"I won't cut you out of his life. See him whenever you want," he said, dead certain. "And your family—I'll set them up, give you all a good place. It's part of the deal."
He called it a deal, but this was extra kindness.
A year ago, my dad's company owed the Bratva a fortune. The old Pakhan liked my looks and education, so he had me carry his son'sheir to pay it off. Otherwise, my whole family died under Bratva guns. That was my contract with the Thorne family.
The contract didn't cover settling my parents or giving me visitation. But now Silas promised more.
I stared into his eyes, desperate to believe. Maybe I'd fallen hard a long time ago.
Over a month later,in the dead of night, the sky outside was a massive black sheet, wind and rain slamming the manor's medical room windows.
"Deep breaths, Miss Carter!" The midwife's voice came muffled, like through water, distorted and far. "Push—the baby's almost here!"
The room had all the gear, lights blinding. I lay on the birthing bed, pushing as told. Pain was the only word. It felt like a saw hacking my pelvis, ripping me in two.
The agony dragged on for hours. I gripped the pink gem ring on my chest, its cold touch giving me strength.
Olei, Olei. I chanted it in my head. Silas said I'd have visitation. I could watch Olei grow. I wouldn't lose him.
"One more push—I see the head!" The midwife yelled, excited.
Another wave hit, my spine feeling like it'd snap. I thought I was dying, soul tearing free.
I bit my lip bloody, tasting iron, and gave it everything.
A loud cry broke out.
Something slipped free. Tears poured down—that was my baby, mine and Silas's.
"He's healthy," the midwife said, wrapping him in a soft blanket.
"Let me see him—give me Olei..." I reached out weakly, craving that warm little body.
As she started to hand him over, the door burst open. Men in black suits stormed in—Pakhan's bodyguards. One snatched the crying baby from her.
"No!" My heart seized. I screamed, raw and desperate. "Please, don't take him yet! I haven't seen him—I haven't held him!"
Ignoring the pain below, I tried to scramble off the bed.
"Hold her down," the one with Olei ordered, cold.
Two beefy guards pinned my shoulders, nailing me to the bed.
"Silas said I have visitation," I begged them. "Please, let me see my baby."
They didn't budge. The guy with Olei didn't even glance my way.
The door opened again. I stopped crying, hoping. Silas? Finally?
But it was stone-faced Pakhan and smirking Vanessa. She eyed the guard with Olei and held out her arms. He handed him over respectfully.
The baby cried in her hold. It crushed my chest like a truck, stealing my breath.
Vanessa glanced down at the infant, frowning in annoyance like his cries bugged her.
"Good job, Anthea. Your job's done. He looks healthy—Silas will be pleased," she said, looking at me.
"Where's Silas? I need to see him." My voice scraped like swallowing glass. "He promised—I'm Olei's mother forever. I have visitation."
