Page 60 of Secret Bratva Baby
“Do you know that I am an expert pancake chef?”
“Pancake?” Lily asks, confused.
“Pancakes, baby. Remember the ones you like with syrup?”
“Oooooooh.” Lily wiggles happily.
“Do you want to help me make some?” I ask her.
She pushes away from me, slides off the bed, and bolts out the door.
I glance at Rose, confused.
“Did I say something wrong?” I ask.
“No, she’s already in the kitchen waiting for you,” she laughs.
“Oh.” I laugh too, throwing the blankets off to catch up with her.
Chapter 16 - Rose
When I go to work with Luka one morning, I’m wearing jeans and a tight-fitted black long-sleeve top. I still look professional and neat, but Luka insisted I dress more comfortably this time because he’s taking me to one of his warehouses.
I’m excited and watching eagerly out of the car window as we pull into the parking area outside the warehouse.
He laughs at me, amused by my enthusiasm.
“I’ve never seen someone so happy to see a warehouse,” he teases me.
“It’s more thanjust a warehouse,though,” I say, defensive. “I get to learn more about how things work and see different sides of it.”
I narrow my eyes at him, and he nods. “I know. But you’re cute.” He grins.
“We’ve already spoken about this,” I warn him, lifting my chin, throwing him a threatening glare.
“Yes, yes—cute and dangerous,” he nods, lifting his hands in defense.
“Exactly,” I mutter, climbing out of the car, grinning.
We’re getting on so well lately. It’s been amazing.
I keep telling myself to be careful of what my heart thinks is happening. It’s not so easy, though. No matter how many times I warn myself that he probably doesn’t feel the same way I do—that he’s only doing all of this to keep Lily and me safe, as a duty of sorts—I can’t help but have hope that it’s something more.
Luka gestures for me to follow him.
I walk at his side towards the wide corrugated doors. Today isn’t about emotions, Rose. It’s about finding a way to make a living. So that when this is over, you can take care of your little girl.
Stepping into the warehouse is intimidating, and I have to pause for a second to take it all in.
Men shout orders and confirmations to each other across the wide space. Forklifts carry crates, and trucks beep as they reverse into loading areas. Somewhere in the back of the warehouse, someone is welding, and sparks are flying from the metal.
“You okay?” Luka asks, sensing my hesitation.
“Of course.” I smile, pushing my shoulders back. “It’s loud in here,” I remark.
He nods. “And this is actually a calm day. You should see it when we have shipments to get out in a hurry. It’s organized chaos. Gets way louder,” he shouts over the sound of a reversing forklift.
We wait until the guy has moved away before we walk further in. Luka’s employees greet him happily, waving and shouting hello. Luka smiles and waves back.
