Page 56 of Impregnated By the Bratva

“Grace,” he said, opening the small box and extending it to me. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I had no words. My tears flowed freely as I nodded my head wildly. Makari jumped up, almost knocking me over in excitement. He pulled the ring out of the box and placed it on my finger.

“Makari,” I managed to get out after taking a deep breath. “It is stunning.”

He pulled me into his arms, lifted me, and turned in a circle. He lowered me back to my feet as he stopped turning. Looking into his eyes, I could feel the love for him swelling inside me.

Makari picked me up and carried me back to the house. He brought me up the stairs to his bedroom. Next to the bed was a tray with alcohol-free champagne, some strawberries, and a big bottle of cream. “This is nice,” I said, walking closer.

We had a glass of champagne and ate some strawberries with cream before getting into bed. “I’ll be right back,” Makari said, heading to the door.

Laying in bed, I studied the ring on my finger. It all felt surreal. I had to look at it and touch it to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. I was overjoyed and scared at the same time. I have come to understand their world and the dangers it holds. Yet, I couldn’t imagine life without Makari.

We would survive, of that, I felt sure. Our love would soar and conquer all. I couldn’t wait to become his wife. Rubbing my stomach, I felt a calmness I hadn’t felt before. He returned and joined me in bed. Laying on my side, he held me tight.

Chapter 27 - Makari

Placing the fruit juice in the fridge, I wondered if the meeting would have any effect. The situation was almost out of hand. Something had to be done. It’s been months, and still, well, no, maybe even more so now, the Chernykhs wanted nothing to do with the alliance.

Even though we have taken care of the problem temporarily by taking out Aslanof’s team in our area, it was far from over. Going forward is going to be an uphill battle. Turning, I rubbed my chin, realizing it was more of a mountain to scale.

Heading out, I stopped in the doorway, studying my family on the veranda. Pavel stood on the edge, looking out over the pool and into the approaching darkness. I swallowed the lump threatening to push up into my throat.

He would now have to work twice as hard as Vadik, or I ever had to. Proving our loyalty to the Chernykhs wasn’t going to be easy. Even though we are loyal to them, we are allied to the Dubows through Vadik’s marriage.

And the Dubows were allied with the Morozovs. The more I stood thinking, the worse it appeared to be as the Morozovs were negotiating an alliance with the Aslanofs. This was one big shit-ball that seemed to keep growing. I wasn’t sure how we would ever see the dawn of day again.

But for now, everyone appeared to be having a good time. They were happy, and for that, I was grateful. Grace was chatting with Nadia and Tasha at the tables. Anton and Vadik appeared to be having a deep conversation over by the grill.

I saw Pavel standing to the side, staring into nothingness. I walked over and stopped beside him. “Are you going to be okay?” I asked

As he looked at me, I could see the joy in his eyes, his smile, and his entire being. This wasn’t normal for him, and I felt angst crawling into my mind.

“You need to place your care where it now belongs,” he huffed. Turning, he looked at Grace as he continued. “Grace and the baby are your only concern now. Relax, will you? I’ve got this.”

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I squeezed softly. “I still care and worry about you,” I said.

Pavel smiled broadly at me as he replied. “Stop!”

Before I could say another word, he walked off and joined the women at the table. I watched as they listened intently to what he was saying. All of a sudden, they burst out laughing. I wondered what he had said. But knowing Pavel, it was something silly.

Shaking my head, I walked over to Anton and Vadik. Anton turned to me, grinning. “I would never have taken you for father material,” he said. “But don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you.”

I lightly punched his shoulder as I replied. “We’ll. It wasn’t planned, but it seemed to be in the cards.”

Glancing back at the women, I smiled as I teased them. “Watch out. The other two appear to be developing baby fever.”

For a moment, they turned, looking at the three women and Pavel. “It’s fine by me,” Anton replied.

Vadik nodded, turning the meat again. “How’s Pavel?” he asked.

Letting out a deep breath, I looked at Pavel as I spoke. “He says he’ll be fine, but I am worried.”

“Noted,” Vadik added. “The meat’s done.”

I took the bowl and called the others as I went inside. We dished up and went back outside. The breeze was welcoming, and the company was good.

The night went by in a flash, and before we knew it, we had eaten, and it was time for everyone to head home.

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