Page 46 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

"Don't let it go to your head," Pippa retorted, but her smile was warm. "So? What do you say? Trust me to take care of you for a change?"

The idea was tempting. More than tempting. I found myself nodding before I'd fully processed the decision. "Alright, Sweetheart. Lead the way."

Chapter 17 - Pippa

As we walked to his car, I could feel Abe's eyes on me, practically burning with questions. On reaching closer, I turned toward him. “Um, I was thinking I could drive today if that’s okay?”

Surprise flashed across his face. "Sure, if you want. Where are we headed?"

I bit my lip, avoiding his curious stare. "You'll see."

I slid behind the wheel, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. The drive was quiet, peaceful. I could see Abe glancing at me from the corner of my eye, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Everything okay, Pippa?" he finally asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. My heart was racing, anxiety clawing at my chest. This was it. I was about to share a piece of myself I'd kept hidden for so long.

But what if he saw me differently? What if this changed everything between us? The thought made my stomach churn.

I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. No. Abe wasn't like that. He may be arrogant and blunt, but he'd shown me a softer side too. One that made me want to let down my walls, just a little for him.

As we neared our destination, I felt Abe tense beside me. "Pippa," he said slowly, realization dawning. "Are we going where I think we're going?"

I swallowed hard, turning onto the familiar winding road. "Yes," I whispered. "We’re heading to the graveyard.”

***

As I pulled into the graveyard's quiet parking lot, my hands trembled on the steering wheel. I cut the engine, but I couldn't bring myself to move. This moment pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Abe's large hand covered mine, his touch unexpectedly gentle. "Take your time," he murmured softly.

I nodded, grateful for his patience. He had no idea why I brought him here, and yet, he doesn’t need to know. In this moment, the space he’s giving me is exactly what I need and for that, I realize I’m a lucky girl. After a deep breath, I pushed open the car door and stepped out on shaky legs. Abe was by my side in an instant, his solid presence both comforting and nerve-wracking.

"Actually, this might be a dumb idea. If you want to leave, we can" I said in a moment of weakness, fiddling with the hem of my blouse.

Abe's eyes met mine, surprisingly tender. "I have no idea why we’re here, but trust me, I want to know."

A wave of relief went through my body and I looked up at him with a gingerly smile.

He took my hand and we walked side by side down the narrow path, gravel crunching beneath our feet. The graveyard was eerily beautiful, with ancient trees allowing the moonlight to filter in through their branches. Marble headstones stood in solemn rows, reminding us of how fleeting time and life can be.

At last, we reached our destination. I paused, my eyes fixed on the twin headstones. Standing before my parents’ plot,a lump formed in my throat. Longing, sorrow, and grief came rattling through my soul.

"They would have liked you," I whispered, surprising myself with the admission. "Well, maybe not at first. Dad would've been suspicious of your tattoos."

“Your parents?” Abe whispered.

I nodded, in too much pain to speak.

Abe interlinked his fingers through mine. "And your mom?"

I smiled, remembering her warm laugh. "She would've charmed you in five minutes flat. You wouldn't have stood a chance."

He laughed. “So, you got that from her.”

In that moment, I knew I had made the right decision to bring him there. I knelt down, tracing the engraved letters of their names with my fingertips. "Mom was a force of nature. She could light up a room just by walking in, you know? And Dad… he was the calm to her storm. They balanced each other perfectly."

Abe settled beside me, his shoulder brushing mine. "Tell me more," he encouraged softly.

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