Page 53 of The Bratva's Kidnapped Bride

They look at each other uneasily and then return to the party to stand watch. I walk outside and take a few deep breaths. I’m shaking like a leaf as the anger broils inside of me.

A bride, that’s all they think of me—a way to align us with someone who can further the family. At least Arseny appreciated my intelligence and challenged me. It’s incredible how much I miss him now that I’m home, even if it’s only been a short time.

I’m so used to having him around that being without him feels almost lonely, even though my house is brimming with guests.

I can hear more people arriving by the minute. I sit down on a stone bench, and I feel absolutely miserable. Even if I wanted to send word to Arseny, I have no one I can trust who won’t tell my father. I just want to let him know I’m okay, and I just want to find out that they didn’t hurt him or if my father’s lying and they did do something to him.

I feel like I’m betraying my family, but at the same time, I need to follow my heart, and that is currently with the enemy.

I hear footsteps coming up behind me, and I clench my fists. “I said I don’t need a fucking babysitter.”

“Shh,” a hand claps over my mouth, and I look up at Arseny’s face. He lets me go, and I drag him into a dark corner.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper.

“I had to see you,” he murmurs. “If my family knew I’d be hung out to dry.”

We look into each other’s eyes, and he swoops down and kisses me deeply.

I slip my arms around his neck and return the kiss, moaning softly. He presses me back against the wall as we continue to make out, his hand stroking down my side ever so slowly before he lifts my skirt and slides his hand into my panties.

I can’t think straight. I don’t want to think straight.

He massages my clit as we kiss, and I groan into his mouth, moving against his hand in a bit of a wild movement. His other hand gropes my left breast, and I break the kiss as he kisses down my neck. I’m breathing hard, reaching down to massage him through his pants.

He presses against me, recapturing my lips and kissing me hungrily. If I could, I would devour him.

I want to devour him.

I break the kiss and whisper, “Not here.”

“Where?” he murmurs, slowly releasing me.

He pulls his hand out of my panties and licks his fingers. “Hmm.”

I bite my lip. “There’s a back entrance to my room. The guards won’t be there. Go down this yard, turn right, and climb up to the balcony. I’ll let you in. Go, hurry.”

I fix my clothes and hurry inside, careful not to alert anyone that something is up. Ethan walks out of the room and looks at me. “Elena…”

“Don’t,” I say sternly. “I’ve never been more insulted in my life. I’m going to bed.”

I storm upstairs, but really, I just use it as an excuse to get to Arseny before someone goes into the yard and sees him on my balcony.

I shut my bedroom door and lock it, then rush to the balcony and open it. He grabs me and kisses me hungrily. “I want you so badly.”

“Me first,” I breathe against his lips.

I turn him around and push him against the wall before I get on my knees and quickly unzip his pants.

“Elena…” he growls.

“Hush in case someone walks past.” I free his erection and start to stroke it.

I look at him as I stick my tongue out and lick his tip. His eyes are dark with passion, and he shivers slightly. I suck on the head, trying to keep eye contact, but he grabs my hair and entangles his hand in it, forcing me to take him deeper into my mouth.

He starts to move his hips, and I suck and try not to make too much noise slurping. I reach up and massage his balls, and I can feel him stiffen even more, twitching in my mouth. I taste his precum, and I swallow around him.

“Elena,” I hear my father call from downstairs.

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