Page 30 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

“People like us don’t just change,” Danil insists.

“Really? You didn’t change for Asher?” I point out.

“Go fix whatever fight it is you’re having with her. All we need is for you to piss off a big mouth who you’ve given an audience to. If she broadcasts about our family, you’ve jeopardized us all.”

I frown. “You can’t just order me to go home.”

“Yes, I can. I’m older than you. Fuck off home and fix things with your wife. You chose to do this; now live with the consequences.” Danil gets up and walks towards the stairs to the office.

I sit there stewing for a moment, furious with my brothers. They all don’t get it, and they should. They’ve been down this road. I’m drunk on Hannah; I don’t think it’s a silly infatuation. I don’t just want to get laid. I want her, every fiber of her, and I want her to want me too. Sometimes I think I see something there, something that says maybe she could like me.

But then she argues with me, and it sets me off. Why won’t she just let me protect her?

I leave Afantasy and glance at the time. I climb into the car. “Let’s go to the races. We’ll make it if you give it some gas.”

“Yes, sir,” Monty says.

Chapter 11 - Hannah

He is such a giant man-child. He thinks he can just dictate what is going on in my life as if these are the olden days and I must be a dutiful wife. It’s ridiculous, and I won’t have it.

I set myself up with the books I checked out. I want to start recording the new episode as soon as possible. Because of Luka’s fans interacting with my podcast, it’s gained a lot of followers. I mean, that is at least one bonus about being with him. I’ve gained followers, and they’re interacting on my account.

I can’t avoid calling Meryl anymore, though. She’s been leaving message after message, and I have been pushing her aside. This morning, she messaged that she was hurt and that I didn’t want to talk to her about what was going on.

I look at the books and decide that now is as good a time as any.

I pick up my phone and dial her number.

“I was beginning to think that you hated me,” she says when she answers her phone.

“Not at all. It’s just been seriously crazy this side, and I didn’t want to disturb you,” I explain.

“Seriously crazy? Is it because your podcast is taking off so well? Or because that sexy guy called you his wife?” She giggles. “Am I detecting that you’re dating someone?”

I bite my lip. I can’t tell her I’ve been kidnapped. I can’t drag her into what’s happening.

“About that, M. I’m sorry to spring this on you, but one wild night and I kind of eloped with the guy.”

There is silence on the other end. There is an awkward pause before Meryl starts laughing nervously. “You’re joking, right, Hannah? You didn’t seriously elope with that casino owner.”

“I don’t know what to say,” because I don’t. “It just kind of happened.” Without my consent.

“You’re fucking joking? Seriously, just because no one is paying attention to you and everyone is focused on my wedding, you decide to make it all about you and elope to stir up drama in the family?”

I am taken aback. “No, Meryl. No, that wasn’t my intention. Like I said, it happened so suddenly.”

“And yet you have said nothing. It’s been three days since the party, and suddenly, you’re married. Are you that starved for attention? You know what, I wish you all the best, but if you’re just going to try to make my wedding about you, then I don’t think you should come.”

She hangs up before I can say anything. I tried calling her back three times, but each time, she sent me to voice mail.

I feel like I can’t breathe. I keep my phone with me, but I go downstairs and out into the garden in the back. I find a bench to sit on, and I start to hyperventilate. The tears well up in my eyes, and I begin to cry.

I’m involved in this questionable whatever, and now my cousin hates me. The only cousin I have as a friend in this shitty town because my other cousins are going to disown me after this.

I breathe heavily as the tears spill, and I start to sob. My heart feels absolutely broken. I just want Meryl to speak to me again. I just want to make things right with her. I didn’t ask for this to happen, but I suspect if I try to tell her the truth now, she definitely won’t believe me. She’ll think I’m making it up for attention.

I don’t know how long I've been sitting there, but it’s a long time, and I sob until I can’t sob anymore. I hear a door open nearby and footsteps. I move to get up but pause when I hear his voice. “Hannah? I came as quickly as I could.”

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