Page 30 of Bratva Baby

This used to be my home, a place that should’ve felt safe. Instead, I recall countless times standing in this very spot, bracing myself for my father’s wrath. The portraits of my ancestors glare down from the walls, as if they too disapprove of my every choice.

Cecily appears at the far end of the foyer, and her face lights up when she spots me. She hurries over, arms open, and wraps me in a fierce hug. I close my eyes and let her familiar warmth seep into my bones for a moment.

“You came! I was counting the days.”

I manage a slight laugh, although nerves still gnaw at me. “Wouldn’t miss a chance to see you. How’ve you been?”

She loops her arm around mine and steers me toward the drawing room. “I’m alright, though it’s been dull without you. Father’s in one of his moods. You know how he gets.”

I nod, heart racing. “I figured.”

She stops just short of the drawing room doors, turning to give me an appraising look. “You look different, though I can’t put my finger on it. Happier, maybe?”

My cheeks warm, and I glance away. “Don’t be silly. I’m just… adjusting to the new life.”

Cecily’s eyes sparkle. “New life, meaning marriage to the big, scary man you swore you’d never tolerate? That new life?”

“Don’t start,” I warn, though her teasing tone tugs a reluctant smile from me. “He’s not that big or scary.” I pause. “Well, maybe a little. But he’s not a monster.”

She gasps softly, pressing a hand to her heart in mock shock. “You’re defending him. That’s new. Are you—”

I cut her off with a scowl. “I’m not defending him. I’m just stating facts.” My voice falters, and I can practically feel the heat in my face. “He can be decent… sometimes. That doesn’t mean I like the man or anything.”

She giggles and leans closer as though sharing a secret. “Maybe you don’tlikehim, but you sure don’t hate him either.”

I roll my eyes, but my blush deepens. “Cecily, drop it. This is the last thing I need to discuss right now.”

She nods, though her smirk remains. “Fine, I’ll let it go. For now. But I’m glad you’re not miserable.”

I exhale as I thread my fingers together. “Thanks.” My gaze drifts to the closed doors ahead. “Is he in there?”

Cecily’s features tense. “He’s waiting for you, yes. Be careful, okay?” She reaches up and brushes a stray curl from my forehead. “If he gets too nasty, call for me. I’ll barge in and rescue you.”

I give her a faint smile. “I can handle him,” I insist, though my heart pounds. “Go on, do something fun while I get this over with.”

She sighs, then steps back and motions for me to enter. I draw in a slow breath, pushing the door open. My father’s office is just as I remember—heavy drapes, thick carpeting, and a saturating sense of oppressive tension. He sits behind his massive desk, flipping through papers. He doesn’t look up.

“You’re late.” His tone is clipped, devoid of warmth. Not that I expected any.

I move toward the desk. “I got held up. If you have a problem with my timing, take it up with the traffic.”

He lifts a brow at my insolence. “Bold, aren’t we? Marriage giving you false confidence?” He stands and circles the desk. “Or maybe Grigor’s letting you play princess in his grand estate?”

I bite down on my tongue. I won’t let him see how his jabs affect me. “I’m here because you asked for information. Though there’s not much to share.”

His eyes narrow, and I notice the faint lines around his mouth, deeper than before. “You’ve been living under his roof for weeks. Surely, you’ve seen or heard something that can help me. Don’t play dumb.”

“He doesn’t share details of his dealings. He keeps things compartmentalized. I can’t just pry open his secrets.”

He snorts. “If you can’t manage to charm a man who clearly wants you in his bed, then what use are you?” He steps closer, dropping his voice to a menacing hush. “Or have you decided you enjoy his touch too much to risk betraying him?”

The question stings more than it should. I swallow as I’m forced to face the possibility that my father can see how my feelings have shifted, even if only slightly. But I’m not about to admit as much. “I told you, I have nothing. That’s not because I’m picking sides.”

He chuckles, a mocking sound that makes my spine stiffen. “Picking sides. As if you have that luxury. You’re mine, Seraphina. You’ll do as I say unless you want Cecily subjected toa similar arrangement. Maybe I’ll marry her off to someone even more ruthless than Grigor.”

Rage flashes through me, and I clench my fists. “Don’t you dare drag Cecily into this. She’s innocent.”

He shrugs. “She’s also valuable. If you don’t get me what I need, I’ll have no reason to keep her shielded. And you’ll be to blame.”

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