Page 49 of Unexpected Bratva Baby
His jaw tightens, but he nods. “Yes. Your freedom isn’t mine to take. However...” He pauses, his gaze intense as it meets mine. “I beg you to consider staying at my penthouse, for your safety and...for the baby’s.”
The mention of the baby sends a jolt through me. My hand instinctively moves to my still-flat stomach.
“Valdés is a dangerous man,” he says urgently. “He won’t hesitate to use you or our child to get to me. The penthouse is secure, and I can ensure your protection there.”
I shake my head, overwhelmed. “Mikhail, I...”
“Please,” he interrupts, his composure cracking. “I have no right to ask this of you, but I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you or our child. I’ll give you space, I swear it. You’ll have your own suite and your own security detail. I won’t interfere unless you want me to.”
I study his face, seeing the fear and love warring in his eyes. It’s a vivid contrast to the controlled, powerful man I’ve known.
I exhale softly. “I need you to understand something. This pregnancy doesn’t change the fact that you lied to me. That you kept your entire life a secret from me.”
He flinches but nods. “I know, and I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make that right if you’ll let me.”
“I don’t know if I can trust you,” I say, the words painful but necessary.
“Then let me earn your trust. Stay in the penthouse. Let me prove to you I can be the man you deserve, and the father our child deserves.”
I close my eyelids, weighing my options. The thought of returning to my old life, alone and unprotected, terrifies me, but the idea of living under Mikhail’s roof, surrounded by reminders of his deception, is equally daunting. “If I agree to this,” I say slowly, opening my eyelids to meet his gaze, “I have conditions.”
Mikhail nods eagerly. “Anything.”
“I want my own space. A separate suite, like you said, and I want to be able to come and go as I please with no restrictions.”
“Of course,” he says quickly. “I’ll have a suite prepared for you immediately, and you’ll have full freedom of movement, though I’d ask that you allow security to accompany you outside the building.”
I consider this, then nod. “Fine, but I choose the security detail. Someone I’m comfortable with.”
“Agreed. Anastasia, perhaps?”
The thought of the friendly blonde who’s already proven her loyalty brings a small measure of comfort. “Yes, Nastya would be good.”
Mikhail takes a deep breath. “Is there anything else?”
I pause, gathering my courage. “Yes. I need time to process everything that’s happened and everything I’ve learned about you and…about myself. Time to decide what I want for my future...our future.”
His expression softens, revealing a bit of hope but mostly resignation. “I understand. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.”
I nod, feeling some of the tension leave my body. “Okay. Then... I’ll stay in the penthouse. For now.”
He lets out a ragged breath. “Thank you, Phoebe. I promise you won’t regret this.”
I wonder if I’ve made the right decision Looking at Mikhail, seeing the love and determination in his eyes, I accept it’s theonly choice I can make. For myself, for our unborn child, and for the uncertain future that now stretches before us.
18
Mikhail
Istep into my penthouse, glad to be home but wishing Phoebe would have agreed to stay on the yacht, where it was safer. The panoramic view of Miami’s skyline stretches before me like a reminder of all I’ve built and all I stand to lose. I loosen my tie, tossing it onto the sleek marble counter while making my way to the bar.
The smooth burn of vodka slides down my throat, a temporary balm for the chaos swirling in my mind. Phoebe’s face flashes before me, filled with hurt and betrayal. I shake my head, trying to focus on the tasks at hand.
My phone buzzes incessantly. I glance at the screen, a string of messages from my captains demanding attention. With a sigh, I settle into my home office, ready to dive into the war that’s threatening everything I’ve worked for.
“Sergei, what’s the situation?” I ask, initiating a secure video call.
Sergei’s weathered face appears on the screen. “Boss, Valdés is pushing hard. We’ve lost two more shipments in the last forty-eight hours.”
