Page 95 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

Makar's expression grew complicated. He probably wanted to ask what happened on the yacht but didn't in the end.

"Then you should definitely leave."

"I will."

This time, he was clearly stunned.

"I'll resign and move away," I looked at him. "But not for you."

"I can take you away from here."

"Makar—"

"Hear me out." His tone finally showed some force, but quickly softened again. "I won't pressure you to get back together. I'll take you somewhere Varlam can't find. You can have your own place, your own work. I'll find you doctors, help care for Rory, cover the baby's expenses. You won't have to work until dawn over bills anymore."

The offer was dangerously tempting. A place without Varlam. Rory could have a better school. The baby could be born safely. I wouldn't have to calculate my account balance daily, wouldn't have to choose between keeping my dignity and paying bills.

Security. The word appeared like a soft bed before someone utterly exhausted.

But the person offering this was Makar. The man who'd torn me apart and left the pieces on display at a wedding for everyone to see.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I owe you."

"Debt isn't love."

"Then don't call it love yet." Makar looked at me. "Call it compensation. A chance to start over. Whatever you want."

My hand touched my abdomen, hiding a fragile child who might need expensive medical care. Not only that—his existence couldn't be known to Varlam. My brain felt violently shaken, all thoughts colliding into chaos. I needed money, safety, needed to be far enough from Varlam.

But I wasn't sure if Makar was an exit. He might just be another abyss.

"I don't know," I finally said.

But I was certain I'd never fully surrender myself to any man again. What I needed more was to fully leverage my wedding planning skills after leaving Varlam, earn more money that way, and support my child and brother.

Makar's shoulders relaxed slightly, as if this was already better than the answer he'd expected.

"You don't have to decide now." He put his sunglasses back on and opened the passenger door for me. "Let me drive you back."

I kept my hand protectively over my abdomen and stepped into Makar's car. As the door closed, he said quietly, "I'll wait for you, Briony."

The engine started. The black sports car pulled away from the hospital. I watched that white building shrink in the rearview mirror until it vanished completely.

Maybe I should have left long ago.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Varlam

"You're not going anywhere."

I closed Brinny's medical report and set it back on the nightstand. She'd already changed out of the hospital gown, standing in front of the mirror in a pale sundress, adjusting her earrings. Her hair was braided loose.

"I'm fine now." Her voice was light.

"The doctor doesn't think so."