Page 34 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Maybe it would be best if I allowed her to identify the suspects and get her freed from her obligation to the Chernykhs. I was still pondering these when I suddenly heard her voice come over the line. “Makari?”

“Grace,” I huffed, sitting up in my chair. “How are you doing?”

There were a few minutes of silence, but I could hear her breathing on the other side. “I’m okay,” she finally replied. “How are you?”

“Good, thanks,” I responded instantly. I didn’t want her to wonder about things. I longed to have her back with me. I wanted to hold her, absorbing her sweet essence. My mind lingered there for a moment. Lifting my free hand, I rubbed my chest. My heart was heavy.

“Makari?” I heard her asking softly.

“Yes, sorry, I’m here,” I replied, sitting up.

She replied in the same soft tone. “Is something wrong? Can I help with anything?”

If she only knew how much hearing her voice did for me. “Thank you for the offer. You are so kind,” I replied, wanting to tell her how much I missed having her close. But instead, I declined. “I don’t think there is anything you can do at the moment.” As the words left my mouth, I wanted to pull them back.

I could hear some disappointment in her tone as she spoke. “Okay then.” She sounded sad. I wish I hadn’t said anything.

“There are many things I do need you for,” I added hastily. Before she could reply, I continued. “I meant to say that there are a lot of things that you need to do, which you can assist with, but just not right now.”

Sighing, I pulled the phone away from me as I rubbed my face. Everything came out wrong. I heard her laughing on the other side. This cheered me up a bit. “Sorry,” I added. “I’m tired, and now my words are all over the place.”

“No need for apologies. I understand what you mean,” she breathed out.

My heart warmed as she spoke. I knew she had a big shock and may require some time to adjust. I was just glad she sounded better. “Thank you for understanding. I have to go now, but I will see you soon, okay?” I asked.

“Yes, I hope so,” she responded, sounding positive.

Rubbing my head, I spoke calmly. “I promise, I will see you soon. Don’t worry.”

There was a pause as silence filled the line and my office. Our conversation was over, but it appeared neither of us was ready to hang up.

“Grace,” I finally whispered.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Sleep tight,” I said and hung up. I sat with the phone in my lap, wondering if her fear of me was leaving. Would she ever be able to look at me in the same way?

Chapter 18 - Grace

Never had I imagined missing a man like Makari. Vadik, Tasha, and Nadia were fabulous. They were kind and caring people. Even though Nadia only popped in once or twice, visiting with her was great. But I couldn’t shake this longing I felt. I wanted to see Makari.

Heading down to breakfast, I wondered what he was doing today. As I entered the dining room, I saw Tasha sitting at a small table by the window, sipping coffee.

“Good morning, Tasha,” I said as I came to stand by her side. “May I sit down?”

Good morning, Grace,” she replied, grinning. “Sure thing, have a seat. Tell me, did you sleep okay?”

“Very well, thank you,” I answered as a maid came out of a side door. She placed a plate down before me and a cup of fresh coffee. “Thank you,” I said, nodding as she turned and left.

Tasha sat staring at her. Once she disappeared, Tasha looked at me as she spoke. “What’s the matter, dear? You look concerned this morning.”

Grinning, I shook my head as I replied. “It’s fine. Life is complicated, and sometimes I’m not sure what to do.”

“Do with what?” Tasha questioned. I could hear a hint of concern coming through.

“Agh, it’s nothing, it’s childish. It’s not serious,” I responded quickly before sipping at my coffee.

Tasha eyed me, raising her brows. “Come on, Grace,” she prompted. “Speak to me. We’re here for you.”

---