Page 70 of Cruel Russian Pakhan
She laughed. “I’ve never even talked to the guy, not really. Just…admired him from afar. And unless he has something Artyom wants, or asks for my hand and offers a deal, it’s not going to happen.”
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, genuinely meaning it. This was the twenty-first century; women should be able to marry for love, not obligation.
Katya, did you marry for love?
“It’s okay,” Vera said gently. “But I’m glad you found someone who loves you.”
I arched a brow. “Lev? That man practically sprinted out of the room when he found out I was pregnant.”
Vera rolled her eyes. “Men like Lev don’t love like they do in romance novels. He’s not all cuddles and heart-eyes. But back at the house? He wasn’t paying attention to anything I said. His eyes were glued to you. And when Artyom tried to marry you off? He lost his damn mind. Or have you already forgotten?”
I shuddered. I didn’t think I'd ever forget the day Lev placed a gun to my head.
“In the hallway, when he found us sneaking in,” Kira added, “he practically blew a gasket warning us.”
I blinked. “Wait, what do you mean?”
Kira sat up straighter. “After he told us about your mom not knowing Dad was married, leaving, putting you in an orphanage—he said something that stuck with us.”
She cleared her throat and lowered her voice in an exaggerated attempt to mimic Lev. “And now that I can give her everything she needs—security, love, a future—I’ll be damned if I let anyone take her back to a place where she felt unloved and unwanted.”
My mouth dropped open. Kira laughed. “Yep. That was our exact reaction, too.”
“He loves you, Katya,” Vera said gently. “Even if he doesn’t know it yet. Finding out you’re pregnant probably scared the hell out of him. Give him time.”
I sighed. “That’s what his sisters said.”
“Smart women.”
“I just feel like everything is always about him. Like no one is thinking about how I feel.”
Vera nodded. “It might seem that way now, but when that lightbulb clicks in Lev’s brain, when he realizes he loves you, trust me, everything will change. He’ll make sure you are the center of his world.” She wiggled her eyebrows playfully, and I laughed.
“I’m so glad you both came.”
“Us too,” Kira grinned. “I’m going to be an auntie!” she squealed.
Vera wrinkled her nose. “Are you ready to not be the center of attention anymore? You won’t be the baby of the group now.”
Kira rolled her eyes. “Please. I will always be the baby, thank you very much. But Katya’s baby? Firstborn of both families? That kid’s gonna have serious rank.”
“Hey, no baby of mine is pulling rank before they even get here,” I teased. “Let me meet them first and spoil them a little.”
Kira giggled. “That child is going to be spoiled rotten.”
Vera laughed. “Something you'll have in common,” she teased Kira before turning to me. “Don’t be surprised if baby gifts start showing up at your house.”
I laughed along with them.
Vera’s expression softened. “But are you excited? About becoming a mom?”
“At first, I was terrified…and I still am. But after hearing about my mother, and how little support she had, I feel a lot better knowing I have yours.”
“Of course you do,” Kira said firmly. “Don’t ever doubt that.”
We spent the next thirty minutes talking about weird cravings, possible baby names, and how often they planned to babysit so Lev and I could keep our relationship and sex life strong. Their laughter, their presence, it was exactly what I needed.
Eventually, Vera checked her watch. “We’ve got to go. If we don’t leave now, Yegor will have a full search party out looking for us.”
