Page 69 of Innocently Captured By the Bratva

“Quinn,” I breathe, cupping her face in my hands. “I love you too. God, I love you so much it terrifies me sometimes.”

Her eyes widen, a beatific smile spreading across her face. “You do?”

“Of course I do, you silly woman,” I tease, even as my eyes mist over. “How could I not? You've turned my world upside down and made me question everything I thought I knew. You’ve turned me into a believer, Quinn. I believe in true love because I know that’s what we have. The only thing I'm absolutely certain of is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Quinn surges forward, capturing my lips in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. When she finally pulls back, her eyesare soft and sweet. “Well, I suppose it's a good thing you knocked me up then, huh? Now you're stuck with me.”

I laugh, a full-bodied, joyous sound that echoes through the room. “Many things scare me, but being stuck with you isn’t one of them, Sweetheart. You and this baby—you're my everything.”

Chapter 27 - Quinn

“Ooh, look at this adorable onesie!” Lara points at a tiny green bodysuit with a smiling turtle embroidered on the front. “I think this would be perfect for our little guy's coming home outfit.”

I smile, picturing a tiny version of Mark dressed in the soft cotton outfit. “It's so adorable! Let's add it to the cart.” I press the ‘add’ button on my phone screen and see the onesie join the growing list of baby items we've chosen. And to think we’re just getting started shopping for more!

Lara scrolls through more options, her eyes lighting up with each new find. “Quinn, you won’t believe how much stuff a tiny human needs! Diapers, wipes, burp cloths, pacifiers...”

“Don't forget the car seat, stroller, and approximately five hundred receiving blankets,” I chuckle, enjoying the easy banter with my new unofficial pregnancy guide. Who would have thought a few months ago that I'd be shopping for baby supplies with the sister of a Russian mob boss?

“You're going to be an amazing mom,” Lara says softly, her hand resting on my growing bump. “This kid is so lucky to have you and Mark.”

Warmth blooms in my chest at her words. “Thanks, Lara. I'm still terrified, but knowing we have you and Dima for support means everything.”

Suddenly, a black van swerves in front of us, tires screeching against the pavement. I lurch forward in my seat, barely managing to brace myself against the driver’s seat.

“What the hell?” I cry out, instinctively shielding my stomach as the van blocks our path.

Lara's eyes widen with fear. “Quinn, I think we're being attacked.”

Before I can respond, the van charges toward us again, metal crumpling as it collides with the front of our car. I scream, my heart slamming against my ribs as the impact jolts us violently. The windshield shatters up front, spraying the interior with razor-sharp shards.

“Get down!” the driver shouts as Lara unbuckles her seatbelt and dives to shield me with her body.

The tires squeal as the van reverses. My mind races, frantically searching for an escape route, but we're trapped—playing a sickening game of cat and mouse on the deserted side street.

I prepare for another assault, but it never comes.

Through the cracked windshield, I catch a glimpse of what’s happening. The van door flies open, and a familiar figure storms toward us, his face contorted with rage. Charlie Letvin slams his fist against my window, his eyes wild with fury.

“Open the fucking door, you bitch!” he screams, his voice dripping with venom. “You think you can hide behind Mark forever?”

Lara trembles beside me, her body shielding mine. I reach for her arm, trying to offer some comfort, but my own fear paralyzes me.

Charlie's gaze remains on me, his lips curling into a sneer. “You're just as guilty. Spreading your legs for that Zolotov bastard, thinking he'll protect you.” He laughs, a harsh, grating sound that sends shivers down my spine. “Well, guess what? He can't save you now.”

My heart pounds in my ears, my mind only on one thing. My baby. Please. Don’t harm my baby.

Just as Charlie reaches for his waistband, a sleek black car screeches to a halt behind the van. The door swings open and Lara sits up, letting me straighten, and relief floods through me when I see it’s Mark who emerges.

“Get the fuck away from them, Charlie,” Mark growls, his voice low and dangerous.

Charlie spins around, his hand still hovering near his waistband. “Well, well, if it isn't the man of the hour.” He sneers. “Come to save your whore and sister?”

Mark's jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. “I'm only going to say this once, Charlie. Leave. Now.” He takes a step closer, his body coiled with tension, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Charlie scoffs, his hand twitching near his waistband. “You think you can order me around, Zolotov? This isn't your turf. You don't make the rules here.”

Mark's lips curve into a humorless smile. “I make the rules wherever I go, Letvin. You should know that by now.”

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