Page 22 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

I go to my car, and for a few minutes, I simply sit there. I burst into tears and let myself cry. I really wanted to work there and had worked hard to get that interview, and this is yet another aspect of my life that Danil has ruined.

I find a tissue out of my handbag and wipe my eyes, trying my best to fix my makeup. Then it dawns on me. Why am I crying? Why am I upset? This is his fault. Not Mine. His.

I wouldn’t be having a shit time right now if he just helped me out and sorted the payment out with Penny like he knew he could. Now I’m married to an asshole who has cost me my dream job.

I’m angry.

I’m fucking livid.

I start my car and rev it loudly before I pull out of the parking lot and into traffic. I dial Penny.

“Hey, we’re at Danil’s house at the moment. We’re about to go back for more stuff. Do you want to meet us there?” she says as she answers the phone.

“Penny, please just take Luka and Arseny with you. I want to speak to Danil alone at the house. I’ll come back afterward,” I say.

“Is everything okay?” she asks hesitantly.

“Everything is fine. There’s just something I need to sort out.” I take a deep, steadying breath. “Please. If you can do this for me.”

“Sure, you know I’d do anything for you.” She hangs up and I focus on my driving. But the anger is building up inside of me. It’s making my mind reel with intrusive thoughts that I don’t welcome into my life.

Fuck Danil!!!

I am not any calmer by the time I pull up to the house and walk inside. “Danil,” I yell.

He comes walking down the stairs. “What’s this? What’s wrong?”

He actually looks concerned, but I step up to him and slap him, feeling a lot braver than I should.

Danil lifts his hand to his face and looks at me with a coldness that sends chills down my back. “What do you think you are doing exactly?” he asks.

“You’ve ruined my life in every possible fucking way. You’ve cost me my fucking job.” I burst into fresh tears. “And I’m crying because I’m pissed at you, and I have to live with you.”

Danil tries to pull me into a hug, but I shrug him off, and he asks, “Where were you going to work?”

“It was an art gallery downtown. I could only dream of working somewhere that big.”

“You’re better than any art gallery, and now you’re married to me. You don’t need the money.”

“I will go insane if I’m forced to stay in this house day in and day out without anything to do,” I snap.

“Then work at our gallery. The Madam Ambit. It’s uptown, and I promise it's more elite than any other art gallery in the city. I’ll take you for an interview myself, and you can get in on your own merits.” He looks at me seriously. “Okay?”

I knew Kervyn was a fan of art, but I didn’t realize Danil was too. I hesitate. It’s a sweet gesture. One that makes up for what I’ve been through, but mostly, I’m surprised by it.

I don’t expect ‘sweet’ from Danil. He is ruthless and dangerous, and he’s being so… so… nice.

I’m taken aback, and a slight blush reddens my cheeks. I can feel my face growing warm.

“That… that would be nice. I don’t want the job just because you own the place,” I add hurriedly.

“No. I will just get you the interview. I won’t say anything else, and you can prove your worth to them. Estelle runs the joint, and you know what? She’s got a stick up her ass about who she hires, so you’ll be lucky to get in there. So don’t thank me yet.” He gestures toward the door. “I was told you’re driving us back to your place.”

I am a bit flustered, but I turn around and walk toward the door. I jump slightly when I see Renat standing there watching us. “Is he always watching us?” I ask.

“He is my guard. Believe me, with the people I deal with, I need him. I can get you your own guard if you prefer,” he says.

I shake my head. “I don’t want to be constantly watched. I love my freedom.”

---