Page 70 of Innocently Captured By the Bratva

In a flash, Charlie reaches for his gun, but Mark is faster. With a swift, fluid motion, Mark draws his own weapon and fires, the sound deafening in the confined space of the alley.

I gasp, my hands instinctively covering my ears as Charlie crumples to the ground, a crimson stain spreading across his chest. Mark stands over him, his gun still trained on Charlie's motionless form, his expression impassive.

“Holy shit,” I whisper, my voice trembling. I can't tear my eyes away from the gruesome scene before me, the reality of Mark's world hitting me with full force.

Mark lowers his gun and turns to me, his gaze softening as he opens the car door and helps me out. “Are you okay, Quinn?” He reaches out, his hand gently cupping my cheek, his touch a stark contrast to the violence that just transpired.

I nod, leaning into his touch, seeking comfort in his presence. “I'm fine, just shaken up.”

Mark pulls me into his arms, his embrace strong and reassuring. “I'm sorry you had to see that, but I couldn't let him hurt you or Lara.”

As I cling to Mark, I hear the sound of approaching footsteps. Mark's brothers emerge from the shadows, their expressions grim as they take in the scene before them.

“We'll handle this, Mark,” Abram says, gesturing to Charlie's body. “You take care of Quinn.”

Mark nods, his arm tightening around my waist. “Thank you, brothers. Make sure it's clean.”

I watch as Mark's brothers efficiently set to work, removing any trace of the confrontation with Lara, calling the Orlovs for help, covering up this situation with the cops, should someone have called them.

Mark leads me away from the chaos, his hand firmly grasping mine as we make our way to a dimly lit alley. The fear still coursing through my veins makes my heart race. We reach a quiet corner, and Mark turns to face me, his hands cupping my cheeks.

“Are you sure you're okay, Quinn?” he asks gently.

I nod, trying to steady my breathing. “I am now, thanks to you. One moment, we were going shopping for the baby, and the next…” My voice falters, and my gaze locks with his. But why did you come? How did you know we were in trouble?”

Mark sighs, running a hand through his short black hair. “We've been tracking Charlie for a while now. I had a feeling he might try something, so I had my men keep an eye out.” He takes a step closer. “I couldn't let anything happen to you, Quinn. Not when I...”

He trails off, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his chiseled features. I tilt my head, curiosity mingling with the unexpected flutter in my chest. “When you what, Mark?”

A wry smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “When I love you.”

“Oh Mark,” I step closer just as he extends his arms out, only for me to rush into them. I bury my head in his chest and instantly feel safe. “I love you too.”

He kisses the top of my head. “I could never get tired of that, you know?”

“I feel the exact same way,” I say, closing my eyes as I break off into a blissful smile.

“Hey, Quinn?” he murmurs against my hair.

“Mm-hmm…”

“If you’re not too tired, have dinner with me tonight?”

“You don’t have to ask twice.”

***

Later that night, I look over myself in the mirror one last time and smooth out my dress. I grab the pearl clutch from my dressing table and pull half my hair back with it, leaving the rest to flow freely over my shoulders.

I put on some light rose blush, add some pearl earrings, and put on my heels. With my purse slung over my shoulder, I’m ready to go.

It’s been a while since Mark and I spent some quality time together, and tonight’s dinner has me excited for all the right reasons.

I move downstairs and find Mark waiting for me. Just when I reach down, he turns at the landing and looks up at me with a smile, and one hand extends out to take mine. I catch my breath, momentarily lost in the movement ofhim.Tonight, he looks picture perfect in that coat and tie, his hair swept back just right, his eyes smoldering in my direction in a way that tells me I dressed right.

Together, we walk out of the house, but to my surprise, there’s no car. I look up at him only to see him jerk to his right, asking me to follow.

Wordlessly, we walk the paved path until we enter through a flower-ridden garden arch and find ourselves in a tiny alcove. My eyes run in every direction, noticing the candles laid out across the pathways, the twinkling fairy lights strung over bushes and plants, gorgeous white lanterns hanging down trees. And there, right in the center, just aligned with the fountain, is a gorgeous white table laid out for two, with champagne waiting on ice.

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