Page 71 of Innocent Prey of the Bratva

“Of course you are,” I mumble.

As I close the door behind him, my fingers tremble slightly against the handle. I reach into the bag, line the boxes up on the counter. Here goes everything.

I make quick work of it because I’m eager—almost desperate—to see the results. I pee on three separate sticks—just to be sure, just to convince myself I’m not losing my mind. When I’m done, I place them carefully on the counter, my breath shallow and nerves twisting like a live wire under my skin.

From outside the door, Kaz’s voice pipes up, soft but persistent.

“Violet…can I come in now?”

I groan. “No. There’s literally pee on the counter.”

He pauses. “That’s not a dealbreaker for me.”

I close my eyes and sigh. “Kaz—”

“Let me in,” he says again, firmer this time. “You shouldn’t wait alone.”

I stare at the test sticks, as if they might catch fire and erase themselves. The silence stretches for another beat before I whisper, “Fuck it.”

I unlock the door.

Kaz is already halfway in when it clicks open, eyes searching for mine like he was holding his breath the whole time. I step back to let him in, trying to shield the tests with my body, but he doesn’t even flinch.

He walks to me first, not the counter. His arms come around me without hesitation.

I bury my face in his chest. We don’t speak. We wait.

Seconds feel like years, and then I hear Kaz’s breath hitch. He tilts his head slightly, eyes locked on the three sticks lined up like truth-telling weapons.

Two pink lines. Clear digital “Yes+” signs.

All three.

Positive.

My throat closes up.

Kaz turns to look at me, but I can’t even meet his eyes. I just stand there, frozen. Shaken. Airless.

“I…” I whisper, then trail off.

Kaz’s arms tighten around me. Like he’s the only thing keeping me upright. I’m in shock. And I’m not sure if I’m going to cry, scream, or crumble. I cry.

My breath hitches, chest tightening as if the air around me has been sucked away. A sob claws up my throat and slips out, ragged and loud. I try to muffle it with my hands, but it’s too late.

Kaz drops to his knees, arms still around me like armor, steadying my unraveling world.

“Hey,” he murmurs, voice low and firm. “It’s okay. Violet, it’s okay.”

“No, it’s not,” I choke out. “This can’t be real.”

He pulls back just enough to cup my face in his hands. “It’s real. And it’s okay. You hear me? I’ve never been happier than I am right now.”

I blink at him, stunned. “Happier?”

He nods, eyes burning with something unshakable. “You’re mine. And now….” He glances toward the pregnancy tests, then back at me with a crooked smile that almost breaks me. “Now, you’re never leaving me. I’ll protect this child with my life.”

The breath leaves my lungs.