Chapter 26 Maybe , in a way , were alike after all . So Ill expect you to be there , too , he says then , jolting me out of my thoughts . Every night . Before the babys born , and after It sounds like a line straight out of Beauty and the Beast . That doesnt reassure me one bit . Belle might have gotten her happily ever after , but I seem to remember the Beast being a controlling asshole for roughly half the movie . And I doubt Matveys got a magic rose stashed in his holster . 1 end up picking at my dessert ; a slice of black forest cake that should make my mouth water . But , for some reason , Im not that hungry anymore . Leave it to Matvey Groza to make a pregnant woman lose her appetite . But thats just it . Im pregnant . I cant afford to make a scene or lose my head . So I swallow my anger and choose strategy . So thats it ? I ask finally . Stepping up for the child thats what youre doing ? Thats what any parent should do , Matvey answers without missing a beat . Anything less is a blood betrayal . There he goes again blood . And Im the childs blood . But Im not yours . You are not , he confirms eventually . I decide Ive just about had enough . Thats cool and all , I say , pushing away my plate , but Ive got conditions , too . He arches an eyebrow . Conditions ? Yes , I declare , conditions . You want family dinner every night ? Thats fine by me . But I want something in return . Something flashes over Matveys face . I cant tell what it is irritation , stupor because , just as quickly , its gone . Very well , he says , steepling his fingers , his expression carefully neutral . What is it you want , then , Ms. Flowers ? What do you want , kalina ? 05:51 My Atonement : The Death of His Fir 26.0 Chuge 24 I shake off the memory . Tirst , I want to see my friends . I think thats unnecessary . Well , think again , I press . Cause you may not believe in found family , but thats the only kind Ive got . Frankly , if I had to rely on blood . Id have been dead ten times over . I dont bother to sugarcoat it . Marvey Grozas got his opinions Ive got mine . So I get to see them . For a moment , Matveys silent . Im wondering if I didnt push too hard if this isnt the moment I discover just how unpleasant this man can make it for me here when , to my surprise , he nods . Fair enough . Supervised visits , in the lobby . Planned in advance . Just like prison . Joy , Alright . And everyone gets vetted . Is that Bratva code for stalked and interrogated ? I decide not to press . I dont think June will mind if the mob unearths her parking tickets . Second , I get to keep working . Absolutely not , Matvey growls . I hold up a hand . I dont need to go to the shop , I tell him . I can work from here . But Ill need Elias to bring work to me . He pauses . Thats your boss from the shop ? Thats him . I believe he did your final fitting for you . I can see his teeth gritting . He isnt liking this one bit , is he ? Fine . But only part time . Part times good , I agree . One last thing , then . Forget seeing : I can hear his teeth gritting this time . What else could you possibly want ? Matvey all but snarls . You , For the first time in the whole evening , Im treated to the sight of a speechless Matvey Groza . Come again ? Ill be here twenty four seven , I state , matter of factly . Endlessly available to you . I push my phone across the table . So Ill expect you to be available to me , too . He stares at my phone . Then , suddenly , he grins . If you wanted my number , Ms. Flowers , all you had to do was ask . 26.4 % Chapter 26 Dont slap the father of your child , April . Hes stronger than you and hes got guns . Then Marvey plucks something from his pocket and slides it across in return . I take it A burner phone ? 1 blink Matvey nods , that shit eating grin still firmly planted on his face . I wasnt going to leave you without a way to reach me , April . Though I did enjoy how forward you were just now Dont hit the mobster , April . Do not- He rises before I do something regrettable . I do the same . It seems that family dinners come to an end . And not a moment too soon . Well then , he says , taking my hand . Ill see you tomorrow night . Then , out of the blue , he kisses it I cant move . I cant think . I cant breathe . My face turns into a hot plate . You could cook an egg on it . thats how searing it feels . Goodnight , Matvey croons , still grinning like a wolf . I force myself to inhale . Goodnight , I echo in a whisper , trying not to sway from how lightheaded Im feeling . Then hes out . As soon as I hear his steps fading in the corridor , I slump against the door , cradling my face in my hands My hands . One of which he kissed . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!