“You’ll make an incredible mother. I don’t doubt it for a second. And apart from that, I am going to be here for you every step of the way.”
“Even if—" She doesn’t finish her sentence, but I already know what she’s asking. I don’t want to think that things will ever go that way, but this is the reassurance she needs.
“Even if things don’t work out between us. No matter what happens, you are the mother of my child, Ulyana. I will always be there for you.”
Her shoulders drop a little and she lets out a sharp breath, almost a sob, a sign of relief, as though she just let go of a troubling fear.
I lift my hand and brush it over her cheek.
“Everything will work out perfectly. You’ll see. The only thing we have to focus on now is for you to be healthy, happy and stress-free.”
Suddenly, her walls are down, and she throws herself against me, letting her tears flow freely she wraps her arms around my neck and buries her face into the curve of my shoulder. I pull her onto my lap, holding her against my chest. I can’t stop smiling. We’re going to have a baby.
She’s my wife, and now the mother of my child.
She might be worried about what happens if things don’t work out between us—but thingswillwork out between us. I don’t ever see a future where I could let her go.
She belongs with me.
She’s mine, and I will never let another man touch her.
Chapter 20 - Ulyana
Bright morning light splashes over my pillow and warms my closed eyes.
Benedikt’s arms are wrapped around me. He’s breathing deep and slow, still sleeping. We spoke for hours last night. His constant reassurance and confidence in this pregnancy being a good thing—it’s wearing away my fears.
Lying in bed, in the safety of his embrace, I think about who I used to believe he was—and who he’s proven himself to be.
It’s not the first time I’ve realized my mistake in making assumptions about him based on rumors and what he chooses to show the world.
People call him a playboy. A manipulator. They say he does whatever it takes to get what he wants. And maybe in business that’s the persona he needs to wear to keep himself safe.
But behind closed doors, when he’s with me and with his family, I see the real him.
The soft, gentle man who cares deeply for those close to him. He goes out of his way to make sure I am comfortable and happy. He is patient and listens when I speak. He encourages me to share my fears and worries. He wants to hear how I am.
Most men find it easier to pretend things are okay when they aren’t.
Benedikt will slowly coax the truth from me, and it means the world to me that he takes the time to do that.
It also worries me, though.
My own guilt is heavy. He’s already asked me what the story is between Miron and me and I didn’t answer.
I am married to this man, about to have a family with him—and he doesn’t even know that the reason I came to Las Vegas was for revenge against Miron, nothing else.
Sooner rather than later, I am going to have to find a way to tell him the truth. And I hope that he will show the same patience he’s shown in the past.
Benedikt shifts behind me, his arms wrapping tighter around my waist as he pulls me closer. “Good morning, beautiful,” he whispers against my hair.
“Good morning.” I’m smiling. Somewhere in my heart I have hope that this whole situation has a happy ending.
“What do you have planned for today?” he asks, stretching as he wakes up fully.
I wiggle around to face him. His hair is scruffy and wild, his eyes darker than usual and his voice is deep and gruff from sleep. He looks gorgeous. Sexier than ever.
“I’m going to see the obstetrician later this afternoon, around three. Then I want to stop at the pharmacy to collect the vitamins I’m supposed to take to help with the morning sickness.”
