Sanctum: A Dark Bratva Arranged Marriage Romance (Wicked Vows)

MY GIRLS ARE ASLEEP.

My girls.

I barely knew Harper a few weeks ago and didn’t know Ivy existed, and today, I’d do anything to keep them as peaceful as they are now. When I peeked in on them, Harper’s lips were softly parted, little Ivy’s hand resting in hers. I lifted a blanket and placed it over them so they didn’t get cold, and let them rest.

I pace the room, looking out the window. We set Ivy’s little toddler bed up in the small room next to the master, which has a connecting door that closes between the two rooms.

She came with us willingly, and her foster parents — Isaac and Abigail Brooks — were brave about it. Isaac, a local minister, shook my hand but said very little. We paid a good sum to keep everything off record, and I pulled some strings to keep our names out of anything official, but I’ll make it all up to them.

The Brooks family’s home was modest and clean, with one simple car in the driveway and evidence of older children — a bike leaning on a porch rail and a forgotten jump rope nearby.

I feared Ivy would put up more of a fuss leaving, making it harder for Harper, but she didn’t. Sometimes, kids know. I have no doubt she’ll miss where she was, but she knew Harper was her mother.

I’m relieved, anyway. It’s one less battle to fight.

Abigail cried but quietly handed her to Harper.

“I’m sorry,” Harper said. “I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t be. I prayed for this. She’s supposed to be with you, but we’ll miss her.”

It’ll take time, but building any new family does. I should know.

My mind reels from everything I’ve learned and experienced in the past few days.

Tonight, we begin our new lives as a small, nuclear family.

Tomorrow, Polina comes to help while we interview nannies.

My phone beeps with a text.

Mikhail: Sent us home. Early labor, and she isn’t ready yet.

I pity anyone in that hospital that didn’t deliver a baby to Mikhail. I pity Aria for dealing with his belligerent ass.

Still, I can’t help but gloat.

tf are you talking about?

Got a kid, man. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.

The phone rings. Of course. He’s not gonna wait until tomorrow.

“Yeah?”

“That any way to talk to your pakhan? Jesus. Tell me everything.”

He’s the older brother and head of the family so I have to, in detail.

“And you picked her up today?”

“I did. It was time. She needed to be with her mother.”

“Wow. No one can ever say you waste time.”

“Of course I didn’t.” If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s how quickly your life can change. If someone in your circle’s in need of protection, you drop fucking everything and get it done.

“You did the right thing.” I didn’t know I needed his praise until I heard it. I stand a little straighter. “How’s Harper?”

I look through the doorway and lower my voice. “Sleeping with her as we speak.”

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“With what?”

“Letting them share a bed.”

“Your kid’s still in your wife and you’re already giving me parenting advice?” He can fuck off with that.

“I seriously need to kick your ass and teach you manners.”

I square my shoulders. “Come on over and try.”

He laughs. “Asshole. I’m just saying, the whole bed sharing thing can get out of control.”

I snort. “That’s your biggest concern?”

“Listen, it happens. Mama sleeps in the bed with the baby, baby gets used to it. Next thing you know, Papa’s sleeping on the couch grumpy as fuck because he’s not gettin’ laid anymore.”

He might have a point. I frown. “They can share a bed tonight.”

Mikhail laughs. Good, let him. See how much he gets over the next few months after that baby arrives.

“We need to fill everyone in tomorrow. Good job, Aleksandr. We’re strengthening more and more every day.”

I nod. “We are. It’ll be your turn, soon enough. Maybe even later tonight. We’ll see.”

He blows out a breath. “Better get some sleep just in case it is.”

“Interviewing nannies tomorrow.”

“Smart. Any luck on your research?”

The hunt for the man who assaulted Harper’s in full swing, but we have nothing substantial yet. We will.

“Not yet.”

He growls. I told him everything and his taste for retribution is as strong as mine. I forgive him for being a know-it-all.

“Good luck tomorrow. I’m gonna get some rest, will fill you in when the baby gets here.”

I can’t help but needle him one more time. “Hard not being able to control something, eh?”

“Happy to remind you what I can control, asshole.”

I groan. Touché.

“Good luck to you, too. You’ll need it.”

He hangs the phone up with a deep sigh. I do like to get the last word in.

I roll my shoulders and yawn. Need to get some rest.

Tomorrow begins Harper’s first lesson in how to shoot to kill.