Page 27 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

I shut my eyes as she moves, rolling off the couch. My body is cold where she is no longer touching me. I want her back. I want her against me. I want to taste the sweet rose flavor of her skin.

“Where?” she asks, her voice traced with—is that regret? Why regret?

“Somewhere to make sure you stay safe. No one will ever touch you again, Jade. I promise.” This is all I can tell her. She won’t come willingly if she knows what I have planned. And this is the best way to keep her safe.

Jade stands there looking down at me as I push myself into a sitting position, wincing, but happy that it isn’t as bad as I expected it to be.

“It’s not too deep,” she says. “The cut. I don’t know how much you remember from last night. You were a little out of it.”

I chuckle. “I remember the staples.”

She grins at me, a beautiful smile that makes my heart flicker in strange ways.

“Ok, where are we going?”

“To the courthouse. There is someone I know there who can help us.”

“Can I shower? Is there a change of clothes here for me?”

“Of course, let me show you.” I groan a little as I stand up, stretching my back and moving from side to side to test the pain levels. “It’s not bad at all,” I say in relief.

“You should take some Tylenol or something, though. It’ll help with the swelling and the pain.” She reaches into the bag and hands me a bottle of pills. “Thanks, nurse Jade.” I smirk. “Have you got the outfit?”

“You wish.” She giggles, her cheeks flushing pink, then she turns away from me and walks towards the passage.

“You can hop in the shower. I’ll find some clothes and leave them for you.”

“Thanks,” she replies.

While she’s busy, I message my contact and let him know I am on the way to see him and what needs to happen so he can get everything ready.

When we are both showered, dressed and looking a lot fresher and more awake we climb back into the car and leave the safe house.

On the way to the courthouse, a private, small place used for specific situations, like this one, I stop and grab us each a take away coffee and a box of croissants. I’m starving. Losing blood is a tiring affair.

Jade sits in the passenger seat and pulls the lid of the box open, giggling at the sight of twelve chocolate croissants. “Hungry?” she teases me, handing me one to eat while I drive.

“I might stop and get more on the way home. I could eat three boxes right now.” I laugh.

The drive to the courthouse is relaxed, but I imagine it’s not going to be the same on the way home. I hope she understands.

Jade eats two croissants and I finish the rest by the time we park outside the small, old building. Right away you can tell it’s a courthouse. They just have that vibe about them.

We climb out and she walks close me as we hurry up the steps and in through the wide glass doors.

“Here to see Jethro,” I say to the blonde receptionist, who nods and picks up her phone.

“Your client has arrived,” she says into the receiver.

She hangs up and smiles at me. “You can go through.”

Jade follows close behind as we walk through the echoing corridor and into Jethro’s office.

He stands up, holds out his hand to shake mine and greets us both warmly.

“Radmir, so good to see you. It’s been a while.”

“You too. This is Jade.” I gesture towards her, standing to the side.

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