Page 65 of The Bratva's Hunted Bride
We stand there for a while, waiting for another kick, but he’s quiet now.
A massive smile breaks across my face. I gently let go of her belly and turn her to face me, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, then tilting her chin up so I can study her face.
My heart flutters like a wild bird in my chest when I think about what I have planned for our dinner.
“Don’t worry, I would never ask you to cancel our dinner. I wouldn’t dream of standing between you and food. I’ve seen what happens. It’s more dangerous than anything I’ve ever faced,” I say in a serious tone.
She punches my arm playfully. “I amnot that bad,” shehuffs, then tilts her head to the side as her eyes glaze thoughtfully. “Except for last Wednesday, when we got caught in traffic and I thought my body was going to start eating itself. Oh, and on Tuesday, when I had that crazy craving for pickles. Oh, and on the weekend…okay, fine. I’m that bad.” She tries to hide a sheepish smile.
I lean down and kiss her, savoring the taste of her strawberry lip gloss. My favorite. “Come on, my love, my angel, my life,” I say, taking her hand and leading her to the door.
***
Music plays softly in the car as we drive toward the restaurant.
I steal a glance at her, her beautiful profile, the halo of her hair glowing around her. She’s been so happy these past few months, but I know she’s going through a lot.
Her family and mine are in a full-blown war. We are worse enemies than we’ve ever been, and her brothers aren’t speaking to her. They’ve disowned her.
It breaks my heart that she had to lose them to be with me, but at the same time, it tells me how deep her love is for me.
She belongs with me, I want her in my life, but I do wish that one day her brothers will come around, that they’ll see how happy she is, and they can meet her son and accept her choice.
She chose me.
I brush my hand over her leg.
“We’re here,” I say, pulling into a parking bay outside the Swan Inn.
“The Swan Inn?” she says, surprised.
“Yes, my love, we never did have a chance to meet here like we were supposed to.” She grins and watches me through thick, dark lashes.
“So, this is sort of where it was all supposed to begin, when we chose each other,” she muses.
“Exactly. And…they have the most incredible platters. And I know how you love the assorted platters.” I pull her door open for her and hold out my hand. She places her elegant fingers in mine, and I lead her toward the door.
We climb into the elevator, and I press the button.
“I do love platters. Because you don’t have to choose one food. You can have them all, all of the flavors.” Her stomach growls loudly, and we both start laughing.
On the fourteenth floor, the doors slide open into the restaurant.
Talia steps out, but then stops, confused.
“It’s empty. Are they even open? I thought you made a reservation,” she says, glancing at me with her brows knotted.
A man in a black and white tuxedo steps toward us. “Mr. Abashin, and your most beautiful date. Please, follow me, your table is ready.”
I grin mischievously and take Talia’s hand, following the man.
Our table is set up near the window. Every other table in the restaurant has been cleared away.
Additional lights have been strung up everywhere, and the entire restaurant is filled with white and blue roses.
“Blue roses,” she whispers, pausing before she reaches our table and gently brushing her hand over the soft petals. “I didn’t know you got blue roses.”
When she turns away from the flowers, I’m kneeling in front of her, holding a crystal box in my hand. I flip the lid open to reveal a magnificent diamond ring.
