Page 35 of Accidentally Knocked Up By the Bratva

I wrap my arms around myself, rocking slightly. It's been so long since I've let anyone close. Suddenly, Abram's face flashes in my mind—his intense gaze, the gentleness of his touch. He's different, isn't he? He feels like the care I always craved.

My phone buzzes, startling me. Speak of the devil. Abram's name flashes on the screen. I hesitate, still reeling from pain, but instinctively know his voice will make me feel better, and so, I answer.

"Zara?" His voice is low, urgent. "I can’t sleep. I wanted to wait, but I can’t anymore. I need to talk to you. There's something I want to ask, and I'm… I'm certain of what I’m asking, honestly. It’s not based on impulse. So please, just hear me out?"

I take a shaky breath, curious beyond belief and yet so calm in my soul. Something tells me that what I’m about to hear could forever change my life. It’s a rare moment, one that comes only a few times in life, and I brace myself for it, stiller than a windless night to take in this moment. "Okay."

"I can't stop thinking about you," he begins, words tumbling out in a rush. "Every moment we're apart feels wrong. I know it's fast, but I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Zara, I want you to move in with me."

My heart pounds. I knew he would ask something life-changing.

And still, is this real?

A small smile comes to my lips.

"I want to wake up to your smile every morning," Abram continues, his voice thick with emotion. "I want to make you coffee and argue over what to watch on Netflix. I want to create a home with you, Zara. What do you say?"

My breath catches in my throat. A swirl of emotions floods through me—joy, fear, hope, uncertainty. Abram's words echo in my mind, a stark contrast to the ghosts of my past that still linger.

"Zara?" Abram's voice is soft, tentative. "Are you still there?"

I close my eyes, picturing his face—the warmth in his eyes, the curve of his smile. A smile meant only for me.

"I'm here," I whisper, my voice trembling.

"If it's too soon, I understand," he says quickly. "I just… I needed you to know how I feel."

In that moment, something shifts inside me. The walls I've built for so long start to crumble. For far too long, I’ve let the trauma my relatives cast my way hold me back from opening up to others who could offer me so much more.

By denying myself what I want out of fear of uncertain future pain, I only let them win. And I’m done losing to my aunt and uncle.

"No," I say, surprising myself with the strength in my voice. "It's not too soon."

"What are you saying?" Abram asks, a note of hope in his tone.

I take a deep breath, feeling lighter than I have in years. "I'm saying yes, Abram. Yes, I'll move in with you."

His joyous laugh fills the line, and I can't help but join in. For the first time in forever, I'm choosing happiness. I'm choosing to trust. I'm choosing Abram.

"You've made me the happiest man alive," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "When can I come get you?"

I giggle, caught up in the moment. "How about tomorrow morning?"

Chapter 13 - Abram

I watch her from across the kitchen, my throat tight with restrained desire. Zara moves with graceful ease, settling into my home as if she's always belonged here. It's been two days since I brought her to live with me, yet each moment feels like exquisite torture, especially since we don’tyetshare a bedroom.

She reaches for a mug in the cabinet, her t-shirt riding up to reveal a sliver of smooth skin. I grip the edge of the counter, willing myself not to cross the room and press her against the cool marble.

"Coffee?" Zara asks, her voice still husky with sleep.

"Please," I manage, drinking in the sight of her bare legs extending from tiny cotton shorts.

She pours two steaming cups, padding over to hand me one. Our fingers brush as I take it from her, sending electricity racing up my arm.

"Sleep well?" I ask, desperate for normalcy as we sit at the breakfast table.

Zara nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "Your guest room is very comfortable. Thank you again for setting it up so nicely for me."

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