Page 64 of Pregnant Prisoner By the Bratva
Naturally, I couldn’t resist a jab—I had to stir the pot a little. “I think it’ll probably collapse in two days,” I answered with a smirk.
Yulian straightened and glanced at me. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I’ll remember that next you need something put together in the middle of the night.”
Mission accomplished.
I laughed, reclined in my chair, hands on my belly, feeling the baby shifting beneath my palm. “But seriously, though,” I said, my voice trailing off, laced with a tinge of solemnity. “Thank you. This means the world to me.”
His lips curled into a smile as he approached me, planting a kiss on my forehead. “You don’t have to thank me. I’d do anything for you.”
***
I lay under the sheet that night, trying to sleep. But each time I closed my eyes and snoozed for about five minutes, the baby would kick, forcing me awake again. And it didn’t help that Yulian wasn’t in bed tonight.
My fingers rubbed my eyes, and I turned to the other side of the bed. I spotted a figure standing by the balcony, their back to the room, with a lit cigar in their hand. It was him. It was Yulian.
I groaned softly and struggled for a moment to get out of my bed. My fingers combed through my hair, my back aching as I rose to my feet. Carefully, I padded barefoot across the room, my black nightgown brushing against my ankles.
Yulian stood outside, his gaze across the horizon, elbows leaning against the polished railing. He was stripped from waist upward, his rigid frame and broad shoulders outlined by the moon’s ethereal glow. A thin thread of smoke curled around his head, a stick of cigar burning between his fingers.
I stopped by the doorway, my hand rubbing my belly, eyes fixed on this ridiculously attractive man. Strong. Quiet. As protective as he was dangerous. My heart warmed just looking at him, recalling how far we’d come together.
He dragged on his cigar, released another puff of smoke, and without turning to look at me, he said, “You should be in bed.”
I wasn’t sure how he knew I was behind him, considering how silently I moved. But then again, the man was a freaking trained assassin. He must’ve picked up my scent or something.
“Can’t sleep,” I answered, stepping outside, the cool night air brushing against my face.
He took one last drag, stubbed the cigar out, and tossed it over the railing. Then, he turned and looked at me, his expression softening as it swept over my tired eyes. “You okay?” He stepped forward, taking my hands, his voice calm and therapeutic.
I nodded, jerking my head to look up at him.
He placed his hand gently on my belly, his lips twisting into a sly grin. “How’s our girl doing?”
“She’s the reason I can’t sleep.” A playful frown etched my face. “She won’t stop kicking—it’s like she’s made it her life’s mission to make me feel miserable.” The words came out in a rush, laced with frustration.
A sly grin tugged at the corners of his lips. “Sucks, doesn’t it?”
My playful scowl deepened. “Jerk.” I slammed my fist against his chest.
He held me close. “Perhaps you should be a little nicer to the baby’s daddy, and maybe—just maybe—she might consider going easy on you.”
“So, you’re conniving with our unborn baby now, is that it?” I hit his chest again, pursing my lips together to keep a chuckle from breaking free. “We’re supposed to be a team—you’re supposed to be onmyside.”
“Come on, don’t be jealous,” he said, his thumbs grazing over my cheeks, his forehead resting on mine. “Thereareno sides here. Only family.” His breath brushed against my face, his voice a low whisper.
Cradling my face in his palms, he leaned in and claimed my lips. Slow and steady. I felt a shiver sprint down my spine, the air electric with tension. Heads turned, tongues slid into our mouths, and our hands were all over each other.
The kiss was fervent.
Unhurried.
Magnetic.
Before things would sprawl out of control, he let the kiss fade, his lips parting from mine. Yulian held me close like I might vanish if he let go. His hand smoothed my hair down, my head resting on his chest.
We stood still under the moon’s silver glow, our hearts and souls intertwined.
Chapter 26 – Yulian
