Page 67 of Innocently Captured By the Bratva

I give him a nod of gratitude. With Charlie gone, the threat to Quinn and my family diminishes. But I can't let my guard down completely.

“Good to hear,” I say, uncrossing my arms. “But I'll be keeping an eye on things, just to be sure.”

Maksim's eyes narrow. “You don't trust me, Zolotov?”

I meet his gaze unflinchingly. “Trust is earned, Letvin. I'll have my people watching, making sure Charlie doesn't try anything.”

“Do what you must,” Maksim shrugs. “But know that the Bratva stands united now. Charlie's days of causing trouble are over.”

I nod, my mind already racing with plans. I'll need to send out spies, gather intelligence. I can't risk Charlie resurfacing and targeting those I love. Quinn's safety is my top priority, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure it.

“We're done here then,” I say, turning to leave. “Keep your house in order, Maksim. I won't hesitate to step in if needed.”

Just as I’m about to exit, I turn around. “But, Gavril and your help will always be remembered. Do reach out if we can ever return the favor.”

***

I return home, my thoughts still consumed by the need to keep Quinn safe. As I enter our bedroom, I find her sitting on the edge of the bed, her face pale and her eyes unfocused. A wave of concern washes over me, and I rush to her side.

“Quinn, what's wrong?” I ask, my voice tight with worry. I cradle her face in my hands, searching her eyes for answers. “Are you feeling ill?”

She looks up at me, managing a weak smile. “I'm just a little dizzy, that's all.”

But I'm not convinced. The sight of her looking so fragile sends a jolt of panic through me. “We need to get you to the hospital, now,” I insist, already reaching for my phone. “I'll call for the car.”

Quinn places her hand on mine, stopping me. “Mark, it's okay,” she says softly. “I don't need the hospital.”

“But you're not well,” I argue, my brow furrowed with concern. “I can't just sit by and do nothing.”

She takes a deep breath, her smile growing a little stronger. “It's just morning sickness, Mark. It's perfectly normal.”

Relief washes over me, followed by a twinge of embarrassment. Of course, it’s about the pregnancy. I shouldhave seen that coming. I sink down onto the bed beside her, pulling her into my arms. “I'm sorry, I overreacted,” I murmur into her hair. “I just worry about you, about both of you.”

Quinn leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder. “I know you do, and I love you for it. But you don't need to panic every time I feel a little off. We're going to be just fine.”

I nod, holding her closer. The thought of anything happening to her or our unborn child terrifies me. But I know I need to trust her; she knows her body best. “You're right,” I say, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I'll try to relax, I promise.”

She looks up at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Good, because I'm going to need you to be the calm one when I'm dealing with swollen ankles and weird cravings.”

I chuckle, the tension easing from my body. “I think I can handle that,” I assure her. “As long as you promise to tell me if anything doesn't feel right, okay?”

“Deal,” she agrees, her eyes locked on mine. A gentle smile graces her lips as she moves closer to me. I’m drawn to her like a moth to a flame. I lean in, taking her lips in a soft kiss. The instant our lips touch, a surge of electricity courses through my body, igniting every nerve ending. I feel alive, my hunger for her intensifying with every passing second.

My hands explore her curves, reveling in the softness of her skin beneath the delicate fabric of her dress. I hold her cheek, my thumb brushing below her chin as I deepen the kiss. Quinn reciprocates with equal passion, her fingers twisting in my hair as she presses herself closer to me.

The urgency between us builds as I gently slide my hand beneath her neck and pull her down, laying her back on the bed with her feet still planted on the ground. I get off her, and she protests, “Mark!”

I get down on the floor and slide my hands up her legs, savoring the smooth expanse of her thighs. She shivers and trembles when my fingers clutch the hem of her dress, inching it higher as I graze the sides of her breasts. With deliberate slowness, I slip the dress off her body, rising with my movements, revealing her naked form beneath.

I stand above her, drinking in her beauty. Quinn's strawberry-blonde hair fans out on the bed, framing her face like a halo. Her skin glows with an ethereal light, and her body is shaped like an instrument to be played. “You are so beautiful,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. “You are the sexiest woman alive.”

Quinn blushes, a delicate pink spreading across her cheeks as she looks up at me. She touches her belly, a small smile playing on her lips. “I'll be showing soon,” she murmurs, a hint of vulnerability in her tone.

I shake my head, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “You'll be all the more beautiful then,” I assure her, my hand covering hers on her stomach. “You're carrying our child, Quinn. There's nothing more incredible than that.”

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears, and gets on her forearms, reaching for my shirt. Gently, I push her down by her shoulders. “You’re working hard enough giving me a baby,” I insist and stand up straight to quickly shed down to nothing but my boxers.

I watch her watch me and feel a flicker of pride as she bites her lower lip at the sight of my chiseled muscles.

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