Page 125 of The Bratva King

“Nik!” Mila jumps up and runs toward me. She stops a few feet away, uncertain. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay.”

She nods, satisfied with this answer. “Okay. Good.” She runs back to the game.

I watch them play. Gabby explaining the rules. Luke listening carefully. Mila bouncing with excitement.

It looks right. Like something missing has finally clicked into place. This scene. This life.

I’ve spent years building my empire. Expanding territory. Making money. Accumulating power. I thought that was enough. I thought that was what success looked like. I never wanted a woman in my life. A wife. I’ve never even thought about children.

But standing here, watching Gabby play a board game with two kids, I realize I’ve been wrong.

This is what living looks like. People I care about under one roof. Safe. Happy.

I’m keeping them.

Gabby looks up again. Our eyes meet. I see the question in hers: Are you okay?

I nod. I’m okay.

I stand there and watch them play. My shoulder aches. My head throbs. My ribs scream every time I breathe too deeply.

But I’m okay.

I spent my life believing territory, money, and power were the only things worth protecting. Believing my limitations would keep me from this. I know I’m not like Pasha or my brothers. I’d accepted I wasn’t meant to have the typical life plan.

But I was wrong.

I have a family.

And I’ll put a bullet in the head of anyone who tries to take that from me.

29

Gabby

My shift was replaced because Nik wants me home after the bombing.

I’m relieved. I want to be with Luke. It’s been a few days since the bombing, and I think we’re all adjusting. It’s strange to have such a full house. Even if the house is so big that I still have to search for them.

Kylie has been moved into the guest house on the property. Nik is collecting his people. It’s one of the things I like about him. He’s protective. Bringing everyone in under guard. It also scares me. He’s taking responsibility for everyone under this roof, and in his world, people get hurt.

I don’t want him to carry that kind of responsibility. And now, I sound like an overprotective girlfriend.

Am I his girlfriend?

“Are you ready?”

I look up and see Nik standing in the doorway, dressed in the same black he always wears.

I eye him. “Are you sure it’s safe?”

“Yes.”

This was his idea, all because we watched a silly cartoon where one of the characters flew a helicopter. Luke said he wanted to ride in one, and because Nikolai owns one, Nik being Nik, made it happen.

Now, I’m going for a ride in a helicopter, something I’ve never wanted to do.