Page 50 of Bought By the Bratva

“She’s what?” I heard myself asking. My mind was racing, trying to put everything into perspective.

“She is pregnant, Abram,” Tasha repeated. “I had Mila do a deep dive into anything connected to her. We found a doctor’s report.”

Hugging her, I whispered in her ear. “You find her, Tasha. You must find her. I’ll talk to my brothers tomorrow. You find her for me.”

Stepping back, I noticed the grin on Tasha’s face. “I’ll do so now. Get some rest, you big ogre,” she added, hitting my shoulder.

I went home feeling a ton lighter. Tomorrow, I will go out and bring her home. It might take some time to find her. But if anyone could it was Mila and Tasha.

Chapter 26 - Nadia

It’s been about three weeks since I ran away and went into hiding. I had taken only what belonged to me and no more. Sitting at the small round table, I counted the money I had left. Once I found out I was carrying Abram’s child, I knew I couldn’t stay. I had to start over for my baby.

I didn’t have enough money left for much. But I felt confident that I could make it. Getting up, I straightened out my skirt and left the motel room. I couldn’t be late to the diner. Emma had been so good to me and most of the customers were regulars. The waitressing job would just be temporary until I heard back from the companies I applied to.

Entering the diner, I was greeted with smiles. The morning rush was something I hadn’t seen before. By the time I got to sit down and have something to eat, it was just past twelve already.

“How you copin’?” Emma, the elderly lady working the counter, asked.

“Good, I think,” I replied, trying to catch my breath. My feet ached from running up and down.

“Ya’ll get it,” she added, smiling. “Ya time he’s ben short, but ya gettin betta.”

Nodding, I got up and headed to the back with my sandwich in hand. I sat behind the diner, flexing my legs while I ate lunch. This little town wasn’t far out of the city but offered the peacefulness I needed. I could hear birds chirping away in the distance. Leaning back, I closed my eyes, allowing my body to relax.

“Hun?” I heard Emma saying softly as she opened the back door.

Glancing up at her, I thought I saw a flicker of fear in her eyes. Jumping up, I reached out, taking her shoulders as I spoke. “Are you okay? Is everything okay?” I heard a slight panic in my tone as my heart started racing.

Smiling, she nodded as she replied. “All good, but there three men lookin’ for ya.”

“Three men?” I questioned, swallowing hard. I knew who they were even before she said it.

“Your kin, they said,” Emma added briefly, looking up and down. “Ya wan me to send em away?” she added, whispering.

I was sure no one would find me here. I’ve been lying low. How did they locate me? Looking at her, I shook my head as I stepped closer. “No, it’s fine. They won’t just leave. I’ll see them, thanks, Emma,” I commented as I passed her and headed to the front.

I felt my heart push up in my chest as it beat rapidly. Stepping out of the kitchen, I saw my three cousins waiting in the corner booth. I collected three cups and placed them on a tray with one of the coffee pots before heading their way.

The three men rose as I got to the table. “Hi, there, please don’t get up,” I said, glancing back at Emma. I waited for them to sit back down and poured them some coffee. “What do you want?” I asked, handing them each a cup.

“Nadia,” Vadik said. He reached out gently, taking my hand. “We want you to come back to us.”

Makari and Pavel nodded in agreement. Pulling my hand back, I felt a small lump forming in my throat. I have been tryingso hard to move on. Going with them would be taking a step back. I had to admit to myself that I missed them. But it wasn’t enough.

“You’re not safe being on your own, Nadia,” Vadik added, sounding more demanding.

“I don’t know…, after everything,” I said, swallowing hard.

Pavel shifted closer as he spoke. “We’ve been trying to keep our distance to protect you from the violence. We never intended to pull you into this life.”

“No,” I spat at them sarcastically. “You just used me to infiltrate the enemy.”

“It was never our intention, Nadia,” Makari replied softly. I could hear some regret in his tone. But I wasn’t sure if I could trust them.

“If you’re not having anything, I would like you to leave,” I added, hoping I sounded as determined as I felt.

“Please, Nadia, hear us out. The Chernykhs forced our hands. We would never have asked it from you. We took your punishment even.” Pavel spat. He sounded upset.

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