Page 17 of Impregnated By the Bratva

“Grace,” I said through the door as I knocked.

“Come in,” she replied.

As I entered, I started speaking, needing to get her to move. “We are going to be late. We have to leave right…,” As I laid my eyes on her, I swallowed the last couple of words before they could be uttered.

Grace was wearing a soft pink summer dress. Her hair was tied in a messy bun. The leather jacket and black boots she wore gave her a wild look. My mind tried to grasp her innocence combined with the bad girl vibe. My heart raced as I studied her.

“Just getting my bag. I’m done,” she said, turning to face me. She stopped and turned her head to the side as she saw me staring. “Is something wrong? Do I look okay?” she asked, swaying slightly as she looked down. “I wasn’t sure where we were going, so I didn’t know what to put on.”

“You look…,” I started saying, then got distracted by her wide smile.

“I look what?” she enquired, sounding concerned.

“Sorry, my mind was drifting. You look gorgeous,” I added, stepping closer.

“Thank you,” she responded. As she moved past me, I could see her cheeks glowing as she blushed.

I followed her downstairs and out the door. I felt like a lovesick puppy and would rather have stayed home with her. There were many other things I could think of for us to do. But I knew I had to be there for my brother.

Opening the door, I assisted her into my truck before bolting to the other side to get in. I knew the drive wouldn’t be long as the tracks were just out of town, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.

“Where are we going?” she asked as we approached the racetrack.

Remembering where we were headed, I sighed softly. I didn’t want to take her there, but had no other option. “We are going to go see Pavel compete,” I responded.

“Oh,” she huffed. “What is he competing in?”

“Don’t worry, I said, grinning. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Driving through the large gates of the track, I heard Grace gasping. “Are we at the races?” she inquired.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, we are,” I replied, smiling.

Grace looked like she was jumping in her seat as she spoke. “This is going to be fun. I’ve never been, so this is new to me. But I’ve always wanted to come.”

I parked next to Pavel’s racing trailer. I didn’t feel comfortable. Pavel having to race for them as a favor is one thing, but I had reluctantly brought Grace. I would have preferred to keep her home or somewhere else. Hell, I would have loved to be somewhere else. But with Vadik out of play, I had to ensure Pavel was safe.

Plus, I couldn’t just leave her somewhere, not while she was in danger. If I did, and the enemy happened to find her, who knew what they would do? With her by my side, I knew she was safe.

Taking her hand, I led her up the stands to the private box the Chernykhs owned. Moving through the crowds, I noticed her studying everything with awe. Pulling her closer, I whispered. “Have you ever been to a race?”

“No,” she replied eagerly.

I watched her as we moved up and entered the booth. Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile. It was like watching a child on Christmas morning. There were more guards outside the booth than usual. I greeted them as they parted for us to enter.

Stepping inside, I saw the brothers in one corner and their sisters in the other. Between and behind them were tables with an assortment of food and drinks. To our side was a small bar for those who wanted something stronger than juice or soda.

Misha turned and spotted us. She waved for us to join them. I knew that Iosif and Avgust would want to meet Grace, but I couldn’t be rude. As we got closer, she greeted me in a friendly tone. “Makari, it's been a long time since we last saw you.”

Smiling, I replied and introduced them to Grace. “Yes, it’s been a minute. But you know your brothers keep me on my toes. This is Grace.”

Misha got up, extending her hand. “Hi, Grace, pleased to meet you, I’m Misha,” she said.

Grace took the hand that was offered and shook lightly as she replied. “Good to meet you, Misha.”

Zhenya also got up and shook hands with grace. “I’m Zhenya, and this,” she turned, pointing at the youngest sister as she continued. “This is Elisse.”

I waited for Grace to shake hands with Elisse as well before interrupting. “If you girls don’t mind excusing us, I would like to introduce her to your brothers. But I promise we will be right back, okay?”

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