Page 88 of Trapped By the Bratva

After the dust settled with Avilov’s capture and Kastava’s death, we listed the pros and cons of the properties we toured and chose one.

It seemed that my fiancé planned to keep my belly full with a baby for a long while because I wasn’t sure how we’d fill all those rooms with just the three of us right now.

I failed, though, because when I showed him all that we’d have delivered, he insisted that I go “all out”. Another day of shopping showed me that he literally expected me to splurge.

“Housewarming, too,” Nadia added.

I sighed. “I’ll be so tired from the move.”

Becca laughed. “You won’t lift a thing.”

Mila smiled. “Yeah. You’ve got the whole Bratva to help you get settled.”

“Don’t forget the bachelorette party,” Margie said.

Dmitri and Ivan were combining their bachelor parties by going—of all places—golfing. Even though Ivan had teased about strippers and dancers, both men decided to keep it tame. After all, Becca and I were pregnant, and they wanted to be near in case we needed them.

“I can’t wait,” Mila gushed. “I’ve never been to one.”

“Me neither,” Nadia said, smiling easier.

Because you were both expected to be forced into marriage?It saddened me that they’d suffered their own trials and hardships in getting to where they were now—happy with their men. But it helped me to understand that despite the troubles, the Valkov men were worth it. Dmitri was worth it.

We planned a simple girls’ night, a pampering spa day and a night of hanging out. It was just what I wanted, and I knew we’d have a relaxing yet fun time.

I glanced at my phone, checking the time. “Shit. I’ve got to go.” Dmitri had a follow-up appointment with the orthopedic surgeon who’d helped him restructure his hand, and I didn’t want to be late.

“So, this one?” Becca asked, holding up the two final dresses.

I pointed at the longer one.

Mila nodded at the boutique’s employee. “We’ll take both.”

“What? No. I?—”

Margie linked her arm with mine. “Let her pamper you.” She patted my hand as she walked toward the door with me. “You deserve it.”

“But it’s not necessary.”

Margie glanced back. “Maybe not. But let Mila have her fun too. I know it’s a lot, your coming into the family and all those women with you now. But they need you too. They’ve all struggled, and this sisterhood you’re all forming is important.” She slid her sunglasses on as we stepped out on the sidewalk. “Besides, they’ve got too much money to spend in one lifetime, thanks to Pavel and Andrey being gone.” She harrumphed in disdain.

I smiled, looking quickly for the guards. It was tricky to remember all their names, but I was getting there. When I first saw Becca out of the blue all those months ago, I’d found it bizarre and so weird that she’d have a bodyguard. Now, I counted on it and appreciated it.

Whatever kept me and my baby safe so we could get back to Dmitri. That was all that mattered. He was my purpose, the one I belonged with, and I grinned wider.

My heart couldn’t expand with any more joy and glee. It’d burst, overflowing.

When I met Dmitri at the house, ready to go to his appointment, I was still happy and smiling.

He kissed me deeply, as he usually did in greeting. “Productive morning?”

I shrugged. “I think I have my dress picked out.”

He took my hand as he led me to the car to go to the hospital. It felt strange, being driven to a bustling place similar to where I used to work so many hours with no end in sight.

“You think?” he teased. “Did you, or didn’t you?”

“I was talked into getting two.”

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