Page 79 of Brutal Bratva King

The days just keep getting better.

My morning sickness has faded,and I am starting to experience weird cravings and some tiredness instead of anything too bad, and Rodion has been amazing in making sure I have anything I need.

At home, things are perfect, he is loving and kind and constantly taking care of me.

At work, the operations between my brothers and his are running smoothly and there have been a number of successful joint missions since the last one. Business is growing and profits are increasing steadily. The attitude between everyone has faded now that our families are tied by two babies instead of one. Raisa and I are getting closer and she is helping me with a lot of advice seeing as she is quite far ahead of me in her pregnancy. It’s awesome that our babies are going to grow up so close in age.

But I have noticed something that is making me worry.

Ruslana.

At every family event we’ve had lately, and even at the announcement of our pregnancy—she has been distant and quiet. She doesn’t take part like she used to, and she is withdrawn into herself. Most of the time, when I look for her at the events, I find her sitting quietly by herself in the living room, away from everyone else. If she is near us, she stays in the corners and doesn’t join in on the conversations.

It all started after she got so horribly drunk at the club that night. I think she is embarrassed. Or upset about how it was handled. She hasn’t been talking to anyone and I want to find a way to get through to her. Everyone makes mistakes—she shouldn’t let it bother her to the point where she pulls away from her own family and the people who love her.

This afternoon, Rodion is out with my brothers for some business lunch, so I have invited Ruslana over to spend some time with me. I want her to know that I’m here for her if she needs someone to talk to. And if she doesn’t want to talk—I just want to be there for her. In whatever way I can.

Ruslana arrives almost an hour late, but I don’t comment on it. She looks withdrawn and the dark shadows under her eyes suggest that she hasn’t been sleeping well lately. Her entire body seems sunken and she looks exhausted.

I pull her straight into a tight hug, holding her for longer than normal.

“Hi, sweetie. How are you?” I ask, taking her hand and leading her straight to the kitchen.

She shrugs and with a soft sigh she says, “I’m ok, just—I don’t know—,“ her voice trails off. “What’s all this?” she asks, gesturing around the kitchen.

“I had the chef make us a massive tray of pastries and cakes. Then I’ve got several different iced teas and I thought we could have our own private little tea party. But fit for thequeenherself.” I grin, trying to lift the mood with my own enthusiasm.

Ruslana smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “That sounds perfect,” she nods.

We each pick up a tray and carry it through to the garden.

It’s a gorgeous day, one of the last I think we will have before the cold weather creeps in. There is a soft wind blowing, but not enough to spoil the summery vibes of our tea party.

Ruslana sits next to me, quietly eating a pink cupcake and staring out at the garden. She’s just been nibbling the food and she hasn’t said much at all.

I bite my lip. I don’t think she is going to open up about what’s on her mind without a push from my side.

“Ruslana, sweetie, what’s going on with you lately?” I ask, hoping she isn’t going to freak out at me.

She pulls her mouth to the side and won’t look at me.

“You can tell me anything you know. Ever since that night at the club, I feel like you’re a million miles away. I just want to bring you back to us. I miss you.”

A tear spills from her eye and rolls down her cheek in silent pain. I quickly get up and wrap my arms around her. For a little while, I just hold her, and she cries quietly.

When she’s calmed down and soaked several tissues I sit down again with my body turned towards her, so she knows she has my full attention.

“Is it to do with that night?” I ask, encouraging her to open up about it.

She nods. “Itstartedthat night. It has to do with that night—and I guess—” she sighs and swallows hard.

“Alright—well, why don’t you tell me what’s going on and maybe I can help?”

“I don’t think anyone can help. And if you tell my brothers about it, I am going to be in even more trouble for being so irresponsible that night.” She sniffs, “I just don’t want them to be angry with me.”

“Ruslana, they were just upset because they love you. They want you safe. Everything they do might seem intense and annoying, but it comes from a place of love.”

She takes a deep breath.

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