Page 74 of Forced plus-size Bride of the Bratva

Adrian exhales, slow and heavy, and I feel the weight of it ripple through his body. “We’re still investigating,” he says, eyes locked on mine. “But yes. I strongly believe he was.”

A strange kind of relief flutters in my chest, but it’s tangled with anxiety. “Will he be okay?”

He brushes a hand down my cheek again, anchoring me. “I already promised you, didn’t I?” His voice is quiet but firm. “I’ll protect him. No matter what.”

I study his face—his jaw tight with the burden of everything he’s carrying. “Thank you, Adrian.”

He’s about to respond when there's a knock at the door. He turns his head sharply.

“It’s Zalar,” a voice calls through the thick door. “Kaz is here.”

Adrian lets out a long sigh, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. I see it immediately—something’s wrong. His posture shifts, his entire body tense, like he’s bracing for something.

“Why is Kaz here?” I ask gently, stepping toward him.

He doesn’t meet my eyes. “Stop asking me questions and just relax, Jennie.” His tone is clipped, but not cruel. Just…distant. Guarded.

“Adrian—”

“I’ll be back soon,” he cuts in, already moving toward the door. “Stay here.”

It’s already evening. Shadows spill across the floor as he steps out, and I wrap my arms around myself, watching his back as he disappears down the hallway.

Something’s bothering him—deeply.

And for the first time today, I’m not afraid of what he’s hiding. I’m afraid of what it’s doing to him.

Chapter 16 – Adrian

I step out of the panic room, the door sealing shut behind me with a quiet hiss. The two guards stationed outside straighten at once.

“Keep your eyes on her,” I say. My voice is low, but there’s no room for confusion. “No one goes in. No one touches her. If anyone tries—kill them.”

“Yes, Boss,” they echo in unison, fists to their chests.

I nod once and keep walking, jaw clenched. My strides are long, fast, unforgiving. The weight in my chest isn’t just from what is happening around me—it’s from the woman I just left behind.

Jennie.

She looked at me like she finally saw the truth. Like she finally understood.

And that’s the most dangerous part.

Because the moment she understands the weight I carry, she’ll also realize how far I’m willing to go to protect her.

Even if it destroys me.

I hope she understands that I protect those I love, no matter what. And I’m not sorry for it.

Kaz is already waiting in the main hallway when I come down the stairs, lounging like he owns the place, his hands in his coat pockets, that ever-present smirk tugging at his lips.

He straightens when he sees me. “How’s your wife after the explosion?”

I grunt, running a hand down my face. “She’s fucking strong. I can’t believe it.”

Kaz just smirks. “You sound surprised.”

We walk out together. Zalar joins us as we head toward the car. The security around the house has doubled since theblast. Triple-perimeter coverage. Every man armed. Still, I don’t feel settled.