Page 56 of The Russian's Stalked Bride
Her resistance lingers a moment longer, then she softens slightly. Looking down at her hands, she takes a deep breath, allowing more of that exhaustion to come through. “I’m scared, if I’m being honest. I don’t know how to do this.”
“You don’t need to know everything, especially not right now. We have time,” I reassure her lightly, trying to be mindful from as many angles as possible.
“I didn’t even know if I wanted kids before,” she continues, voice cracking with a touch of guilt. “It’s terrifyinghaving that decided before I was ready, but I don’t want them to grow up like I did.”
“Then we won’t let them,” I tell her without hesitation. “They won’t need to know what it’s like.”
Her eyes shift into something a little more defeated. “You can’t promise that.”
“Maybe not, but I can promise they won’t be overlooked, neglected, or treated like a possession rather than a person.”
Like those words hold more significance than she could ever name, Mila takes me in completely, and a newfound hope surrounds her words. “You swear it?”
“I swear it.”
While one conversation can’t fix it all, I feel a noticeable shift between us while we sit there together, refusing to block out what’s happening. The tension is still there at the edges, but it’s not as cold as it had been. This feels more manageable.
Then, Mila leans back into the couch with a strained breath. “I hate how tired I am.”
“From what I’ve read, that’s normal.”
She cracks an eye open to glance at me. “You’ve been reading?”
“I like to be informed.”
At that, her lips pull, and it fills me with relief. That’s the first real smile I’ve seen from her in days.
“Of course you do.”
I watch her for a moment, moved by the way her hand unconsciously rests against her stomach. It seems so natural, regardless of her doubt.
“I’ll provide for you,” I say quietly, full of as much intent and resolve as I can manage without losing my composure. “No matter what happens between us, you won’t have to worry about anything.”
More receptive now, Mila doesn’t hide the slight emotion in her features. “You’re not just saying that?”
“No. I’m saying it because I want to, and because I mean it.”
I know she isn’t used to complete honesty or having her feelings considered, but I don’t expect her to be as disarmed by that as she is. With a slow exhale, her shoulders relax against the cushions more.
“I’m still working on that trust thing,” she admits.
“Take your time,” I offer, not pushing her in any direction. “I’m just asking you to work with me.”
Mila considers that, then she nods, not looking quite as lost as before. “I’ll try.”
It’s not a promise, but it’s something, and enough to work with.
While I don’t have all the answers either, well aware of how messy and potentially dangerous all of this could end up being, I just know I don’t want to let go.
More importantly, I don’t want Mila to ever think she’s alone.
Chapter 20 - Mila
The dress fits me almost too well.
It’s a deep, rich green with a silky sheen every time I move, tighter around my waist while relaxing a bit more at my hips. It’s elegant but subdued, and I don’t even have to ask to know Ivan most certainly picked it out himself.
He’s quiet throughout the car ride there, but I feel his eyes on me periodically, and I catch that subtle grin of his, like he’s far too satisfied with his choice.
