Page 79 of Wicked Vows (Suvorov Bratva 2)

Conflict has been around every single corner ever since we met. The opportunity to end that conflict is within our grasp. Why shouldn’t I take it?

Why shouldn’t I do everything I can to get this stupid war over with?

To do what’s necessary so that I can move on with what I want.

A life with my husband and my child. No more enemies. No more bullshit.

Just us.

The way it’s supposed to be.

I stand abruptly from the bench and walk purposefully back the way I came. I grab my cardigan, punch my security code into the door, and make a beeline for the elevator. While the car hums around me, I think about what I need.

And what I need is for Pavel to act.

I know what the choice is for my own selfish heart. Even if I’m not ready to admit it out loud and will it into existence.

The elevator beeps to announce my arrival. My heart thuds as I slide into the hallway and head for the door, fully aware of what could happen as a result of this decision.

Blood. Death. And God knows how many empty chairs at dinner tables when the dust settles.

It’s the worst possible decision.

One unspeakable act to get what I want is forgivable, right?

My heartbeat quickens as I reach for the doorknob.

It’s not selfish.

I twist the knob.

It’s for my family. It can’t be selfish if it’s for my family.

I push the door open.

I’ve already killedmybrother.

I step into the foyer.

What will it matter if I kill other people? Am I not allowed to want what I want?

I know very well what I’m choosing when I walk into the living room and search for my husband. He’s nowhere in sight, but I know he’s nearby. I sense him just like I sense the life growing in my belly.

Is this how it starts?

My hand instinctively covers my stomach. It’s an uncontrollable response at this point. When Sharp threatened me, I ran right back inside and sent Willow home with an armed brigadier and then instructed Viktoria to call Pavel immediately.

It was the right thing to do.

And what I’m about to do is also the right thing to do.

I frown while rubbing my shoulder.At least I hope so.

After fixing my wind-blown hair, I drift toward the hallway, moving my hand to my heart to keep it from flying out of my chest. Of all the hard decisions we’ve made, this one feels more alarming.

Because there’s just so much to consider along with it.

It’s not just taking out the bad guy. It’s aiming properly. It’s beingintentionalabout every single step. More time would provide us with more coverage.

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