Page 21 of Brutal Bratva King

“I think my baby is perfect.”

“It is perfect, Raisa. We are both really happy for you,” Rodion says, leaning against the counter and sipping his coffee.

I pick up mine, sipping it too, my eyes are locked onto him. I can’t seem to look away.

I still can’t figure out who this man is and why I never saw this side of him. It’s like he has flipped a coin. His phone rings in his pocket and he pulls it out.

“Excuse me, I have to take this,” he sighs, walking out of the kitchen to answer a business call.

When he is gone, I turn to Raisa.

“You two are so close. He seems to adore you.”

“Oh, he does. He’s the softest, kindest person on the planet, but only when my other brothers aren’t around. I don’tknow why he always feels he has to be strong and controlled around them. I think it’s because he is the one who took care of us all growing up—after my parents died. He took on a lot of responsibility with all of us. So I guess, he struggles to step down from that role. But with me, he knows he can just be himself.”

“Himself?” I say, more to myself than to Raisa.

“Yup. This is the real him. Not that rigid, controlling asshat he is around everyone else.” She laughs, waving her hand in the air. “Come, let’s go sit outside in the sun. I need to warm up a little. It’s a gorgeous day outside and I want to make the most of it before winter creeps in and the snow comes.”

I pick up my coffee and follow her out into the garden.

We sit down in the garden chairs and stretch our legs out in front of us. The sun feels good on my skin. Raisa is right. In a few short months, it’s going to start getting really cold again.

“So, have you guys decided on names yet?” I ask, watching her rub her hand protectively over her belly. She is hardly showing at all, but she smiles whenever she rests her hand on her stomach.

“We have a list of boys' names and a list of girls' names. In all honesty, we aren’t in agreement over it and he’s trying to bribe me with gifts and holidays to get his way. But come on—I really can’t name my child Lyubava. It’s so old-fashioned,” she sighs, rolling her eyes.

“That was my great-great-grandfather’s name. It’s not just old-fashioned, it'sancient.Don’t give in. That poor child would be teased all his life.”

“I want to call him Arista if it’s a boy. It’s a nice strong name.”

“And if it’s a girl?”

Rodion steps out onto the patio and my heart skips a beat.

He leans over me and kisses my cheek, an absentminded gesture that I think catches us both by surprise. He stands up quickly again. “I have to go. It was good to see you, Raisa, I’ll make plans for dinner soon. And, uh, Anya—I’ll see you at home later.”

He turns and hurries away, looking slightly embarrassed about kissing me goodbye so sweetly.

Raisa giggles. “Mm. I think everything is going to be fine between you two.”

Chapter 7 - Rodion

It was a surprise to see Anya at my sister’s house today and, for some reason, I got a good feeling about it. I did my best to act as normal as possible, although I was wondering what they were discussing before I arrived. I did feel a bit of tension from Anya, but Raisa was her usual bubbly self.

I didn’t actually want to leave, but I had business to attend to.

Arriving home, I don’t expect much. I don’t expect Anya to be waiting for me or for her to be welcoming or friendly, so when I walk into the dining room and the table is set and I can smell the rich aroma of creamy mushroom tagliatelle,I really am taken by surprise.

“What is all this?” I walk into the dining room, and Anya is busy putting knives and forks on the table.“It’s called dinner. People—well,civilizedpeople, eat dinner at a table.”

I roll my eyes. “Funny. Did you order a pre-made dish and shove it in the oven to make it look like you made it? Are you trying to impress me or something?” I taunt her, knowing it will get under her skin.

“Oh, you think I made dinner for you as well? No, sweetheart, I made dinner for myself.”

I chuckle. She’s cheeky.

She shakes her head, but I notice the slightest, ever so faint smile on her lips. She turns her head away from me to hide it, though, so maybe I’m just imagining it.

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