Page 39 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Squeezing her hand, I leaned closer as I spoke. “I’m sure our legs would get tired.”

Grace laughed as she softly tapped my shoulder. “They sure would. But then we could sit down or even lay down here. It is so peaceful. I am enchanted. It feels like I have left the world and stepped into a fairytale.

I noticed another path leading even further into the trees. “Let’s explore then,” I said, kissing her hand.

Grace nodded, and we headed down the next path. We walked in silence, absorbing the peace of our surroundings.

Coming to an opening between some trees, I noticed the swing bench in the center. The moonlight coming through the trees seemed to bounce around on the bench as if playing with it. Turning to Grace, I took both her hands in mine as I spoke. “Would you like to sit?”

She glanced around me at the bench before speaking. “Yes, that would be nice. It sure is pretty here.”

Turning, I pulled her with me to the bench. I held it in place as she sat down. Sitting next to her, I slowly started swinging. “Tell me more about your childhood,” Grace asked tenderly.

Taking a deep breath, I leaned back. Looking up at the stars above us, I spoke softly. “Well, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses, that’s for sure. It was hard as we started working at a young age.”

“I’m sorry,” Grace whispered. “May I ask why?”

“Our father caused the mess we find ourselves in,” I breathed out heavily.

Grace took my hand as she spoke. “Your father?” I could hear the curiosity in her tone.

Glancing at her, I smiled tenderly before explaining. “Yes, long ago, our father used to work for the Chernykhs. Then, one day, he decided to steal millions from them and run away. This is how our service started.”

Grace turned to me as she continued to question me. “Why didn’t you leave, and what do you mean your service started? What does his debt have to do with you?”

Turning to her, I looked her in the eyes as I responded. “We lived in their compound, grew up there, you could say. After he left, they wanted the money from our mother. He left her and us holding his debt. So, to keep her safe, we agreed to work for them until the debt is paid.”

“That’s just horrible,” Grace said, lifting my hands and kissing my fingers.

This was a strange gesture from a woman, but it felt good. “Yeah, I know, and it sucks,” I replied.

“How long do you still have to work for them?” she inquired.

Shaking my head, I swallowed the knot threatening to form in my throat. Turning back, I looked up at the stars again before responding. “Most of it has been paid. Yet, Vadik marrying Tasha complicated it. It placed him into the Dubow family, who are ancestral enemies of the Chernykhs. This has now caused complications for us.”

“Complications?” Grace asked. She moved closer and leaned her head on my shoulder. The air around me filled with her sweet, tantalizing scent, causing my brain to malfunction for a second.

“Yes,” I finally whispered. “You see, now Pavel and I have to work twice as hard to keep the peace. We tried getting the Dubows and the Chernykhs to become allies. The Dubows have no issue, but the Cherbykhs…”

Taking a deep, slow breath, I continued. “The Dubows are ready to ally with set rules, but the Chernykhs don’t trust them. We are in the middle of this now.”

Grace shook her head. “I’m sorry for the mess,” she whispered.

“Oh, no,” I said, placing my arm around her. “This isn’t your fault. In fact, I’m sorry for pulling you into the mess I call my life.”

Grace turned her head, looking up at me, and I had to fight the urge to kiss her. Pulling my arm out, I got up as I spoke. “Come on, let me take you home; it’s getting late.”

Grace took my hand as we returned to the restaurant and my truck. We didn’t speak, but holding her hand was comforting. I opened her door and assisted her in. Getting in on the driver’s side, I glanced at her. I wish I could take her home so she could make me forget.

I started the truck and pulled out. For a while, we drove in silence. I was afraid to open my mouth, as I might ask her to come home with me. We were about halfway to Vadik and Tasha’s house when Grace cleared her throat. “Makari,” she said softly.

“Yes, Grace,” I replied, glancing at her.

“Take me back to your house. I don’t want to go back to your brother’s house,” she added.

“You don’t?” I asked, confused. She was staring out the window, and I couldn’t see her expression. “Are you sure?” I added.

I could hear an urgency in her tone as she spoke again. “Yes, I want to go with you. They are great, but please, I want to go to your house.”

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