Page 84 of Innocent Bratva Hostage

“Not listening!” Anatoly declares, covering his ears with his small hands.

***

Later, as we’re gathering our things to leave, one of my friends from university comes jogging over, waving enthusiastically. “Hannah! Are you guys coming to the after-party?”

I glance at Makar, who raises an eyebrow in silent question.

“It’s just at Marcie’s place,” my friend continues, grinning as her gaze flicks to Makar. “Youhaveto come. Everyone wants to meet your husband.”

I hesitate, glancing at Anatoly, who’s now happily showing off his juice box to Vera. “I don’t know….”

“I’ll stay with him,” Vera says kindly, but before I can respond, Andrei steps forward, smirking.

“I’ll handle him,” Andrei says, ruffling Anatoly’s hair and earning a dramatic “Hey!” in protest. “We’ll have a great time. Won’t we, little man?”

Anatoly beams up at him. “Can we play cars?”

“Of course,” Andrei replies, his tone mock-serious. “I’ll even let you win.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You spoil him.”

“That’s my job,” Andrei quips.

Makar glances at me, his expression relaxed but expectant. “Let’s go,” he says. “It’s your day.”

When we arrive, Marcie’s house is a cozy, bustling scene, the party spilling out onto the patio and yard. Music plays softly in the background, and the laughter of my friends fills the air as Makar and I step inside.

Almost immediately, we’re greeted with cheers and congratulations, a whirlwind of hugs and excited chatter.

“Is this him?” someone asks, their gaze darting between me and Makar.

“Yes,” I say, smiling as I slip my hand into his. “This is Makar.”

He nods politely, his usual composed demeanor firmly in place, but I notice the way people seem drawn to him. He answers questions with ease, his charm subtle but effective. No one here knows what he does for a living, and for now, that’s exactly how I want it to stay.

“You’ve got a keeper,” one of my friends whispers to me as Makar steps away to fetch me a drink. “He’s hot and so nice. Does he have a brother?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Not one you’d want to date.”

She laughs and wanders off, leaving me blissfully alone with Makar.

“Dance with me?” I ask, turning to him.

His eyebrow arches, but he doesn’t hesitate. “You’re sure you’re up for it?”

I nod, taking his hand. “I’m pregnant, not fragile.”

A faint smirk plays on his lips as he lets me lead him onto the floor.

The music is upbeat, and while my movements are slower than usual, the joy of the moment is infectious. Makar moves with surprising ease, his hands resting lightly on my waist as we find a rhythm together.

“You’re not bad at this,” I tease, grinning up at him.

“I’m full of surprises,” he replies, his smirk deepening.

I laugh, leaning into him as the song shifts into something slower. His arms tighten around me, and for a moment, it feels like we’re the only two people in the room.

As the party winds down, we step outside into the cool night air. The stars are bright above us, the city lights twinkling in the distance.

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