Page 52 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

Suddenly, Luther steps closer, a menacing gleam in his eyes. I know I need to actfast.

Summoning every ounce of determination, I prepare to defend myself.

I won't go down without a fight.

The man's intentions are crystal clear as he moves closer, the dark glint in his eyes sending another wave of fear coursing through me. I can’t let him overpower me—not now, not when I have so much to lose.

He sneers, the kind of smile that sends shivers down my spine. “You see, your husband is going to have to make some hard choices if he wants to see you both alive again.”

I take a deep breath as my heart races viciously. Thoughts of Roman flash through my mind. How he looks at me, the warmth of his embrace, and the shared moments fill my heart with sadness and hope. I can’t let this man break that bond. I can’t let him take that from me. I won’t, especially not now that I’m carrying his child.

As Luther inches closer, my instincts kick in. I shift my body, my tied hands moving just enough to free a bit of slack. When he’s within reach, I brace myself and drive my knee hard into his groin. The shock on his face is gratifying as he doubles over, letting out a choked gasp.

Adrenaline surges through me as I scramble back, desperately trying to distance myself. I know I’m still tied up, but that doesn’t matter. Ihaveto fight. I can’t let them take control of me.

Before he can recover, I spot a metal object on the floor—a discarded piece of scrap from who knows what. I lunge for it in one swift motion, my hands fumbling against the ropes. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, and the noise of my pulse drowns out everything else. But Luther recovers quickly, lunging at me and latching onto my back with his sweaty palms.

“Get away from her!” Riley screams from behind me, her voice laced with defiance.

I fight with him as he tries to pull me back, reaching for the metal object. My eyes light up as I’m able to get a grip on the makeshift weapon tightly. I shoot a glance back at Riley, her eyes wide with fear but filled with determination. We can’t be weak; we have to protect each other. Together, we’ll find a way out.

Luther fights harder, but I’m ready this time. Right when he turns my body around to face him, I swing the metal piece toward him, my instincts taking over. It catches him off guard, grazing his arm, and he stumbles back, cursing under his breath.

“Run!” I shout at Riley, hoping she hears me over the chaos of the moment.

With our limited options, we charge toward the door, but it’s locked tight. I press my shoulder against it, trying to find any weakness, my mind racing through potential escape routes.

Before I can formulate a plan, the door bursts open, and in an instant, everything shifts.

Chapter 20 - Roman

I lead the charge, kicking down the door with a force that echoes in the stillness. The warehouse is dimly lit, a cavernous space filled with crates and debris. My instincts are heightened and alert for any sign of danger.

As we fan out, I scan the area, praying I’ll find Gwen safe. As a group, we trail down every hallway, cautiously perusing every single room. And then, as we head up a set of stairs, we see a light at the end of the hallway. Quietly, carefully, just as we did with the ambush days ago, my brothers and I advance slowly until we reach the door, which stands slightly ajar.

Right away, I see him—Luther lingering near the back, hands clasped protectively over his groin. In front of him sits two women—Riley and my wife—with their hands tied. A smile tugs at my lips despite the chaos. Good girl. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride in her bravery.

But my satisfaction is short-lived. The moment my brothers and I burst through the door and aimed our weapons at Luther, multiple figures emerged from the shadows. My blood runs cold. Amongst them, I also recognize Lincoln Winchester, who we recently discovered to be the leader of the Vultures. He walks closer, a predatory smile on his lips, and I feel the weight of the moment settle around me.

“The Milovs, as I live and breathe,” he drawls in a Southern accent, his voice dripping with mockery. “Did you really think you could just walk in here and take what’s mine?”

“Let them go,” I growl, my voice low and dangerous as I steady my aim on him. My focus narrows to Gwen, who’s still tied up but seems to be recovering her composure.

“You think I’d let you have her that easily?” he retorts, stepping closer to Gwen and Riley. Panic surges through me, and my grip on the gun tightens. I can’t let him reach her.

In a split second, gunfire erupts, chaos descending upon us as my men spring into action, returning fire. My brothers and I take multiple men down, then duck for cover, reloading our firearms before resurfacing and taking out more. The air is thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder and the sound of bullets ricocheting off metal. I duck behind a crate, trying to keep my head in the game while my heart races at the thought of Gwen being in the line of fire.

I catch a glimpse of her as she works on freeing her hands from the rope that binds her. She’s so strong, fighting through the panic and the fear, and I feel a swell of admiration. I’m proud of her for not giving in.

But just as I’m about to make my move, Lincoln lunges for her, and my blood runs cold.No!I push through the chaos, dodging incoming fire, determined to reach her before he can do any harm.

“Gwen!” I shout, desperation clawing at my throat.

The standoff intensifies as we exchange shots, my focus unwavering. I’m almost there, nearly at her side, when I’m suddenly held at gunpoint by the Vulture leader. His smirk is infuriating as he raises the weapon, and for a moment, time freezes.

“Don’t move, or she dies,” Lincoln sneers, his eyes glinting with malice.

I know this moment is full of risk, but I won’t let fear dictate my actions. As I try to think of a way out, I feel Gwen’s presence behind me, her spirit unyielding even in captivity. I won’t let this man win.

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