Page 23 of Cruel Russian Monster (Safin Bratva #2)

“I wasn't happy about it because I didn't want to be in a loveless marriage. A marriage where my husband treated me like trash, a slave, and a sex worker. But even though Jaroslav's words did sting when we got to his house, he didn't mistreat me. I got it. He was hurt; he didn't know the truth.”

“And the feelings?” Kira asked.

“I never stopped loving Jaroslav. He’s my first love, the only man I've ever been with. What I did to him three years ago? I've felt guilty for hurting him, but I didn't have a choice.”

“And he's clearly forgiven you after finding out the reason why,” Mariya said.

“He has,” I agreed.

“But you're still confused about things because you guys said it was supposed to be casual, but he isn't acting like it,” Katya stated.

“I am. But I'm afraid that maybe I'm overthinking everything, and if I asked about the difference in treatment, it would stop, and I would lose him all over again.”

“Do you want this to work between you and Jaroslav?” Mariya asked.

“I do. I love him.”

“There you have it. Then we'll support you one hundred percent,” Katya smiled.

“You'll just have to brace for when Artyom finds out and the consequences of that…” Ninel's voice trailed off.

Mariya agreed and added, “But, sooner than later, the two of you need to sit and talk to set the record straight. Got it?”

I smiled. “Got it.”

“Now let's drink!” Kira cheered.

Another hour slipped by as we laughed, caught up, and swapped stories before Marten arrived to pick Kira up.

I stayed behind with Katya, Ninel, and Mariya for a bit longer, and maybe drank a little too much, because at some point I wandered off to the bathroom, where I snapped a few very sexy pictures and sent them to Jaroslav.

He texted back almost immediately: Don’t call Tomas. I’m coming to get you myself.

An hour later, he showed up. I said my goodbyes, and Jaroslav helped me to the car.

By the time we got home, he’d barely closed the front door before he had me pressed against it, claiming me right then and there. I was already halfway asleep by the time he scooped me into his arms and carried me to bed.

I didn’t wake up until the next day, and when I did, the hangover hit me like a freight train. My head throbbed, my mouth was dry, and I felt like I hadn’t moved in hours. On the nightstand was a bottle of water, a pack of aspirin, and a note from Jaroslav.

Stay in bed, it read. Tomas will drop off breakfast and lunch in the kitchen. I’ll bring dinner. Message me when you’re up.

I did as he asked, sent the text, and spent most of the day curled up in bed.

But over the next few days, the headache still lingered. Jaroslav had told me Tomas was nearby if I needed anything. Nothing was staying down, and I refused to eat anything in front of Jaroslav out of fear that I'd be hunched over the toilet bowl before I even finished.

That was when I realized this couldn't just be a hangover.

Wait…could I be pregnant?

I called Tomas and asked him to take me to the pharmacy. When I got back home with the test and took it, my eyes misted when it read positive. I placed my hand on my stomach. I was pregnant with Jaroslav's baby.

I couldn't wait to share the news with him.

Immediately, I called Jaroslav.

“Hey, malishka,” he growled quietly over the phone, sending shock waves through my body.

It was at that moment that I realized I wanted to tell him in person. To have him wrap his arms around me and kiss me after I broke the news to him.

I still hadn’t talked to him about how confused I felt about everything happening between us.

The past few days, I’d been too sick to even think straight.

But now, sitting here alone with my thoughts, one truth settled in my chest: when he found out that I was pregnant, Jaroslav would be excited, just like he’d once been excited about marrying me three years ago.

“I just called because I wanted to hear your voice. I'm sorry I missed you again this morning.”

“I missed you too. Maybe we should stop those extracurricular activities that we do at night. It seems to be taking a toll on you.” I heard the teasing in his voice.

“If you did, I'd have to cut you,” I mockingly teased. “That’s the best part of my day.”

He growled in his throat, and my nipples paid attention. A moan slipped past my lips before I could stop it.

“Do you have a lot to get done today at the office?” I asked, sounding needy as hell, but didn't care.

“I'll be here for the next three hours, then if nothing pops up, I'll be home.”

My heart fluttered.

“You'll be safe?”

“Always, malishka.”

“Bye, see you soon.”

“Bye.”

I ended the call.

Yeah, there was no way I was waiting over three hours to see my husband.

I got ready quickly and told Tomas I was heading to Jaroslav’s office, but not to say anything. It was supposed to be a surprise.

I was about ten minutes out when a black SUV swerved violently in front of me, cutting me off.

What the fuck?!

The driver stepped out.

My heart jumped. And then my blood ran cold.

He walked up to my window, slowly.

He knocked once, sharply. I hesitated, then pressed the button to lower the window.

He leaned in, eyes blazing.

“Come with me, Vera,” he said, his voice chillingly calm. “Or I’ll blow the Safin office to high-hell, with your husband still inside.”

He smiled and held up a small black remote, his thumb hovering over a red button. There was no warmth in his expression.

“The choice is yours.”