Page 36 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

“She likes makeup, oh, and going to the library.”

“She read a lot?” Clyde asks.

“Yeah,” I admit. “A whole lot.”

“Right, then we have a starting point,” Wynter says. “Go talk to her and let me know how it goes. Maybe we can set something up for you.”

“What? Now?” I ask.

“Right now,” Arseny nudges me. “Forget the workout. You need to get back there before she feels neglected.”

I look at my cousins, who shoo me along. I grab my things and hurry out of the gym. I floor it all the way home. I walk in. “Hannah?” I call. “Are you back?”

“She isn’t, sir,” Monty answers. “Jonah did text to say they’re on their way.”

“Okay, I’m going to shower quickly. Can you get breakfast sorted so she can eat once she’s back? I’m sure she’s starving.”

I hurry upstairs and leave Monty to organize the kitchen staff. I shower for the second time and get dressed in a suit. As I come downstairs, Hannah walks in. She keeps her head down as she walks upstairs and past me, but I grab her hand. “Hannah, wait.”

She blushes, but she won’t look at me. “I have a lot of research to do.”

“Hannah, please look at me.”

I wait until she reluctantly looks into my eyes, and I smile. “Last night… It was magical. I’m… I guess I’m honored you let me…” I swallow. “Hannah.”

“Yes?” she asks awkwardly.

“Maybe I could treat you to a proper night out and show you that I’m not just a drunken dog.”

“I didn’t think you were. I thought maybe you… maybe you thought bad about me.” She bites her lip, and I want to kiss her, but I hold back.

“Not at all. No, nothing of the sort. Why don’t you have some breakfast? I’ll plan our night. And, if you’ll give me a chance, I can show you a fun time without just drinking tequila.” I bring her hand up to my lips and kiss it. “Please?”

She nods. “Okay. I’ll be down for breakfast after I put the books away.” She slips her hand out of mine and hurries upstairs. I take out my phone immediately and call Wynter.

“Do you have a plan yet?” I ask. “Because she’s agreed to go out with me.”

“It’s all sorted. I’ll text you the time and location. It’ll just be the two of you there with a specialty chef.”

“Thanks, cousin,” I say quietly. “I owe you one.”

I hang up and go downstairs to the dining room. After what feels like forever, Hannah comes in reluctantly and sits at the table. We have our breakfast in silence, and I want to talk to her about how she’s feeling, but I’m not really good at this sort of thing. I’m normally a charmer, but I feel out of sorts with her. She does things to me.

I remember how we moved as one last night and how we fit perfectly together.

My phone goes off with two texts from Wynter, and I read them. I smile broadly, and I look at her. “I hope you’re excited for tonight.”

“Do I have to dress fancy?” she asks.

“No, comfortable is more my thing.” I finish my coffee and sit back. “I have to meet with my brothers, but I’ll be back to pick you up at seven, okay?”

“Okay,” she says quietly.

I leave and can’t help but think about her the entire day. My brothers keep moaning at me because I’m distracted, and eventually, Kervyn sends me to check on the casino to make sure everything is running smoothly now that it’s reopened.

I stay there until six before I head home. When I get in, I hear Hannah recording upstairs, so I take a shower again and change into smart slacks, a golf shirt, and a jumper.

I wait until she stops recording. She gets up and goes to her room, and I follow her, knocking on the door. “Are you ready to go yet?”

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