Page 57 of Arranged Bratva Virgin

They stare down at me with their mouths pulled tight.

“What is going on?” I ask, feeling worried.

“Can we talk to you?” Paval says under his breath.

“Of course.”

I follow them, wondering if something has gone wrong with the business. It’s been a long time since I have seen either of them looking so grim.

They lead me through the noisy house to the library and both stand over me in an ominous manner.

“Guys, come on, tell me what is going on,” I say nervously.

“We need to know if you are alright,” Kiril says sternly. His jaw muscles are taut, and his eyes are narrowed towards me.

“If I’m…?" I try to process the question and how it might link to the business.

“You, Darya, are you doing okay living with that guy? Paval and I were discussing it, and if you need help to get out of the arrangement or file for divorce, whatever it is you want, we can make a plan to make it happen for you.”

“A divorce?” I say, shocked. My eyes are wide and confused.

“Yes, or whatever is best. Perhaps you can stay married, but living in separate houses?”

“No, oh my goodness, I don’t want that at all.”

“Darya, this isn’t about you doing what is best for the family anymore. This is about us trying to make sure you are happy, okay?”

I grin, because them confronting me like this, and the way I answered almost instantly without needing to think about it at all—it shows me something.

I really enjoy being around Stefano. I enjoy his company and I love spending time with him.

“Paval, Kiril, I promise you, I am happy where I am. I don’t need you to make any arrangements to get me out of there.”

“Are you sure?” Paval’s brows are knotted. He is struggling to believe me.

I stand on my tiptoes and wrap my arms around my brother to hug him. “Thank you so much for worrying about me, but I promise you, there is nothing you need to do.”

When I step back, they are both glancing between me and each other.

“I promise,” I say again, just trying to make sure that they know they have nothing to worry about.

“If it ever changes—"

“I will let you know,” I nod.

***

After the party Stefano and I head home, and my heart feels lighter than before. It’s as though my brothers confronting me like that really made me face and accept how I really feel. I am happy around him. He makes me smile and I have fun with him.

I glance over at him as he drives down the dark road. I wonder how he really feels about me. We have never had a genuine conversation about feelings.

I wouldn’t even have a clue how to start a conversation like that with him.

The following weekend, we have a birthday to attend for one of my nieces. It’s going to be an over-the-top event with jumping castles, performers, pony rides—everything one could imagine.

When I come through to find Stefano to remind him about the party, he is in his office, working.

I walk around his desk and run my hand across his shoulder.

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