Page 82 of The Russian Pakhan's Forced Bride
After a long stretch of deafening silence, Roman finally murmurs, “No…”
Maxim’s tone comes out incredulous. “No? That’s all? You’re going to give up your wife just like that.”
“No,” he repeats, eyes sharp with such a deadly focus, it sends a shiver down my spine. “I’m not going to give you what you want…and you’re going to give my wife back.”
I don’t know what it is about those words, but something shifts inside me.
Roman has every opportunity to be done with me. To sever those ties and close the chapter on us for the sake of everything he has built.
But instead, he won’t do it. He won’t give me up, and he won’t appease Maxim, either.
Despite the danger, he’s willing to put his own siblings in harm’s way…he’s willing to do it all for me and the baby.
Unlike Maxim, he wants me in his life—needs me. That much is abundantly clear.
I spent far too long questioning what I wanted or how I could navigate the hand I’d been given.
But seeing him there,…feeling how willing Roman is to do all of this for me, I already know.
Heart racing from the panic that has been steadily rising since the moment I opened my eyes again, I pull in a discreet breath, trying to find a resolve similar to Roman’s. To embody his levelheadedness despite it all.
I may have lived through a childhood that left its scars, then tried to forge my way, all for it to come to a halt. I resented him for it…I wanted to get away from Roman more than anything.
But none of that matters anymore. Not while I know he will provide everything I’ve ever wanted and more.
When he can prevent our child from experiencing something similar to what we did. It took me too long to realize, and now it’s all crystal clear.
A disbelieving laugh comes from Maxim as he hauls me up to my feet by my hair, making me wince and wobble on unsteady legs.
“You think I’m going to give her back just like that? You think the scales are at all tipped in your favor?” His words come out scathing as he points his gun at Roman. “After all of this…after finally getting you right where I want you…you expect to walk out of this on top?”
Roman doesn’t flinch.
Seeing the opportunity right in front of me, I turn, wrenching out of his grasp before he has the chance to realize it.
Opening my mouth, I sink my teeth into his gun arm and bite hard.
Immediately, Maxim’s brows furrow as the pain registers, and he pulls in a sharp breath. He instinctively tries to free his arm, making me let go.
In a blink, it all happens so quickly.
Ducking down, I close my eyes and hope for the best.
Several shots ring out at once, echoing and stinging even more. Then, one by one, bodies hit the floor.
Time drags on, crawling as if it has nowhere to be. I pull in shallow breaths, vaguely feeling my body through the fog still clinging to my mind.
Then I feel hands on me. Trembling faintly, but still strong enough to prevent me from falling over.
Blinking through the shock of it all, I meet Roman’s stormy eyes, seeing the concern and relief there.
“Victoria…” he murmurs, eyes raking over me, checking for wounds before he cups my jaw, keeping me in place. “Are you hurt?”
Everything seems to register at once. I’m still breathing. Roman is in front of me…holding me. We’re both safe.
Weakly, I shake my head, feeling that rush of overwhelming emotions hit me all at once. “No, I’m fine...”
More relief moves through his eyes, and Roman sighs before wrapping his arms around me and keeping me close to his chest.
