Page 97 of The Bratva Sinner

Lila

My ass hurts where he spanked me. I feel like I should hate it. I’m a little embarrassed that I loved it.

I want more.

He burned down a club, and I know it was revenge for what the Albanians have been pulling. Revenge is something I can get behind. I only wish I could be with him while he’s doing all this shit. I’d love to burn shit down.

“Lila!”

I look up from the screen of the iPad Maksim gave me last week. It’s my connection to the outside world. I’ve been spending too much time window shopping for clothes I’ll never wear. But I won’t lie, I liked the dress. I liked feeling feminine. I’ll never give up jeans and boots, but maybe I can do the sexy, glamorous thing now and then.

One of the guards comes into the room. “Gus says it’s time.”

“It’s time!”

I jump up, toss the expensive iPad on the couch, and rush out.

Gus has been watching Willow for days, but I’m the one standing in the stall when her water breaks. I’ve foaled plenty of horses in the past. I assured Gus I could handle this and that he didn’t need to call the vet.

“Easy, girl.” I keep my voice low and calm. “I’m here. You’re okay.”

“Could be a while,” Gus says.

“I know. I’m good. Go ahead and take care of what you need to. I’ll call you when it’s time.”

I stay near her head. She’s trembling but strong. I press my forehead against her cheek and breathe slowly and steadily until she starts to match me. It’s the oldest trick I know. Horses mirror you if you’re patient enough. Let them feel your calm, and they’ll borrow it.

“That’s it,” I whisper. “Just breathe.”

An hour and a half passes. There are times I forget to breathe. Gus returns, ready to jump in if I need him. When the foal finally comes, I stare down at the impossibly fragile thing in the straw. Willow turns to look at it like she can’t believe it, either.

“Good job,” I breathe.

The foal is dark. Almost black, with a white blaze down her nose. I check her over and then step back to let nature take over.

“She’s perfect,” I manage.

“Strong.” Gus sounds pleased. “She did well.”

Willow noses the foal, nudging her in a way that says, “Get up.” This is the worrisome part that I both dread and look forward to. She tries. Her legs splay out in four directions with zero coordination.

“Come on,” I whisper. “You’ve got it.”

She finally gets her feet under her. Gus and I sigh with relief.

I stay until she nurses for the first time. Then, we move mother and daughter to a fresh stall with clean hay. It’s after two in the morning, but I don’t want to leave. I know Maksim is probably still at the club.

“You going inside?” Gus asks.

“Soon. Go ahead. I’ll check on her before I head inside.”

He nods and walks away.

The stables have been mostly repaired, but I swear I can still smell the smoke in the wood. I can’t help but think about what could have happened. That little foal might not be here because someone was trying to get revenge on Maksim.

Outlaw puts her head over the stall door and looks down at me.

“Feeling neglected?” I rub her neck.