Page 52 of Bought By the Bratva

Feeling a smile touching my lips, I replied very softly. “I don’t have any pets, nor do I have a car. I prefer to bathe. I enjoy pasta more and like watching movies.”

Abram grinned as he stared at me. Moving around the table, he came closer as he spoke. “I’m truly sorry for how things ended.” Placing his hand on my shoulder he continued in a lower tone. “I didn’t intend on double-crossing you.”

Staring into his eyes, I felt my heart rate increasing. He was a gentle soul, and I knew he could be stubborn. But he was also forgiving. “No,” I replied, lowering my head. “I’m the one that double-crossed you. I’m sorry it wasn’t my intention. It wasn’t right of me.”

Abram wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer. He lowered his head against mine as he whispered. “I promise that I will never hurt you in any way ever again.”

Nodding slightly, I swallowed the mountain, pushing up my throat. Abram took my face in his hands and gently lifted my head. “Nadia,” he whispered. “I love you. I have for some time. But I didn’t want to force you. I still don’t so if you don’t feel the same, please tell me now.”

I felt the first tear strolling down my cheek as I breathed in deeply. “Abram,” I whispered back. “I love you too. I thought you might not love me. But my feelings for you have grown immensely. I am so sorry for all the pain I’ve caused.”

Abram pulled me into his arms, laughing. He hugged me so tightly. It felt like he was trying to crack every bone in my body. Pushing back gently, I looked into his eyes, feeling all the strain and worry dissipating. He kissed me before standing and holding out his hand.

“Let’s go home if you want?” he said.

Taking his hand, I nodded as I replied. “Oh, yes. I just have to collect my things and say goodbye.”

“Say your goodbyes. I will have someone collect your belongings,” he replied, letting go of my hand.

“No, I want to do it, please,” I added, squeezing his arm.

Abram nodded and headed to the door. Walking to Emma, I hugged her tightly as my tears flowed. “Thank you for everything,” I said. Her hug was warm and comforting, almost like a mother’s.

Emma smiled at me as she spoke. “As long as ya found happiness.”

Looking back at Abram, I nodded. “Thank you again,” I added before walking to join Abram. He took me to my small abode and waited patiently for me to gather my things. Pulling the door closed on this chapter of my life was a relief.

Chapter 27 - Abram

What a year it’s been. Watching Nadia sipping her tea, I smiled. We had endured so much. For now, the Chernykhs are quiet. We had disrupted their operations thoroughly. Rebuilding would take them a while.

If we were lucky, they would be out of our lives for a year or two. This would give us enough time to grow strong enough that they wouldn’t even consider coming for us again.

Tasha had warned me to keep an eye out for Nadia’s cousins, though. They were secretly reaching out to her from time to time. Yet, they didn’t know us. Tasha knew everything and kept me in the loop.

They only wanted to make sure she was doing good. But I was relieved that Nadia kept them at bay on her own. I was sure she was still feeling the aftereffects of their neglect. She needed time to heal, and I stood behind her choices. She had to protect herself. I was proud of the woman she had become.

She smiled at me as she came in with the baby. “Time for a bath and then nighty night,” she said.

I walked with her to the baby's room. As we entered, our nanny had just finished filling the tub with lukewarm water. “Thank you, Casandra,” Nadia said as she left the room. Even though I had hired a nanny to assist, Nadia still did most of the caring.

She laid the precious little thing on the table beside the bath. Once the baby was undressed, he had a quick wash and rinse. Hearing him laugh made me happy. “Oh, yes, you like the water,” Nadia said, speaking to our son.

I could sit for hours watching her care for him. Our lives had come together nicely. Nadia dried and dressed the little man. As she turned, heading to the rocking chair, I moved in. “Here, let me,” I said, reaching out. “You go rest; you do so much.”

Nadia grinned at me but didn’t fight as I took him from her. Holding my shoulder, she stood up on her toes to kiss my cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered before leaving.

Sitting down in the rocker, I took the bottle from the nightstand. “Here you go, little man,” I said as I gently placed the bottle in his sweet little mouth. I watched him as I rocked back and forth. It didn’t take long for his eyes to close.

After another couple of minutes, I felt sure he was sleeping. I slowly got up and placed him in the crib with his bottle. “Sleep tight,” I whispered, pulling the blanket over him. I turned on the night light and ensured the baby monitor was working before I left.

I thought Nadia would be sleeping by the time I got to bed. Sneaking into our room, I almost had a heart attack as she spoke. “Is he okay?”

“Yes, all is fine,” I replied, getting in next to her. Turning on my side, I looked at the beautiful woman lying in my bed. I felt sure that I was the luckiest man on earth. “Nadia,” I whispered as I caressed her cheek. “I love you more than words could ever portray. I want you to know that I feel truly blessed to have you in my life. I also want to thank you for coming back and staying with me.”

Her tender smile melted my heart as she leaned closer. “It is me who must thank you,” she whispered, kissing me softly.

I pulled back, grinning at her. Nadia swiftly came closer, kissing me again. This time it lasted longer and had a lot moreintensity. I felt her shifting closer as our lips locked. Nadia lifted herself onto one arm. This way, she was a bit higher than me. She was kissing my eyes, cheeks, lips, and nose.

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