roman is at the casino with his brothers, handling the business he came to Las Vegas for, and while I’m grateful he’s taking a moment to unwind, I find myself missing him already. I wish he could take the day off and spend the entirety of it in bed with me, but I know he has work to do.

I grab my phone and text Riley, eager to catch up with her. A few minutes later, I hear the soft knock on the door, and when I open it, I’m greeted by her radiant smile.

“Hey, you!” she beams, and I can’t help but smile back.

“Hey!” I greet her as I jump up from the bed and hug her. “I’m so glad you’re here. How are you feeling?”

“Better, actually. I think I’ve finally come down from the adrenaline high,” she laughs, stepping inside.

We walk downstairs, the smell of breakfast wafting in the air as we say hello to Maria in the kitchen before we settle down on the couch, and I can’t shake the lingering worries from my mind. “I’m just glad you’re okay,” I tell her. I’m playing it down—I’m overjoyed. I’m beyond ecstatic to have her back. My best friend, Riley, is home safe now, and most of the men responsible for taking her, I can only assume, are either dead or heavily injured.

Riley nods, her expression turning serious. “I know it must have been rough waiting for news. I can’t imagine how you felt.”

“It was tough,” I admit. “Every minute felt like an eternity. I just kept thinking about all the what-ifs.”

“Honestly, my experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. They were just… annoying more than anything,” she shrugs, her tone surprisingly casual.

I blink, taken aback. “Not bad?”

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