Page 42 of Bratva Beast

My heart could burst with the love I feel for this man. The judge hands me the ring I chose for Cynric. It’s black and thick, a definitive piece to symbolize he’s taken. I slide it on his finger. “Cynric. I never wanted a life in the bratva, and then I fell in love with you. I never expected to love anyone and yet I love you with my entire being. You complete me in a way I could never have imagined. Thank you for the life inside me and the future we’re going to have. I love you.”

The audience remains silent, trying to hear our private words. The judge raises his bible like an old-time pastor preaching to his congregation. “I now pronounce you Cynric and Isabella Bravikov.”

Forty minutes later, the photographer snaps his last photo, and Cynric leads me from the room. He told his brothers tokeep the champagne flowing, we were going to change into our reception clothes. What he really wants is to strip me out of my pretty dress and make me his all over again. My body tingles with anticipation. Sex has become an obsession for both of us. Moments after entering our room, we’re naked. He’s worshiping my body with soft kisses and gentle caresses. His rough hands pleasure me with gentle touches as he utters sweet words. I’m lost in his assault on my senses.

“I love you.”

My eyes snap open. The man before me stares at me with a love I never knew I wanted. He takes my mouth as he enters me. After all these months, I can’t get enough of him. He plays my body like a violin strumming me higher and higher. I can’t catch my breath before he shifts his lips against my ear. “Come for me.”

I don’t have a moment to think before I explode with an earth-shattering climax, feeling Cynric join me with his. He rests on top of me as we catch our breath. He stands and pulls me to my feet, leading me to clean up in the bathroom before we dress in fresh clothes and return to our guests. I giggle. “Thanks for the quickie, hubby.”

He stops moving with a scowl. “Behave or I’ll take you again after I spank you.”

I chuckle as we get into the bathroom. “Promises, promises.”

Chapter 12

THE FOLLOWING MAY

ISABELLA

The doctor removes her gloves as Cynric holds my hand. “Ready to have the baby?”

My heart leaps into my throat. “What?”

“You’re dilated to four centimeters. I’d expect you to deliver your son by morning. You need to head to the hospital, and I’ll see you in a few hours. My nurse will call ahead.”

Cynric asks. “It’s not too early?”

She shakes her head. “No. She’s considered full term at thirty-eight weeks.”

Cynric squeezes my hand. “We need to decide on a name, Isochka.”

The doctor’s brow raises at the use of the nickname.

I swallow down my anxiety. I’ve seen babies born, helping to deliver a few myself in the emergency room, but never my own.

Stepping into the waiting room, Thane leans against the wall beside the doorway like a gargoyle, devoid of emotion. Papa allowed his return the previous week. He breaks out the best fake smile I’ve ever seen him give and he opens the door for us to walk through. “Where to?”

Cynric holds me tight against him with Thane walking just in front of my other side. “Hospital.”

Thane jerks his steps as he turns. “The baby is coming now?”

I nod my head. “Apparently.”

Cynric chuckles. “We’re not calling anyone. That’ll be your job when he’s here.”

Thane’s brow crinkles. “He?”

“My son, dumbass.” Luckily the two are conversing in Russian so no one is aware that they’re growling at each other.

Thane pushes the door open, and the SUV pulls up with Saxon driving. The first sharp pain catches me as I get settled in the back seat. “Oh.”

All three sets of eyes snap to me, waiting on bated breath. Thane growls. “Get to the hospital now, Saxon.”

Saxon startles at the demand but gently puts the vehicle in gear. It only takes a few moments, and we’re pulling up to the Maternity entrance. Thane jumps out to open the door and nods at Saxon. He’s first through the door, growling at a woman behind a desk, demanding a wheelchair.

“I’m fine, Thane. Women have babies every day.”

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