Page 59 of Pregnant Bratva Wife
“He’s not a stranger to me,” I said softly, and was surprised to realize it was true. After what I’d seen, what we’d done, Federico was many things—but a stranger wasn’t one of them.
“Well, I want to meet him soon. Promise?”
“Promise.” I closed my eyes, willing the conversation to end before I slipped up. “How’s school going?”
She let me change the subject, telling me about her classes, her roommate’s annoying boyfriend, and the research project she was excited about. Normal things. Safe things. For fifteen minutes, I could pretend my life was normal, too.
“I should go,” she said eventually. “I have a study group in ten minutes. And Autumn? I’m going to pay you back. Or Federico directly. Whichever.”
“Megan, please, I’m your sister,” I whispered. “Just…there’s no need to pay me back, okay? I swear, my new job is six figures, and Federico doesn’t let me chip in around the house. I’ve got more than enough. Don’t ever think of keeping score between us, okay?”
She hesitated, but finally said, in a voice so small that it reminded me of when she was little. “Okay. Thank you.”
Call me tomorrow?” I asked.
“Every day until you start picking up regularly again,” she warned. “Love you, sis.”
“Love you too, Megs.”
The call ended. I’d lied to my sister—the one person I’d always been honest with.
But what choice did I have?
I couldn’t tell her I’d married Federico to erase our family’s debts and that he was a criminal. She’d have insisted I end this immediately. Would have insisted on finding a way to pay him back somehow.
So I had to lie.
I sighed heavily. Megan had donated the money. That meant she’d need more for future semesters. Which meant I’d have to ask Federico, and I wasn’t asking for a favor. I wanted to earn every dollar. I needed to keep playing the perfect wife, attending family functions, and keeping up appearances.
Which meant that tonight, I had a family gathering to attend.
I could do this. For Megan.
***
Federico’s face lit up when I descended the stairs that evening in a simple black dress. He didn’t try to hide his happiness, which made it harder for me to remember that I was supposed to be keeping my distance.
“You look beautiful,” he said, and for once, didn’t offer me his arm.
Thank God.
He knew I was still upset. Yesterday morning, he’d found me in the dining hall. And I could see the nervous flicker in his brows when he asked if I’d be up to join him for dinner at his brother Caspian’s today.
I said I’d think about it. But talking to Megan changed everything. Although I needed to maintain boundaries, I also had to play my part.
The drive to Caspian’s house was quiet. Federico talked a little, but I wasn’t in the mood.
The truth?
I was petrified I’d laugh. Petrified, I’d look in his direction. Petrified, I’d want him like I wanted him when we had sex.
We pulled up to a large, traditional white mansion. Beautiful cobblestoned pathways, lush bushes, and vibrant flowers all around. Gorgeous fountains and trees covered with fairy lights.
“Ready?” Federico asked as he helped me out of the car.
I nodded, not having found my voice just yet.
I took a few hesitant steps up the steps to the double-doored front door. Dreaded what I would find tonight. While I had briefly met his brothers at the wedding, I hadn’t known they were mobsters back then.
