Secret Bratva Daddy

Chapter 19Sydney

19

Sydney

T he hotel room door clicks shut behind me, and I lean against it, my legs trembling. The events of the past few hours replay in my mind like a horrible movie I can't shut off. Avros's confession. Lance's murder. The baby growing inside me.

I slide down to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees as sobs wrack my body. How did everything go so wrong so quickly?

The room spins around me, cheap floral wallpaper and generic artwork blurring through my tears. It's nothing like the opulent luxury of Avros's mansion, but right now, that familiarity would be too painful. And I know that if I go back to my apartment, he’ll find me, so this is the only option I have to get away from a man like him.

Avros. My hand drifts to my still-flat stomach. The father of my child. The man I've fallen in love with. A murderer.

"What am I going to do?" I whisper to the empty room, to the tiny life inside me that can't possibly understand the turmoil surrounding it.

Part of me wants to run, to disappear and never look back. It might be for the best. But it’s hard to imagine pulling it off, not to mention I’m not sure that it’s what I want. Because despite everything, the lies, the danger, the unforgivable act he's committed, I still love him. God help me, but I do.

I drag myself off the floor and stumble to the bed, collapsing onto the stiff mattress. My mind races with possibilities, each one more impossible than the last.

Could I forgive Avros? Could we find a way to move past this, to build a life together? I close my eyes, remembering the tender way he looked at me when I told him about the baby. The awe in his voice, the love shining in his eyes.

But then Lance's face flashes in my mind. My sweet, funny cousin, gone forever because of Avros's order. How can I reconcile the man who looks at me with such adoration with the cold-blooded killer who could order an innocent man's death?

A fresh wave of tears overtakes me. I bury my face in the pillow, muffling my sobs. What kind of life could I offer this baby, torn between two impossible choices?

Once again, I picture a future with Avros, living in his world of wealth and danger. Our child growing up surrounded by bodyguards, never knowing true freedom. Always looking over their shoulder, waiting for the next threat. But loved fiercely, protected at all costs by a father who would burn the world down to keep them safe.

Then I imagine a different path. Running away, starting over somewhere new. Raising this baby on my own, struggling to make ends meet but free from the shadow of violence. Our child would be safe, but they'd never know their father. Never experience the depth of Avros's love, his unwavering loyalty to family.

Both options seem equally impossible, equally heartbreaking.

I don't know how long I lie there, lost in my grief and confusion. The room grows darker as the sun sets, shadows creeping across the walls. I should eat something, I know. Take care of myself for the baby's sake. But the thought of food turns my stomach.

Part of me hopes Avros will come looking for me. That he'll burst through that door, sweep me into his arms, and promise to make everything right. But another part dreads that very scenario. Because I don't know if I'm strong enough to resist him. If I could look into those dark eyes and walk away again.

Just as I'm considering forcing myself to order room service, a sharp knock at the door startles me from my misery.

My heart leaps into my throat. Has Avros found me already? I struggle to my feet, smoothing my hair and wiping at my tear-stained cheeks. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever comes next.

But when I open the door, it's not Avros's towering form I see. Instead, an older man in an expensive suit stands before me, a cold smile on his face that doesn't reach his eyes.

"Miss Reeves?" he says smoothly. "I believe we have some business to discuss."

I frown, confusion momentarily overriding my emotional turmoil. "I'm sorry, who are you?"

The man's smile widens, reminding me of a shark circling its prey. "My name is Michael Schwartz. I represent certain... interested parties who would very much like to speak with you about your relationship with Avros Petrov."

My blood runs cold. Schwartz. The name clicks in my memory. He’s Josiah's father. The man whose son Miron allegedly killed, setting this whole nightmare in motion.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say, trying to close the door. But Schwartz is quicker, wedging his foot in the opening.

"Oh, I think you do," he says, his voice losing its pleasantness, contempt in its place. "You've been living in Petrov's house, privy to his private affairs. You must have seen things, heard things. Things that could be very valuable to the right people."

I shake my head, fear crawling up my spine. "I don't know anything. Please, just leave me alone."

Schwartz's eyes narrow. "Don't play dumb, Miss Reeves. It doesn't suit you." He reaches into his jacket, pulling out a sleek phone. With a few taps, he turns the screen towards me. "Perhaps this will jog your memory."

My breath catches as I see myself on the screen, clearly visible through Avros's bedroom window. The timestamp shows it was taken just days ago. As I watch in horror, the video plays, showing Avros entering the room, pulling me into a passionate embrace.

"You've been watching us?" I gasp, feeling violated and exposed.

Schwartz shrugs, unrepentant. "Petrov has taken everything from me. My son, my business, my reputation. There’s nothing much for me to salvage at this point, so I'm willing to do whatever it takes to bring him down." His eyes glitter with a dangerous intensity. "And you, my dear, are going to help me do it."

"I won't," I say, lifting my chin defiantly. "I don't care what you think you know. I won't betray Avros."

To my surprise, Schwartz laughs. "Such loyalty. I wonder if Petrov would show you the same consideration." He pulls out a thick envelope, waving it temptingly. “This is five thousand dollars in cash, but it’s just a taste of what I can give you.”

“What you can give me?”

“Five million dollars, Miss Reeves. Tax-free, untraceable. Enough to start a new life anywhere you want. All you have to do is tell me everything you know about Avros Petrov's illegal activities."

For a moment, just a moment, I'm tempted. The money would secure a future for my baby, far away from the dangers of Avros's world. I could disappear, start fresh somewhere no one knows me.

But then I think of Avros. Of the tender way he holds me at night, the passion in his kisses, the vulnerability in his eyes when he looks at me. His voice, murmuring Russian words of affection in my ear. Despite everything, I can't bring myself to betray him. Maybe that makes me a fool, but I would be twice the fool if I trusted this angry, vengeful stranger at my door.

"No," I say firmly, pushing against the door. "I won't help you. Now please, leave before I call security."

Schwartz's face darkens, all pretense of civility vanishing. "You stupid girl," he snarls, shoving the door open so hard I stumble back. "Do you think I'm giving you a choice? You'll tell me what I want to know, or I'll?—"

"Or you'll what?"

The deep, menacing voice from the hallway stops Schwartz mid-sentence. My heart leaps into my throat as I recognize it instantly.

Avros.