Page 51 of Unexpected Bratva Baby

“Now, now, Mikhail, don’t be hasty. Think of your men, your business...and your pretty little redhead.”

My blood runs cold. “What did you say?”

“Oh, did I strike a nerve?” Valdés’ voice drips with false concern. “I’d hate for anything to happen to her. Women can be so...delicate.”

Rage courses through me. “If you so much as look at her, I’ll?—”

“You’ll what?” he interrupts. “Face it, Mikhail. You’re out of your depth. Take the deal or watch everything you love burn.”

The line goes dead, leaving me standing in my kitchen, shaking with fury. I slam my fist into the marble countertop, welcoming the pain that shoots through my hand. I punch the countertop again before breathing deeply, forcing myself to calm down. Valdés is trying to rattle me, to push me into making a mistake. I can’t let him succeed.

I dial Sergei’s number, not caring about the early hour. He answers on the second ring.

“Boss?”

“Sergei, I need you to triple Phoebe’s security detail and get me everything we have on Valdés’ operations. Every safehouse, every front business, and every rat on his payroll. If you’ve already looked somewhere, look again. It’s time we end this.”

“Understood, Boss. What about the peace offer?”

I pause, surprised. “How did you know about that?”

“We intercepted a call between Valdés and one of his lieutenants. He was bragging about how he was going to bring you to heel.”

I smile grimly. “Then he’s in for a rude awakening. Gather the captains. We meet at nightfall.”

Valdés has made his last mistake. By threatening Phoebe, he’s ensured this war will end only one way—with his blood on my hands.

I move to my weapons safe, inputting the code with practiced ease. The door swings open, revealing an arsenal that would make most men tremble. I select a sleek Glock, checking the magazine before tucking it into my shoulder holster.

I prepare for the battle ahead, but my thoughts turn to Phoebe. To our child, growing in her womb. To the future I’m fighting for. That gives me all the motivation I need to end this for good.

The next day,I pace the length of my office, my mind racing with plans and contingencies. The war with Valdés consumes my thoughts, but there’s another battle I’m determined to win—the one for Phoebe’s heart. My phone buzzes with a message from Rodion.

“The renovations are complete.”

It cost a small fortune to make it happen in four days, and to keep the activity discreet so Phoebe didn’t see it on the rare times she ventures from her suite, but it’s come to fruition. I allow myself a small smile. It’s time.

I go to Phoebe’s suite, trying to ignore how nervous I am. Nastya stands guard outside, alert and watchful. “How is she?” I ask.

Her expression softens slightly. “Restless. She’s been pacing like a caged tiger all morning.”

I nod, hardening myself for what’s to come. “I’d like to speak with her.”

Nastya steps aside, and I knock on the door. There’s a pause, then Phoebe’s voice, wary and guarded. “Who is it?”

“It’s Mikhail. May I come in?”

Another pause, longer this time. Finally, she speaks. “Fine.”

I enter the room, immediately drawn to her. She stands by the window, arms crossed, and auburn tresses cascading down her back. Even in her defensive posture, she’s breathtakingly beautiful.

“What do you want?” she asks without turning to face me, her voice cool.

I breathe in deeply to quell the surge of nervous excitement and try to appear poised. “I have something to show you. Will you come with me?”

She turns, eyeing me suspiciously. “Where?”

“It’s a surprise,” I say, offering a small smile. “Please, Phoebe. Give me a chance.”

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