Page 67 of Cruel Russian Pakhan

“I agree. We just need access to what they have. Once that door opens, Timur can start forging new links, pulling threads.”

I nodded to myself.

Jaroslav didn’t waste time. “Alright. Bratva goal’s secure. Now let’s talk personal. How do you feel, knowing you’re going to be a father?”

“I always knew I’d have kids. Bloodline and legacy come with life. But I assumed it’d be with someone I barely tolerated. Someone I’d fuck and forget outside the child.”

“And now it’s Katya?”

“Yeah.”

“You love her?”

“Can I be honest with you?”

“Always.”

I inhaled deeply before I spoke.

“I’m sexually drawn to her. I can’t stop thinking about her. I want to protect her like my life depends on it. I’d lie, manipulate, even control her if it meant keeping her safe. I’d give her the world if she asked. She…calms something in me when I’m burning inside. But love?” I exhaled. “I don’t know. I’ve never had that with a woman. Don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like.”

“But you’ve loved before. Mom. Dad. Me. Our siblings. You show up every time. You carry the weight, you make the hard calls, you bleed for us. That’s love, Lev. Just because itdoesn’t come wrapped in soft words and music doesn’t mean it isn’t real. And I’m sure you're doing the same for Katya.”

He paused, thoughtful.

“Ninel said Katya loves you. My advice? Hold on to her. In a world where she could’ve judged you, rejected this life, she chose you.”

In the background, I heard grunts and movement, then Jaroslav talking to someone.

“Tie his ass up. I'll be right there.

“I’ve got to go,” he said, speaking to me. “But congrats, Lev. I’m happy for you, and for Katya. We’ll swing by the house soon.”

And just like that, the call ended.

I stayed in the car like a damn coward, turning over everything Jaroslav said. I thought I was smart, strategic and calculated. But somehow, I'd tripped and fallen headfirst into something I never planned for.

Love.

And with that came two very real, very dangerous weaknesses: Katya, and the child growing inside her.

I wasn’t ready to face her. Not yet.

Even if I knew she needed me.

An hour later, I finally stepped back inside and went in search of Dr. Green. I asked about the ultrasound. She said Katya was around four weeks pregnant, but her elevated blood pressure meant she’d be staying overnight for observation.

I nodded, offered a tight thanks, and walked right back out. I hopped into my car, pulled out my phone and dialed.

“Rocco,” I said the moment he answered. “Bring six more guards to the clinic. Now.”

“Yes, boss.”

I hung up without another word.

Because the woman carrying my child wasn’t just a weakness.

She was mine.