Page 45 of Bratva Hunter

The redhead waves. “Hi. I’m Scarlet.” She motions to the brother next to her. “This is Thane.”

I nod. “Rosa.”

“Oh, I know. We’ve heard all about you. Welcome.”

The baby fusses in the other room before Isabella can sit. “Sorry. He’s hungry.”

Roric’s father, who has sat silent like a gargoyle, speaks. “He’s always hungry.”

His voice startles me as Roric leads me to a seat across the table from the beautiful couple and sits down next to me. “Relax.”

His voice grates on my nerves. It’s been three days since we got married, and I’m still pissed. Tomorrow we’re leaving for Texas. I’m hoping the change of location will give me a chance to get out of this marriage of convenience.

Cynric sits at the far end of the table. “While my wife is attending to our son, I’ll make introductions. On my left is my youngest brother, Saxon. Next to him is Scarlet, then Thane. On the other side of him is Dr. Kovalev. Taking up the spot before our pakhan is the only non-family enforcer at the table, Nicolai. My father sits at the head of the table, like he does without family.” The older man nods. He’s as tatted as his sons, but with longer hair pulled back in a leather tie. Cynric continues. “Fingers sits next to Papa with Wystan, my fourth brother on his left. Roric, my third brother and his wife, Rosa, complete our dozen.”

Roric stretches his arm around my chair. “I can help you if you forget who everyone is.”

I roll my eyes, catching his father’s smirk. “When do you two leave for Texas?”

Roric straightens in his seat. “Tomorrow morning.”

His father nods. “Why Dallas?”

I interrupt Roric. “My grandparents live in Dallas.”

The imposing man purses his lips, and the other table conversations end. “Why didn’t you go to them when Arturo was pursuing you?”

“I didn’t want to bring trouble to them. I should have asked for help.”

“Family is always there for you when you need help. You’re part of our family now. You and my grandchild.”

Did his words veil a threat, or am I just paranoid? I can’t dwell on the answer as Isabella comes to the table with a baby nursing at her breast. She sits down next to her man as he squeezes herhand. It’s obvious the brothers love their women. My heart aches to go back in time.

RORIC

I stroke my cock up and down, finishing my less-than-stellar orgasm. Fuck. I didn’t expect to spend my wedding night alone in my king-sized bed, but this is night number three and my hand isn’t doing what I need. I grab the shower wand off the wall. Who can blame my new bride? I fucked up, and I’ll be lucky if she ever comes to my bed. I rinse off the mess with the shower wand. My hands itch to hold her. We’re seeing the doctor for a pregnancy check before we catch our flight.

A half hour into the appointment, after blood and urine tests, the technician enters the room. “Hi. I’m Sydney. We’re going to do a vaginal ultrasound to check on the pregnancy.” She motions at Rosa. “Skooch down to the end of the table.” She gloves her hands and lifts the long, cylindrical transducer from the machine and slides on a plastic sleeve.

My mind wanders to the shower and my feeble attempt to find release as the tech asks Rosa questions. My attention returns to the moment, as the tech gasps. “Well. There’s two.”

“Two?” I pivot my gaze to the screen as she points.

“Baby One. Baby Two.”

“Shit.” I can’t help the beaming smile that fills my face. “Oh. Wow.”

I kiss Rosa’s forehead as she studies the screen. “Does everything look okay?”

The tech nods. “The doctor is seeing the images in real time. She’ll come in and talk to you as soon as I finish my scan.”

Sydney removes the plastic cover from the transducer and sets it in the holder as the door opens. The female doctor my sister-in-law knows steps into the room. She sits down on the stool. “Twins.” She beams. “Everything looks good. We’re going to see you a little more often than we would if you were pregnant with just one.” She stares at the two of us. I’m sure she’s used to shock, but I’m overwhelmed.

Squeezing Rosa’s hand, I nod at the doctor. “Is there anything we need to do?”

Shaking her head, she focuses on us. “No. No restrictions.” She nods to Rosa. “Eat multiple small meals during the day and get more rest than you typically do. Don’t start any new activities without clearing it with me.” She purses her lips. “Questions?”

We both shake our heads as she stands. “Congratulations.”

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