Chapter 22
Irace back to the hospital, my heart pounding. I need to see Sara to ensure she and our baby are alright.
When I arrive, the nurse at the front desk gives me a grave look. Im sorry, sir. Miss Amatos fiancé came and took her away not long ago. He seemed quite upset when we mentioned the possibility of a miscarriage.
My blood turns to ice in my veins. Lorenzo.
That vile snake will not be able to accept that Sara is having my child. Theres no telling what a possessive, controlling man like him will do if he has found out.
I sprint back to my car, tires squealing as I speed towards the Amato estate. It is a guess, but I imagine Lorenzo must have taken her there, to her father. To reveal her supposed betrayal.
As I drive, my knuckles turn white from clenching the steering wheel. Lorenzo will not lay another finger on her. Not while there is breath left in my body. I press the pedal down harder, the car lurching forward.
When I arrive, I dont even bother parking properly. I leave the car haphazardly in the roundabout and rush inside. I can hear shouting and as I approach, I see them in front of the main entrance. Lorenzo, Sara and Mario.
You whore! Lorenzo is screaming.
I peer from behind a bush and see Lorenzo with a gun pressed to Saras temple.
Youve ruined everything, you ungrateful whore.
I slide along the wall, creeping closer. No one notices me; they are focused on what is happening.
Lorenzo cocks the hammer on the revolver. Maybe I should just end this now, save us all the disgrace.
Sara sobs harder, her body trembling. No, please! Ill do anything!
His finger moves toward the trigger. My chance - I raise my own gun and fire a single shot into the back of Lorenzos head.
He drops limply to the ground, the revolver falling from his hand. Sara collapses next to him, shaking and crying.
I rush over, kicking Lorenzos body aside. Sara! Are you alright? I ask urgently.
She looks up at me with tear-filled eyes. Dimitri!
I pull her into my arms. Its okay, youre safe now.
I gently guide Sara inside to a sofa, following her father’s lead. Shes trembling, her eyes wide and unfocused. I try my best to soothe her.
Shhh, its alright, I murmur. Just breathe. Ive got you.
I continue caressing her face and hair, pressing soft kisses to her forehead. After a few moments, her rapid breathing begins to slow. She grips my hand tightly as if Im her lifeline.
Im so focused on Sara that I dont notice her father walk towards me until I feel the cold metal of a gun barrel pressed to my temple. I freeze.
Dont move, Mario growls. Of course, he would recognize me as Bratva. Im sure my face is seared into his memory after our families long feud.
Sara gasps. Papá, no!
Mario ignores her. What the hell are you doing with my daughter, Morozov? he demands.
I raise my hands slowly. I mean no harm. I only came here to protect her.
Protect her? He scoffs. Youre probably the one who got her into this mess.
The gun digs harder into my skin.
I couldnt let that madman hurt her.
The gun wavers slightly as he processes this news.
I turn my gaze to Sara. She gives me a subtle nod.
I look Mario straight in the eye. Thats my child shes pregnant with. And I will marry her.
My words hang heavy in the ensuing silence. Mario stares at me, stunned. The barrel finally lowers from my head.
Is this true? he asks Sara.
She takes a shaky breath. Yes, Papá.
I stand protectively in front of Sara as her father glares at me, his gun still in hand. Hes clearly furious.
How dare you disrespect me and my family this way! Mario bellows. Seducing my daughter behind my back. You have some nerve showing your face here, Morozov!
I raise my hands in a placating gesture. Sir, I know this looks bad, but I care deeply for your daughter. I only want whats best for her and our child.
Best for her? Youve ruined her! Mario steps closer, pressing the gun against my chest.
Just then, Sara stands up and places a hand on her fathers arm. Papá, stop! Please, lets talk about this.
That is when Saras mother, Lucia, enters the room.
What is going on here? What is all the screaming? Did I hear gun shots? Lucia asks in alarm.
Mario hesitates, then lowers the gun.
Sara sobs. Mamma, Lorenzo tried to shoot me. Dimitri saved me. I love him. Im pregnant... with his baby.
Lucias eyes widen in shock. She makes the sign of the cross. Santa Maria!
Mario turns angrily to his wife. Our daughters life is ruined! This Bratva scum has disgraced our family. And we will face not only the consequences of her lassitude but also of Lorenzo’s death. This could mean war between our families.
Lucia touches his arm gently. Caro, whats happened has happened. We must now think of the child.
Sara nods, tears in her eyes. Im keeping this baby, with or without your blessing.
Mario shakes his head. No daughter of mine will raise a bastard child.
Ill marry Dimitri. Sara says. If hell have me…
I step forward and take Saras hand. It would be my honor. I turn to Mario. Sir, Ill care for Sara and our baby. Let me make this right.
Mario glares at me, then turns away and sits in an armchair, his head between his hands, pondering. Lucia sits near him, speaking to him quietly and stroking his arm.
I stand there, heart pounding, as Mario weighs his options. Though my face remains stoic, my heart is beating fast.
Never did I imagine Id end up in this position. Me, Dimitri Morozov, a Bratva pakhan’s heir. Ive bled for my family, killed for them. And yet here I am, prepared to break all codes of honor for the woman I love.
Love. Yes, I have felt that for Sara for a long time. This burning need to protect her, to claim her as mine? Shes haunted my thoughts for so long, I cant imagine life without her. And now that she carries my child, even more so.
Marios eyes bore into me. He could end my life with a flick of his finger. But I dont flinch from his glare.
Please, Sara implores her father. Dont punish Dimitri. Blame me for it, I am an adult, I am capable of making my own decisions. No one forced me to do what I did.
I squeeze her hand.
This child - our child - is sacred. Ill lay down my life to protect them both.
Mario turns from us, rubbing his temple. His wife touches his shoulder and whispers again in his ear. After a tense moment, he faces us again.
I should kill you where you stand, Morozov, he growls.
I steel myself, prepared to shield Sara. But his next words shock me to the core.
But you protected my daughter, and for that Im in your debt. So I will allow this - this union. He spits out the words like theyre poison.
I let out a breath I didnt realize Id been holding. Sara squeezes my hand, her body sagging against mine. Thank you, sir.”
Thank you, Papá, she says softly. A single tear trails down her cheek.
As traditional as the Amato’s are, I feared Mario would disown Sara rather than let her marry someone like me. A Bratva heir from a rival clan.
I meet Marios steely gaze and nod respectfully. You have my word, I will take good care of your daughter.
He scoffs. See that you do. Or youll answer to me. His hand rests meaningfully on the gun at his hip. The message is clear - if I ever hurt Sara, he wont hesitate to kill me.
I dont begrudge him that threat. As a father myself now, I understand. Id do anything to protect my child.
Sara embraces her mother tearfully. Lucia pats her back and whispers soothing words in Italian. She gives me a small smile over Saras shoulder. At least one of Saras parents seems happy for us.
He holds up a hand. But if you wed my daughter, you take her name. You must join our family, that is my condition. I will not have her marrying into the Bratva.
I stare at Mario, stunned by his ultimatum. Take Saras name and join her family? Abandon my own?
My heart sinks as I realize what that would mean. For years, Ive shielded my younger brother Aleksandr from our fathers criminal empire. I prepared myself to become the heir to the Bratva throne specifically to protect Aleksandr from that dark fate.
Aleksandr will be forced to take my place as the next Pakhan if I relinquish the Morozov name. My kind, gentle little brother, who loves art and poetry, will be molded into a ruthless gangster. The thought makes my blood run cold.
Sir, I... My voice falters as I struggle to find the right words.
Mario crosses his arms, glaring daggers at me. Those are my terms. Take them or leave them.
I glance at Sara, who watches me with worried eyes. She knows how much my brother means to me and what this will do to him. I want to make this right for her and our child, but at what cost?
Dimitri, Sara says softly, touching my arm. Its okay Dimitri, you dont have to do this. Well figure something out.
Her kindness only deepens my ache. She deserves so much better.
I take a deep breath and turn back to Mario. May I have some time to consider your offer?
Mario scoffs. Time? Youve had enough of that already. I want an answer now.
I hesitate only a moment before nodding. Fine. Ill do it.
Sara squeezes my hand, Are you sure? What about your brother?
Youre mine, Sara. I must do this for you and the baby.
Lucia hugs us both.
Mario steps close to me, eyes still hard. And you will pay the traditional bride price, to compensate for the dishonor. One million dollars.
My eyes widen slightly. Its not a steep sum, and Sara is worth any price. Of course, sir.
And the wedding must take place quickly, Lucia adds gently.
Mario nods curtly. Make the arrangements today. I want this settled.
I will, I assure him. I turn to Sara, brushing a loose hair from her face. It seems we have a wedding to plan.
She smiles through her tears. I lean in and kiss her tenderly.
At last, Mario lowers the gun fully. There are still issues to resolve between our families, but for now, Sara is safe.