Page 94 of The Bratva's Christmas Bump
“I…” Her gaze breaks away and then she steps away. “I don’t know. It’s so much to think about. My parents are old so I don’t want to miss dinner because as much as I hate it, Mom is right about how many I miss. And after you got stabbed and I got attacked, suddenly, it feels like there’s not enough time with family. But also, a cruise around the world playing music would be amazing. I don’t know what to do.”
“You will figure it out,” I assure her gently. “Either because one choice is clear and you’re trying to avoid how much you want it, or things will slip into place naturally.”
“Maybe.” Sighing, she glances at her phone. “I’m going to be late.”
As she hurries toward the elevator, my mind races.
Does this baby factor into her plans? Is that the real reason she’s reluctant and she can’t admit it without telling me the truth? Guilt nestles like a small ball under my ribs from accidentally eavesdropping, but I can’t bring myself to influence the choice I think is best for her and the baby. No matter how I feel, I haven’t known her long enough to do that.
But her talk of family sits with me.
My own father has taken a back seat since our argument and this time of year is hard for him. For both of us. With Hollie dwelling on her own family, and the baby in the air… I’m at a loss for how to support her without revealing what I know.
But I will do my best.
“Let’s go dancing,” I call to her as she reaches the elevator.
She spins around, causing her skirt to swirl around her legs. “Now?”
“No, tomorrow. Xena and the girls always throw some amazing parties at this time of year. I want to take you to one. Drinks and dancing. A way to properly relax after everything that’s going on.”
“Will it be safe?” The doors slide open behind her.
“Of course,” I reply easily. “I’ll protect you.”
35
HOLLIE
“Are you sure about this?” The car glides to a stop outside the club and a rush of nervousness pulses through me. The last time I was here, I learned the truth about Maxim and while I don’t regret gaining that insight, I can’t stop thinking about that man. Vinnie is his real name, apparently, and he’s still not been caught.
“I won’t tell you to stop worrying,” Maxim says as he takes my hand. “But I will tell you to trust me. We’re here to have a good time and I want you to relax and have fun. My entire team is here, and the girls are more than aware of the situation. So if you can trust me, this night will be amazing.”
He’s not wrong.
Inside, the club has been transformed from the glitzy, burlesque decor I saw last time into a complete winter wonderland. White and silver glitter and tinsel wrap around the back of every chair, the legs of every table, and each pole not in use by a dancer. Large stars, candy canes, and Christmas stockings hang from the ceiling, the fog machine hums thick and low to the floor, creatingthe impression of snow, and every girl is dressed up in festive wear. We pass two sexy snowmen, a nearly nude elf, and a sexy Mrs. Claus on our way to the bar. It’s as if the blizzard outside has swept right in through the doors and brought with it all the beauty of snowy New York, minus the cold.
A number of patrons mingle on the floor. As we reach the bar, Toto and Stu break off and melt into the crowd with a few more of Maxim’s men to check things out. Perching on a stool, my hand remains in Maxim’s as Xena pops up behind the bar with a wide smile. Before I can greet her, she leans over and slides some sparkling antlers onto my head.
“There! All dressed up.” She chuckles, then she looks at Maxim. “I thought you weren’t coming?”
“Hollie deserves a night of fun, and what better place than this?” His grip tightens briefly around my fingers. “Two cocktails for me.”
“A mocktail for me,” I cut in quickly. “I think I ate something not quite right.”
“Aw, chick.” Hollie pouts sympathetically. “Coming right up!”
Christmas music fills the air as the lights dim and each occupied stage becomes highlighted by a spotlight. As the music swells, the girls start to dance and I watch in awe of their flexibility and sensual moves all while spinning around a pole. It would be tempting to try, but I can’t.
I managed to sneak away from Mom yesterday and visit my doctor who only had time for a quick physical, but everything seems alright with my baby. Without a proper scan, though, she couldn’t tell for sure. It was enough to reassure me, but I’m now overly cautious about anything that could affect this pregnancy.But the reassurance brought me to one decision. I need to tell Maxim. Regardless of how he takes the news, I need the freedom to see my doctor as often as I need.
But as much as I want to tell him right now, this night is about letting go and forgetting the stress of the past month.
I’ll tell him tomorrow.
“Do you want to dance?”
I swivel in my seat to face Maxim. “You can dance?”
