Page 32 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

While I didn’t feel like standing there all day answering her questions, I reminded myself to be patient. The day wasn’t about me. “You need to get out of the condo, so we’re going to the beach.”

“The beach? Swimming season is over already. It’s too cold.”

I pulled in a deep breath. “Who said we had to swim?”

As she turned over, letting me see her face, the look of protest moved through her features. But she sighed. “Fine.”

Taking that as a good sign, I closed the door again and went downstairs.

Sitting on the couch waiting for her, I got a text back from one of our men to let me know everything was in place. I could only hope it would be enough to make her hate me less, or at the very least, begin that process.

Eventually, Grace emerged from the hallway wearing a pair of high-waisted jeans and a white sweater tucked in the waistband that made her slight tan pop. Her hair was pulled into a neat bun on her head, and there was something about the look that seemed so comfortable.

As she approached, still looking hesitant as her eyes drifted over to me, the outfit complimented her so precisely that I knew getting through the day would be a challenge. It was like watching her walk down my own catwalk, perfectly contoured and appealing.

It took everything in my power to resist her.

“Ready to go?” I asked, using it as a distraction as I stood.

“I guess, but I haven’t eaten anything yet,” she said, looking almost pained to have to admit it.

Aware she hadn’t eaten anything before bed, I knew she’d be half starving, which was why I had extra food ordered.

“Don’t worry about that; I’ll have it taken care of,” I said, reaching for my keys on the counter. “Let’s head out.”

Without another word, she followed behind me, bundled up for the chill that lingered in the air.

The drive to Coney Island was as quiet as I expected it to be, which prompted me to play the radio quietly. Even if Grace didn’t say much, I still caught her gaze lingering on the passing scenery. When she saw something that caught her attention, her lips would pull slightly in a smile.

Something in me hoped she would have the chance to smile more throughout the day. Even if things between us were rocky, I still wanted her to have a semblance of fun.

The beach was mostly empty when we arrived, save the odd person walking through the sand. But since the summer season was over, the rides were shut down, and none of the food stands were open.

It was only the sand, water, and fresh air left for us to appreciate. At the very least, the sun was out and offered enough warmth to take the bitterness out of the air.

The sound of waves crashing against the wet sand welcomed us as we approached the sea. It was a refreshing change since I didn’t often have enough time away from work to go to the beach.

“This way,” I said to Grace, pointing in the direction of the cabana that had been opened for us. The doors were open and overlooking the water.

Grace’s face lit up as we approached it. “Is this for us?”

I nodded. “I rented it for the day. It’s yours to enjoy.”

She stepped inside, finding a break from the chilly breeze, and marveled at everything that had been arranged in our absence. Two lounge chairs pointed toward the sea, where the ocean was perfectly visible. A short table at the back was full of food and drinks, and more cushions and blankets were tucked off to the side.

It was everything we could need to enjoy a few hours taking in the scenery.

“Oh, wow,” Grace said, smiling at the spread. She reached for an apple slice on one of the food trays and bit into it. She looked pleasantly surprised by it all, and her expression softened when she turned to look at me. “This is very nice, but I wouldn’t mind beachcombing first.”

“You’re free to do what you want,” I said, stepping inside. “I’ll be here.”

She brightened at that, then headed out toward the water.

Letting go of a breath as I sat down on one of the lounge chairs, I was relieved she didn’t hate the idea.

Instead, Grace busied herself by walking along the water and grazing the sand for anything that caught her eye. If she found something, she’d bend down and inspect it before picking up whatever she wanted to hold on to.

I watched her from the cabana, amused by how immersed she was in searching for those small treasures. She picked up what looked like a shard of sea glass, and she smiled to herself while she examined it closely.

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