Page 61 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

“Nonsense!” Anoushka says. “This isn’t my first rodeo drive, and today, I’m going to show you the ropes on how to survive this.”

I’m about to argue when she whispers in a kinder tone. “Besides, I could use the distraction, too.”

Hearing Anoushka admit to a vulnerability makes my heart break. Perhaps we could spend some time together and help each other out during this difficult day. Without skipping a beat, I ask "Can you pick me up?"

***

An hour later, I find myself in a chic café, the bright sun glinting off the tables. The scent of fresh coffee and pastries fills the air, and Anoushka reappears at the table, wearing an effortlessly stylish outfit and a mischievous grin on her face.

“I couldn’t decide between the croissant and the pain au chocolat, so I got both!” she announces, setting down the coffee and the pastries.

“Atta girl!” I tell her.

We quickly dig into the croissants and walk out with our coffees.

"Ready for some retail therapy?" she asks, looping her arm through mine.

"Definitely," I reply with a smile, grateful for the chance to escape my worries, even if just for a little while.

We spend the afternoon wandering from store to store, trying on clothes and sharing stories. But my mind still wanders to Lev every other second. I wonder how he’s doing. I wonder why he hasn’t called or texted. Has something gone wrong?

“Hello? Hello?” Anoushka says. “Earth to Pippa!”

I snap back to reality, realizing I’ve been lost in my thoughts once again. “Sorry, just… distracted,” I murmur, trying to shake off the worry that’s settled deep in my chest.

Anoushka gives me a sympathetic look, her eyes filled with understanding. “I get it, Pippa. But remember, my brothers are tough cookies. All this worrying won’t help them or you.”

I nod my head, trying to shake off my worries. “You’re right,” I say, and begin to browse through the clothes.

"Okay, this one is perfect," Anoushka declares, holding up a stunning black coat. "You have to try it on!"

"Are you sure?" I ask hesitantly, eyeing the price tag. "I don't know if it's really my style…"

"Trust me, Pippa. You'll look amazing in it," she insists, forcing it over my shoulders. “And winters in Philly are brutal. This is going to be perfect.”

I wear the coat and turn to the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The coat looks fabulous, but it’s still a lot of money.

“It’s lovely, Anoushka, but I can’t,” I shake my head, shrugging it off.

I leave her in the changing room and go browse through the items aimlessly.

Five minutes later, someone’s behind me, flinging a shopping bag in front of me.

“What the?” I begin, turning around.

“Surprise!” Anoushka sings. “That coat looked amazing on you. It would have been a crime to walk away without it.”

Before I can protest or even thank her, she’s linked her arm through mine, ready to hit up the next store.

***

We shop for hours and by the end of it, both of us are absolutely exhausted. I realize then that I haven’t thought about Lev for a good fifteen minutes.

Now that’s progress. Turns out, I am having fun with Anoushka by my side.

“How about we get some dinner?” Anoushka suggests. “We can have cocktails, bitch about my brothers…” she says suggestively, wiggling her eyebrows.

I laugh. “Deal.”

---