Page 39 of Pregnant Bratva Possession

“All I’m asking is that you give me a little more time while I figure this out.” Now I was making promises I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep. I was only going to hurt her more.

Or choose her and hurt my family.

“And what happens if you don’t choose me?” Her voice cracked with pain. “What will become of me then?”

“I can’t promise anything, Mariana. I don’t want to lie to you.” It would only break her even more if I lied. I couldn’t risk hurting her more than I already did.

We both turned our heads to the door as footsteps approached.

“Shit. She’s back.” Mariana’s eyes shot up to mine. “You have to leave before she sees you here.”

I made for the door but halted when Mariana pulled me by the collar of my shirt and dragged me to the living room. “You’re so strong for someone so petite.”

“Wait until I beat your ass for causing me so much heartache.” She opened a window by her bed and nodded at me. “Jump.”

My eyes widened. “I came here to confess my love, not to commit suicide.”

She rolled her eyes. “How did you become an enforcer in the mafia when you’re this dramatic?” She huffed. “There’s stairs leading to an emergency exit down there.”

I put my head out the window. She was right, there was a balcony at the other side of her bedroom, and then a door I assumed led to the stairs. “Oh.”

“Go before she comes in,” she whispered.

Following the hurry in her tone, I put one leg over her window. “I’m sorry for causing you so much pain.” I was about to put the second leg over, but my body craved the taste of her lips. Cupping her cheeks, I kissed her. “I’ll come see you again.”

Flames licked her cheeks, her eyes dilated and her breath hitched as she tried to register that I’d just kissed her. She was dazed.

I grinned, them jumped over the window and strode to the door. Pushing it open, I ran down the flight of silver stairs and made my way to the exit.

One thing was clear to me right now; I wasn’t going to give up one Mariana.

Chapter 15 - Mariana

Self-made.

Independent.

Successful.

I'd grown into those words. Morphed, transformed, and everything about my life took shape in them. I worked hard. Worked my way up to the top, where I could dine with high-profile government individuals, mingle with celebrities, or strike deals with the world's best artists. Sometimes, I felt invincible, desired, and envied. I had what some women my age could only dream of. Or compromise for.

But I didn't.

I didn't leech off anyone. I'd never leeched off any man, or begged them for anything. Up until recently, I stayed up late at night, hunched over paperwork, or browsing through emails … something always work-related. But never,everpining over a man.

The gentle buzz of the air conditioner echoed through the bedroom, drape liners flapped against the window, and tire noise, honking, and the distant sound of sirens settled in the background. I had my arms folded behind my head and one leg jiggling on top of my pushed-up knee while I stared at the white ceiling.

A lazy smile played on my lips and I twirled my hair around my finger.

He’d left a while ago, but his presence hovered around. I could still smell him, see him even. And a tiny part of me wished he lay beside me. On the bed. Or tangled between the sheets.

I knew it was wrong, to shamelessly lust after a betrothed man. I was hurt, but also couldn't ignore the tingles that danced on my skin when I had him near.

Even now, lying on the bed and gazing beyond the ceiling, my heart skidded in my chest at the mere thoughts of him.

With the things he did to me, I doubted that I would ever be able to explain it.

The door swung open. The hinges emitted a soft creak as Christy entered the room. The minute the door closed behind her, she gasped, loud and outraged. “Why’s the window open?” her footsteps muffled on the soft carpet as she traveled across the room and shut the window. The background noises died down. She turned to me, frowning.

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