Page 55 of The Bratva's Hunted Bride
“Sorry, I didn’t hear,” I mutter.
“This weekend I have to drive out of the city. I asked if you wanted to come with me. Just to get out of the house a bit.”
My smile warms. He’s trying. It means a lot that he’s trying. It’s the gesture, a kindness. A way to let me know he’s not too angry with me.
“Yes, I’d like that,” I nod.
I push my plate aside. “Thank you for dinner. I’m going to bed now,” I say, standing up.
Marlen’s eyes narrow. “It’s still early,” he says.
“I know, but I’m tired.”
I hurry from the dining room when he doesn’t say anything else. It’s a relief to be away from his accusing stare. I really broke his heart. I feel terrible about it. I hope that one day he will forgive me. And I hope one day he can love my child too. He hasn’t even mentioned the pregnancy. I guess he needs time to process and accept it.
In my room, I close the door and breathe a sigh of relief to be alone. At least when I’m alone, I don’t have to pretend I’m ok.
With a heavy sigh, I walk to my nightstand and flick the bedside light on.
My heart leaps into my throat, and I almost scream.
Timofey is sitting in the chair in the dark corner of my room.
I press my hand over my mouth, stifling any sound that might come out and alert my brothers.
“Timofey,” I whisper in disbelief.
“Hello, darling,” he says, his voice low, a deep, smooth rumble that sets goosebumps over my skin. My heart wants to rush toward him, to run into his arms. But my feet are frozen in place.
If my brothers catch him in here, theywill kill him.
Panic surges, replacing my disbelief, swarming my body with anxiety.
“How did you get in here?” I whisper angrily. Angry that he would risk his life like this.
“I’ve snuck past enough security systems in my life, Talia. It’s easier than one might think. And I wanted to see you.”
“Why?” I snap. My eyes are darting between him and the closed bedroom door. My ears are straining, listening for footsteps, waiting for my brothers to burst into the room with guns raised.
Timofey stands up and walks toward me. My heart beats faster, my body going wild with the desire to be in his arms.
I fight against it, determined to get him out of here before something terrible happens.
Timofey stands in front of me, looking down, his grey eyes piercing into me. “Did you miss me, darling?” his voice purrs, edged with danger and anger and resentment.
I hate that I have to chase him away again. I hate that I still have to make him believe I don’t want him here. And I hate even more than he has every right to hate me.
I push hard against his chest. “You have to leave. You should never have come.” My voice breaks, tears burning behind my eyes. “You need to go, now.”
Timofey’s face flickers with anger, but then his brows knot. “You’re scared,” he mutters. His gaze narrows on me.
I bite my lower lip and glance at the door again. “Please, go,” I beg him.
“You’re not scared of me, though.” He steps even closer, his broad chest pressed against me, the warmth from his body soaking into me, and for the first time in weeks, I feel every muscle in my body relax. I melt into him, my heartbeat matching the rhythm of his.
Timofey brushes his hand beneath my jaw, tilting my face up toward his.
I open my mouth to tell him to leave again, but he blocks my words by pressing his lips against mine.
