Page 54 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

“I’ll let you two talk,” the doctor chuckles before politely excusing herself.

He shakes his head in disbelief, mixed emotions on his face. “You could have told me,” he says, his voice steadier now but still filled with concern. He walks back to crouch by my bedside, taking my hands in his. “I would have helped you. I want to be there for you.”

“I know,” I reply, my heart aching with the weight of it all. I try to find the right words but struggle. “I was just so overwhelmed. I thought I could handle it myself.”

Roman’s expression softens, his eyes searching mine. “Gwen, you don’t have to do everything alone. We’re in this together.”

“I know,” I whisper, tears welling in my eyes. Nerves wrack my body, and I take a deep inhale before adding, “I love you, Roman. I’m so sorry for putting you through this.”

Roman tenses up, but it lasts for merely a second before his lips curl into a sweet smile. He brings one of my hands to his lips to kiss the back of it.

“I love you too, Gwen,” he says, leaning forward to plant the next kiss on my forehead, then my lips. His thumb brushes over the back of my hand, grounding me as we share a moment of silence, the chaos of the past few days fading into the background.

“Just promise me you won’t ever do that again,” he murmurs, his voice low and earnest.

“I promise,” I say, my heart swelling with affection.

The doctor returns minutes later. She clears her throat, bringing us back to the present. “Once you’re feeling better, we can discuss follow-up care and any concerns you might have about the pregnancy. For now, it’s important that you rest.”

As she speaks, I can feel Roman’s eyes on me, his gaze unwavering. His expression is filled with pride, and I know he’s processing everything that’s happened. Seeing his elation, I can’t help but feel my worries disappear completely, replaced by intense relaxation.

He’s happy. He’s excited to be a father. He’s excited to start a family with me.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Once the doctor leaves, I look at him, ready to delve deeper into our experience. “So, what happened after I blacked out?”

Roman’s expression shifts from worry to seriousness. “I’m just glad you’re okay. After I found you, I took out the guy who had you, but I didn’t realize how close it was until you werealready unconscious. I swear, Gwen, I won’t let anything happen to you again.”

“I believe you,” I reply, my heart swelling at the fierce protectiveness in his tone. “And I’m glad you’re okay too. I can’t imagine what it was like for you to find me like that. I’m sorry again, Roman. Really… I can’t say it enough.”

He looks away for a moment, his jaw tightening. “It’s okay, Gwen. It was hell,” he admits quietly. “But you’re safe now, and that’s all that matters.”

“I’m so grateful to have you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

“And I’m grateful to have you,” he replies, his expression earnest. “You’re going to be an amazing mother, Gwen. I can’t wait to start this journey with you.”

As we share a smile, the weight of our love fills the room, and I know that no matter the challenges ahead, we’ll face them together.

Chapter 22 - Roman

The adrenaline still buzzes through my veins as I survey the club from the shadows of the alley, my brothers flanking me.

Tonight is not just any night; it’s a declaration. We’re ready to show the Vultures that the Milovs are not to be messed with.

The club is one of their most popular businesses, a sleek and upscale venue they’ve made their headquarters. As we enter, the club is bustling with life, laughter, and ignorance of the storm brewing outside.

“Ready?” Luka asks, his voice low, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“Always,” I reply, my heart racing as we step out of the shadows, the ambient music spilling into the alley as a prelude to the chaos about to unfold.

We stride toward the entrance swiftly but carefully. We push through the door, and the scene inside is overwhelming. The club is lavishly decorated, with golden lights shimmering off the polished bar and patrons laughing, oblivious to the impending fight soon to break out. I can already spot a few of the Vultures at a high-roller table, their smirks plastered across their faces, unaware that tonight will end in panic.

“Roman!” one of them calls out, their arrogance apparent. “What brings you here? You should be at home with your—”

The last word dies in their throats as my brothers and I make our way through the crowd. Their eyes widen as they see the expressions on our faces. The shift is instant, and I can feelthe energy change as the realization hits them: we’ve come to reclaim our territory.

I signal to Luka, and within moments, the air is thick with tension. “Let’s make this quick,” I say, my voice steady as I reach for the weapon hidden beneath my jacket.

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