Bratva Boss’ Baby by Winter Sloane
Chapter Twenty-Two
The meeting with his lieutenants had been brief. Most of them sided with Aleksander. They didn’t want Viktor to willingly walk into Goran’s trap. They tried to convince Viktor to wait until they formulated a better plan. He disagreed. His brother didn’t have the luxury of time.
“I’ve already made my decision,” Viktor said. He turned to Aleksander. “How did Fernandez react to my request?”
“The product you requested is already on their way to us,” Aleksander responded. “I’m guessing you have a plan?”
“Yes, but all of you don’t need to worry. I don’t intend on dying soon, but I’ll need to convince Goran I’ve no choice but to play along. I’ll need to go to their headquarters alone.”
“I don’t like this at all, but if your mind’s made up, then let’s go through this reckless plan over again,” Aleksander suggested.
An hour later, Viktor met Fernandez’s man outside the mansion. Fernandez’s delivery guy dropped two heavy black duffel bags of cocaine at Viktor’s feet.
“Fernandez wanted me to ask you what your plans were for these bags,” the messenger said. Viktor inspected him closer. The guy was in his late twenties, dark-haired and slender as a blade, but Viktor recognized him as Fernandez’s youngest son.
“Juan, your father and I have only become allies recently, but he seems to understand me,” Viktor said.
Juan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”
“Tell him I don’t plan to roll over and die. These gifts are my Trojan horse,” he said.
“I will tell him that.” Juan shook his hand, then the young man departed. Viktor called for his car. No driver. He was going at this alone. Viktor dumped the bags in the back seat. He was about to slide behind the wheel when he heard footsteps sounding behind him. Someone called his name. He turned, seeing Ava still dressed in her borrowed clothes, sprinting toward him.
“Ava,” he said. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
She looked slightly out of breath as she reached him. “I heard some of your men talking. Are you really going after Pavel alone?”
“Those were Goran’s conditions. I told you, didn’t I? I’m bringing back my brother alive. Besides, this is a matter of pride. I’m going to show the Mogilevichs that I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty.”
“Screw pride,” Ava blurted.
That reaction took him slightly aback. Something was wrong. Ava looked rattled. Was she that worried about him going?
“Viktor, I might be a newcomer to your world, but shouldn’t you bring backup?”
“I am, but to maintain appearances, I must go there alone. Once a certain time has passed, Aleksander and the others will make their move.” Viktor pulled her close and gave her a soft and slow kiss. It touched him deeply that Ava was still concerned about his well-being.
“You better.” She pressed the palms of her hands against his chest. “Viktor, I told Katya I’d give you the news after Pavel’s rescued, but I don’t think I can keep this secret from you any longer.”
Viktor gripped her shoulders, eyes narrowing. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“I just found out this morning.” His heart dropped when Ava touched her stomach. “I’m pregnant, Viktor.”
“What? You’re certain?” He demanded, shaking her a little. Viktor shouldn’t even be so surprised. He wanted this result, didn’t he? Having a child together with Ava would seal the deal for both of them. That baby growing in her belly was a guarantee she’d stay with him.
“Yeah. Katya sent someone to get a pregnancy kit from a nearby pharmacy. I even peed on three sticks. They all said the same result. We can go to a doctor if you’d like more proof.”
Viktor shook his head. “There’s no need for that. I believe you.”
Ava was carrying his child. He could hardly believe it. Now more than ever, Viktor had to ensure his survival. He debated calling off his suicidal plan, but he couldn’t just leave Pavel to the wolves either. His father had done a shitty job in raising them. The old bastard should’ve taught them to rely on each other, not set them against each other as enemies.
“I still need to do this,” he finally told Ava.
She bit her bottom lip. Ava looked on the verge of crying, which wasn’t like her at all. Then again, his revelation about who he was and what did, combined with news of their baby, must have put a lot of stress on her.
“Be careful. Viktor, I won’t forgive you if you die. I love you.” Those last three words left her sweet lips in a fierce whisper.
Viktor couldn’t help it. He claimed her mouth, this time, not holding back. Viktor yanked at her hair, loving the ravenous way she kissed him back. Eventually, Viktor needed to pull away, to contain his emotions. He needed all his wits to survive what Goran had planned for him and his brother.
“When I return,” Viktor told her, “we’ll get married.”
“Wait. Are you proposing to me, now of all times?” Ava asked, looking stunned.
“Not asking.” Viktor pressed a finger to her lips. Ava looked like she had a retort ready for him. “I’ll see you soon, wife.”
Viktor got inside his Mercedes and drove off the property. If he stayed there any longer, he knew he wouldn’t have the heart to leave the woman carrying his child.