Page 36 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

There was a moment of somber silence before Emory perked up. "Speaking of the brothers," she said, a mischievous glint returning to her eye, "what's the deal with you and Abe?"

I nearly choked on my tea. "What? There's no… deal. He's just keeping me safe."

But even as the words left my mouth, I felt a twinge of doubt. Was it really just professional? The way my heart raced when he entered a room, how safe I felt in his presence… No, I couldn't go there. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

"Uh-huh," Adley smirked. "You know, in all the years we've known Abe, he's never brought a woman home before."

"Never?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

"Nope," Emory confirmed. "You must be pretty special, Pippa."

I felt my cheeks burning. "I'm sure it's not like that. He probably just feels responsible for me."

"If you say so, Honey." Adley winked, clearly unconvinced.

I changed the subject, desperate to steer the conversation away from Abe and the confusing emotions he stirred in me. We chatted for a while longer, until eventually, the women left to check in on the kids.

I decided to stay back and wander the garden. The fresh air was a welcome respite after being cooped up inside. I breathed deeply, savoring the scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass.

I settled onto a wrought-iron bench, running my fingers along its intricate scrollwork. The sun warmed my face, and for the first time since arriving at the estate, I felt my shoulders relax. My conversation with Adley and Emory had left me feeling more at ease and less like an outsider.

The sudden crunch of gravel snapped me out of my quiet moment. My heart leaped into my throat as I heard the unmistakable sound of a car pulling up to the estate. I stood up, smoothing down my blouse with trembling hands. Were they back?

I moved toward the driveway, my legs moving fast. The sleek black SUV came to a stop, and I held my breath, waiting.

The driver's door swung open, and there he was. Abe stepped out all alone, his brothers nowhere in sight. My eyes widened as I took in the disheveled sight of him—his usually immaculate suit was rumpled, and there were dark stains of blood splattered across his white shirt.

"Oh my God, Abe!" I cried out, my feet carrying me toward him before I could even think. "Are you okay?"

His blue-gray eyes locked onto mine, and I saw him hesitate. "Pippa," he said, his voice gruff. "What are you doing out here?"

I reached him, my hands hovering uncertainly over his chest, afraid to touch him. "Never mind that. You're hurt! What happened? Who did this to you?”

He tried to step forward and stumbled, clutching his abdomen. Shit, he was putting on a show and injured worse than he’s letting on.

"Pippa, I’ll manage,” Abram growled in frustration. “Go inside.”

"I couldn't just sit around after seeing you like this," I retorted, my worry for him overriding any fear. "Come,” I insisted, putting his hand over my shoulder. “We’re going to head inside and take care of this.”

He nodded, the pain evident in the grimace around his lips as I helped him inside. I had so many questions that needed answers, but for now, all I could focus on was getting Abe patched up.

Adley and Emory appeared in the hallway, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern as they took in Abe's state. Without a word, Adley hurried ahead, ushering us into a well-lit room that seemed to double as a makeshiftmedical bay. I felt a strange sadness watching them because they understood Abe returned without his brothers. Right now, they must be shitting bricks wondering what happened and whether Ivan and Vlad were safe.

“I’ve got this, go,” I told them gently, knowing they needed to make calls, and even if they wished to stay, something in my expression must have told them to trust me. Without a word, they left the room. I sighed with relief that at least Abe was back home.

I turned back to him, my heart crushing beneath all the emotions running through me: Rage at whoever did to him, anger that he didn’t watch out for himself, and guilt for being so damn grateful he’s back safe when his brothers are still out doing god knows what.

Chapter 14 - Abe

The sting of antiseptic bit into my wounds as I watched Pippa pace the medical room, her heels clicking a nervous rhythm on the tile floor in her attempt to collect more supplies. How the hell did I end up here?

I shifted on the chair, wincing as the movement pulled at my bruised ribs. Pippa's gaze snapped to me, worry etched across her pretty features. Even flustered, she was a sight to behold—all lush curves and warm eyes that seemed to see right through my bullshit.

"You should be in your room, not wearing a hole in the floor," I said, trying for a cocky grin. It probably looked more like a grimace.

She crossed her arms, red-painted lips pursing. "And you should have called ahead and called for a doctor since you were hurt instead of trying to sneak in like some kind of wounded alley cat."

I chuckled, then immediately regretted it as pain lanced through my side. "Meow?"

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