Page 13 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Stuffing them into a bag next to the closet, I glanced around. I couldn’t think of anything else I might need. Makari stood by the door. “Are you done?” he enquired as I neared him.

“I think so,” I replied hesitantly.

Moving back out to the truck, Makari kept glancing around as if searching for someone. But I knew he did it to keep us safe. He placed my bags in the back, assisted me, and closed my door.

He was telling the truth; I could see it in his eyes, and his voice was sincere. I didn’t know why he would care about me or my safety, but I was grateful that he did. As he pulled away, I glanced back, still a bit in shock. How could something I witnessed, like the shooting, be so important to so many different people?

My life had crumbled and smashed to pieces by seeing what I did. Everything was a mess now, and I didn’t know what I was going to do. How was I going to fix it? Would I ever be able to return to a normal life?

Chapter 7 - Makari

We drove home in silence. Grace studied our surroundings without even looking at me once. I wished I knew what she was thinking. Pavel wouldn’t like having her here, but it was the only way.

Pulling up to the house, I stopped in my usual place. Turning to Grace, I spoke tenderly. “I live here with my brother. I will introduce you to him once we go inside. I have to ask you to excuse his manners. He can be a little paranoid at times and doesn’t like strangers. But give him a chance. He will come around.”

She smiled at me, once again lighting up the world. Getting out, I bounced around to her side and opened the door. Holding out my hand, I spoke in a light tone. “My lady.”

Grace laughed as she took my hand and hopped out. Turning to head in, I saw Pavel standing in the door. He had one hand on his hip and the other on the door. His expression spoke to me even before we got to him.

If he didn’t behave, I would put him in his place, I thought as we walked over. Stepping up to him, I gave him a warning look as I spoke. “Pavel, this is Grace.” Turning to her, I smiled. “Grace, this is my brother Pavel.”

Pavel stepped back into the house, holding the door open. Walking past him, we entered the small entrance hall. I spoke as I placed my arm around Grace. “Let’s sit in the lounge.” I held her close as I led the way. Pavel was on our heels, following like a new puppy.

Entering the lounge, I waved my hand at one of the double couches. “Have a seat,” I said, looking at Grace. “Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you,” she said, sitting down.

I noticed Pavel stopping in the doorway as I sat next to Grace. He didn’t sit down with us. Hell, no, he didn’t even bother to enter properly. I studied his composure as he leaned against the doorframe.

He folded his arms across his chest, clearly distancing himself from the situation. Feeling irritated, I pushed the anger, trying to surge through me. I would handle him later. For now, my priority was Grace.

“Okay,” I said, clearing my throat and looking at Pavel. “This is the deal. We’ll protect Grace until the problem is solved, and in return, she’ll assist in identifying the man from the docks.”

“Is that fine?” I continued, turning my attention to Grace.

She was thinking about it as she bit her lower lip before pushing a hand through her hair. She was so attractive, I had to swallow the spit accumulating in my mouth.

“Grace?” I asked softly. “Do you agree? Will you help us to identify the man you saw in exchange for our protection?”

She glanced at Pavel before turning to me. “Sure, I can do that,” she said.

“Excuse me,” Pavel spat from the door. “Can I see you in private, please?” As I rose, he turned and walked out.

“I’ll be right back,” I said to Grace, tapping her hand. Smiling, I walked out and quickly joined Pavel in the entrance hall.

He stood with his arms folded across his chest. As I reached him, he started going off. “How dare you bring her here? You know this is a big mistake, right?”

“No,” I replied, standing my ground. “This is a good, solid plan.” Taking Pavel by the shoulder, I tightened my grip. “This will work!” I insisted.

He shrugged off my hand. Pavel turned. He pushed his hands through his hair as he walked away. “Pavel,” I called after him.

He stopped, turned, and glared at me. I could see he was not convinced as he raised his brows. “You have no idea what you’re doing. Stop thinking with your small brain, brother,” he said sulkily.

“No, I do know what I’m doing,” I spat back. “This will work. Once we have completed this successfully, the Chernykhs will have to afford us some breathing space. This is a good, solid plan. Why don’t you believe me?” I huffed, stomping my foot on the ground.

Having said all I wanted to, I turned and headed back to Grace. I found her staring out the window. Carefully, I neared her. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I spoke softly. “Grace, are you okay?”

She didn’t turn or look at me. She simply nodded as she whispered. “Yes, thank you.”

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