Page 40 of Hunted By the Bratva
There was concern in his voice, and he was acting so sweet. But something in me had changed. The man I witnessed earlier that afternoon was not the same man. My feelings were jumbled, and I couldn’t think straight. I just wanted to be alone.
I had to think of myself and the new life growing inside of me. I couldn’t even consider taking this any further with Iosif. I had to make a clean break.
“I’m fine, thanks,” I mumbled. “I’m just tired. I want to rest now.”
“Okay,” he replied. “Let me know if there is anything I can do.”
He retreated as I nodded at him. I waited for the door to close before allowing my tears to flow. My eyes burned. My heart felt like it was shattering.
I didn’t know who to turn to. I’ve bonded so nicely with his sister, Zhenya. Yet, none of the sisters knew that I was, in fact, an Aslanov. Only his brothers knew the truth. I wasn’t sure how loyal they were to him, but if they were like mine, they would die for him.
I couldn’t take any chances. I rolled around for a while before sleep finally came.
Chapter 21 - Iosif
It’s been three days now since Clara got sick. I’ve been trying my best to care for her and help her get better. But nothing seemed to help. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong and refused to see a doctor.
Early mornings and evenings were the worst. During the day, she seemed better, and then it would start all over. She felt nauseated just by looking at food and craved the strangest things. She also slept more as if she were permanently tired.
At times, she appeared slightly colorless, but other than that, she said she was feeling fine. I wanted her to get better. I had so many plans, trips I wanted to take her on. I wanted to show her the world as she made mine better just by being in it.
More than that, I wanted to kindle and grow what had started between us. It was a plus point that we would also be avoiding her brother. I dreamed of fulfilling her dreams of traveling carefree.
When I entered her room this morning, I was delightfully surprised to find her sitting on the side of the bed. There was color in her cheeks, and a smile decorated her lips. It looked like she was blossoming, glowing even.
“Good morning, Clara,” I said, walking closer.
Morning, Iosif,” she replied.
Stopping before her, I spoke in a soft tone. “How are you feeling? I must say you are looking better.”
“I do feel better this morning,” Clara said.
Grinning, I held out my hand. “How about breakfast then?” I asked.
She took my hand and allowed me to assist her up. “Breakfast sounds nice,” she said.
“Well then,” I replied. “Anything you want? Maybe something special?”
She walked around me and headed to the bathroom. “Anything,” she said, glancing back at me and smiling.
Feeling calmer, I headed downstairs. Things were going well. We were getting back on track, and soon, I would be able to take her on a world trip. Grinning, I opened the fridge. “Fruit salad with cream, waffles with ice cream and berries,” I said, looking at the chef. Top it off with some whipped cream, please.”
He nodded as I moved to the cupboard. I retrieved a packet of chocolate flakes and placed them on the table. “Some fruit juice, tea, coffee, and a sprinkle of chocolate on the waffles,” I added.
He smiled broadly as he spoke. “Yes, sir.”
With breakfast in the making, I headed outside. I picked some flowers and placed them in a vase on the table in the breakfast room. I walked towards the stairs to check up on Clara when she came down.
She looked so happy, more settled than before, and I was glad. I walked to the bottom of the stairs and held out my hand to her. “You look lovely,” I said as she came closer. The white dress she wore had tiny flowers on it. She looked perfect for a mid-morning stroll.
I scanned her as she descended the stairs. The dress stopped just above her knees in a flair. The heels she wore made her calves pop, even though they were very high. She shone like the sun. I felt my heart warm seeing her like this. I felt my smile stretching from ear to ear.
“Thank you,” Clara replied. She smiled at me and then lowered her gaze as her cheeks lit up.
I took her hand and placed it on my arm as I led her to the sunroom. The table was already set as we entered. “Oh, my, wow,” Clara exclaimed. “This looks lovely, but I’m sure it’s way too much. It is a nice surprise, though, thank you.”
Pulling out her chair, I waited for her to sit before leaning down and kissing her cheek. “Nothing is ever too much for you. And you don’t have to eat everything, only what you are able to,” I whispered.
