Page 86 of Bratva Brother’s Bride

The words hang in the air between us. I don’t know what to say to them, so I say nothing.

Roman pushes his plate aside and turns to face me fully. His expression is serious, but there’s something softer there, too. Something I haven’t seen before.

“I’ve been thinking,” he says. “About the baby.”

“And?”

He takes a breath. “I don’t want you thinking this changes why I’m here. I didn’t marry you because I had to, and I’m not staying because I feel obligated.”

I blink at him. “Then why are you staying?”

“Because I want to.” His hand finds mine, his fingers intertwining with my own. “When I picture my future, you’re in it. Both of you.”

My throat tightens. “I wish it was that easy.”

“It can be.” He squeezes my hand. “You belong with me, and so does this baby. I’ll protect both of you with everything I have, even if it means killing everyone in my path.”

I want to argue. I want to tell him that nothing is simple, that Konstantin and Anton won’t just let us walk away. The words die on my lips when I see the look in his eyes.

He means it. Every word.

“I was scared,” I admit quietly. “When I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified. I thought you’d see it as a complication, or a burden.”

Roman’s expression shifts. “A burden?”

“I didn’t tell you right away,” I say, the words tumbling out. “I took a test, and I hid it from you. I was going to wait and figure out what to say, but then everything happened so fast...”

“Vera.” His voice is gentle but firm. “Look at me.”

I raise my eyes to his.

“I’m not angry,” he says. “I need you to understand something.” He leans closer, his forehead almost touching mine. “This child is not a burden. It’s a gift. Something I never thought I’d have.”

“You wanted children?”

“I never thought about it,” he admits. “Not until you. Now I want it so badly it fucking terrifies me.”

My eyes sting with tears. “You’re going to be a good father, Roman.”

He kisses my forehead. “We’re going to be okay,” he says. “I promise.”

I want to believe him. I want to believe that we can build a life together, that our child will grow up safe and loved. But the fear still lingers, a shadow at the edge of my thoughts.

“What if Konstantin tries to take the baby?” I ask, the question slipping out before I can stop it. “What if he tries to claim it for the family, or use it as leverage?”

Roman’s expression hardens. “He won’t.”

“But if he⁠—”

“He won’t.” His voice is steel. “I’ll kill him before I let him touch either of you.”

I lean into him, resting my head against his chest. His arm wraps around me, pulling me closer.

“We should get some sleep,” he says after a while.

I nod, but I don’t move. I’m not ready to let go of this moment yet.

Roman must sense it, because he doesn’t push. He just holds me, his hand tracing lazy patterns on my back.