Page 31 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

"Here," she says, handing me another outfit—a form-fitting black jumpsuit with a peplum faux skirt with a daringly low neckline. "Try this one on next. I think you'll love it."

And so we continue, with Anoushka encouraging me to try on more and more daring outfits while offering a running commentary of praise and support. Each time I step out of the dressing room, her excitement is infectious, and I can't help but feel a little more confident in my own skin.

"Last one," she promises, handing me a playful printed A-line dress that hugs my curves in all the right places, turning into a skater skirt from the waist. "You're going to knock Lev's socks off when he sees you in this."

"Anoushka!" I gasp, feeling heat rush to my cheeks at the implication. But as I slip into the dress and admire myself in the mirror, I can't deny the electric thrill that runs through me at the thought of Lev's reaction.

"Alright," I concede as I step out of the dressing room, meeting Anoushka's approving gaze. "I guess I do feel pretty amazing in these clothes."

"Of course you do," she replies, beaming at me. "Now let's go buy everything and make sure Lev knows exactly what he's got."

I laugh, shaking my head even as my heart flutters in my chest. Maybe there's something to be said for stepping outside of my comfort zone after all.

***

Afterward we sit down in a cozy café, sipping on our drinks after the whirlwind shopping spree. I find myself opening up to Anoushka in a way I never thought possible. She's warm, engaging, and genuinely interested in my life. Sharing stories from our past, we laugh over our mischievous childhood antics and commiserate about the struggles of growing up.

"Lev used to sneak into my room and steal my dolls just to get a rise out of me," Anoushka confides with a grin. "He always had a knack for testing boundaries, even back then."

I giggle, imagining a young Lev causing mischief. "Growing up, it was just me and my mom. We didn't have much, but she did her best to make sure I was happy. She'd take me out for ice cream, and we'd spend hours talking and laughing. Those were some of my favorite moments."

“Where is she now?” Anoushka asks curiously.

“She died,” I shrug. “Cancer.”

“Oh no,” Anoushka gasps, reaching out to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was hard at first, being alone. But now, I’ve got it covered,” I tell her.

“And now, you have us,” she whispers.

"I guess I do," I reply hesitantly, surprising myself with the ease of my agreement. Maybe it's the bond we've formed today, or maybe it's the hope that someone as kind and genuine as Anoushka wouldn't steer me wrong.

We lose track of time as we continue to share stories, laughter bubbling between us like a newfound secret language. By the time we decide to head home, the sun has dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the city.

***

Anoushka drops me home and drives off from the driveway itself. I open the door to Lev’s house and I'm met with Lev's stormy gaze, his jaw clenched tightly as he glowers at us.

"Where the hell have you been?" he snaps. His voice is a low growl that sends shivers down my spine.

"Lev, we were just shopping!" I say, taken aback by his anger.

"Without telling me?" Lev scoffs, his eyes narrowing as they sweep over the shopping bags in my hands. "And you didn't answer any of my calls. Neither did Anoushka. I was worried sick!"

"Lev, I didn't realize my phone was on silent. I'm sorry," I say quickly, hoping to defuse the situation. His annoyance is palpable, and I can't help but feel a sudden sense of guilt for not keeping him in the loop.

"Whatever," he grumbles, turning away from me and stalking off toward the stairway.

"Wait, Lev," I call out after him, determined not to let things end on a sour note. He pauses and turns back to face me. "Look at what Anoushka picked out for me. She has excellent taste."

I reach into one of the shopping bags, pulling out a stunning red dress that clings to every curve. The fabric is soft and silky beneath my fingertips, and I can't help but feel a thrill at the thought of wearing it. As I hold it up against my body, I notice Lev's gaze lingering on the way it falls over my figure, his eyes darkening with something akin to desire.

"Nice," he says, his voice rough and low, sending shivers down my spine. "What else did you get?"

“Come, I’ll show you in my room. I need to put these things away anyway.”

In my bedroom, feeling emboldened by his reaction, I dig deeper into the bag, revealing a sinfully sexy set of black lace lingerie. My cheeks heat at the thought of wearing such an intimate piece of clothing, but the way Lev's eyes devour the sight stokes the fire inside me.

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