Page 35 of The Lazarov Bratva

“Bathroom, sorry!”

Ray smiles, a dazzling grin, but there’s a flash of disappointment in his eyes. Turning to Katja, I’m slightly unsteady and a gasp lurches from me. Katja is locking lips with Mark and seemingly enjoying it from the way her body is plastered to him.

“Ka—Marie!”

She doesn’t respond.

“Marie!”

Katja jerks back from Mark and wipes her lower lip with a dazed smile as our eyes meet.

“Bathroom?” I ask, and she nods, then she pats Mark’s cheek.

“Don’t move, sexy!”

I clutch her hand, and Katja laughs happily. Then we stumble together through the crowd, seeking out the bathroom.

Even with alcohol running through my system and dampening my thoughts, Kristof still remains at the forefront and it’s frustrating. So easily, he consumes me, and even here, he’s about to get in the way of my taking control of my first time.

As we stumble into the cooler bathroom, I make a decision. It’s one that grows stronger as I stumble into a stall and slam the door behind me.

When I go back out there, I’m going to kiss Ray until he puts his dick inside me. I can’t take any chances.

Katja starts up a giggling conversation with another woman in the bathroom, but the words don’t make it over the thumping sound of my own heart. I flop down onto the toilet, just managing to get my dress up, and then I pee like a fucking champion.

Why does alcohol make you pee so damn much?

Finishing up, I head out of the stall and pass Katja, who messily kisses my cheek on the way past and takes my stall. She looks happier and more alive than I’ve ever seen her.

Then I catch sight of myself in the mirror as I wash my hands, and I barely recognize myself. My eyes are wide, pupils blown from the dull light outside. My cheeks are flushed full of color, and my hair is falling loose from its style. The red blush travels down my neck and over my breastbone, but thankfully, my liner is still in the same place.

I look like a real person. A real woman out for the night before I go back to my empty flat and my cat and my mundane office job. That’s my dream.

Sort of. Maybe not so boring.

Katja stumbles out of the stall with a laugh and joins me.

“Alcohol and heels do not go together.” She grins. Our eyes meet in the mirror. “Are you okay?”

“I’m amazing.” I grin at her. “You?”

“I never want to leave!” Her hands land on my shoulders. “Isn’t this just the most fun you’ve ever had in your entire life?”

“It is.” I laugh. “Although I feel a little dizzy, is that normal?” I ask as if Katja has years of clubbing experience.

“Yes, I think so,” she assures me, lifting one hand to my cheek.

“And you kissed him!” I squeal suddenly. “Oh, my God, your first kiss. How was it?”

“Wet.” Katja giggles. “But nice. He tastes like beer, though, and I don’t like that, but that’s normal, right?”

“Yes, absolutely.” As the words leave me, I realize there’s actually nothing I disliked about my first kiss, but these details hardly matter now.

Katja steps away and splashes some water onto her face, then she takes my hand and her water-chilled fingers are a relief against the heat.

“Ready?” she asks softly.

“Ray and Mark won’t know what hit them.”

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