Page 53 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

And then, to my shock, she springs into action, a fierce determination in her eyes. I watch, astonished, as she reaches for something—anything—to defend herself.

“Roman, get down!” she shouts, and before I can react, she lunges toward the man holding me at gunpoint.

Her bravery stuns me, and as she tackles him, our eyes lock for an instant. At that moment, I realized how deeply I love her and how willing she is to risk everything for me.

The struggle is fierce, and with a sudden burst of strength, she overpowers him, her hands finding the weapon as I hear the crack of a shot. I can barely process what’s happening; my heart races as I see her pull the trigger.

He crumples to the ground, lifeless, and I feel an overwhelming mix of pride and fear. But before I can rush to her, I see the strain of the moment take its toll. She sways on her feet, a look of shock crossing her face.

“Gwen!” I yell, instinctively reaching for her just as she collapses to the floor.

Chapter 21 - Gwen

I drift back to consciousness, the steady beep of machines pulling me from the depths of an unsettling sleep. I let out a soft moan as my eyelids peel open.

The first thing I see is the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room, and panic grips me. My mind races with flashes of the abduction—dark places, danger lurking in every corner, the sleazy guy closing in on me, and then Roman bursting in like a storm. The memories hit me like a tidal wave, and I bolt upright, my heart pounding. My eyes immediately scan up and down my body, wiggle my fingers and toes, and shift my arms and legs. I’m hurt. I must be hurt somewhere.

My hand shoots to my stomach—is the baby okay?

Oh, god,pleaselet the baby be okay.

“Gwen!”

The relief in his voice is palpable, and I turn my head to see Roman by my side, his face a mixture of concern and overwhelming joy. He pushes himself out of the chair in the corner and approaches me swiftly. His hair is tousled, and the dark circles under his eyes tell me he hasn’t left my side. I wonder how long it’s been since I was put in this room.

The tension in my chest begins to ease, and I let out a shaky breath.

“Roman…” I manage, my voice weak but filled with warmth.

His relief is instantaneous. “You’re awake.Thank God.” He leans over, his hand gripping mine fiercely, sending comfort coursing through me.

But then, as if a switch has flipped, his expression darkens. “What were you thinking, sneaking out like some prisoner? You could have been killed!” His voice rises, filled with a mix of anger and fear that cuts through the remnants of my grogginess.

I can see it now, the raw worry etched on his features, and guilt washes over me. He’s angry, he’s hurt. He feels betrayed, like he can’t be trusted, and I understand. He has every right to feel these things.

“I’m sorry, I just—” I try, but he unforgivingly cuts slices through my words.

“You didn’t tell anyone! You just disappeared without a word!” He runs a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. He’s not yelling in my face but is angry and isn’t afraid to show it.

“I was terrified, Gwen!” He blurts out, then his body settles, his voice changing as he adds, “I thought I’d lost you.”

I open my mouth to respond, to explain that I never meant for this to happen, but before I can utter a word, a doctor enters the room, clipboard in hand.

“Ah, I see you’re awake,” she says, her tone professional but gentle. “How are you feeling, Gwen?”

I look at Roman, who backs away from my bed to catch his breath. I keep my gaze on him for a moment before I clear my throat and address the doctor. “Like I’ve been run over by a truck,” I reply, attempting a lightheartedness I don’t fully feel.

The doctor nods, a slight smile on her lips. “That’s understandable. You sustained a few injuries during the abduction, but nothing too severe. A couple of bruised ribs and a mild concussion. You’ll be sore for a few days but should recuperate just fine.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, relief flooding through me. “And the baby?” I ask, my heart racing.

I don’t have to look in Roman’s direction; I just immediately feel his body freeze in place behind me. I can only imagine the look on his face.

The doctor’s smile widens. “The baby is doing just as well. Heartbeat is strong, and there’s no sign of distress.”

“Baby?” Roman echoes. I turn to face him and notice the look in his widened eyes, which indicates that the realization is hitting him like a bolt of lightning. I can see the surprise wash over his features, quickly followed by sheer elation.

“Yes,” I say, my voice softening. I go on when he meets my eyes. “That’s the reason why I snuck out of the house. I needed to get a test.”

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