Page 30 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

Oh, how the tables have turned.

I give her a small smile, whatever I can manage through the pain, and walk out of the door.

***

Back in my room, I call for the home doctor. Then, I head into the bathroom and strip off my bloodied shirt to inspect the damage in the mirror. Bruises are forming and cuts litter my torso like an abstract painting. I try my best to wash the wounds in the sink, but my exhaustion makes it difficult to concentrate.

There's a knock at the door, and Anoushka's voice floats through. "Nikolai, can I come in?"

"Fine," I say, bracing myself for her reaction. She opens the door hesitantly, her eyes widening as they take in the sight of my battered body.

"God, Nikolai," she breathes, rushing over to me with a first aid kit in hand. "Why didn't you tell me it was this bad?"

"Didn't want you to worry," I mumble, avoiding her gaze.

"Too late for that," she replies softly, dampening a cloth with antiseptic. I flinch when she starts dabbing at my cuts, but her touch is gentle and deliberate.

"Where's Dima?" I ask, trying to distract myself from the stinging pain.

"Sleeping in the guest room," she answers, focused on her task. "He'll be okay, and I’ve instructed the housekeepers to take the doctor to Dima the moment he arrives. Now, let me take care of you."

"Anoushka, you don't have to—" I begin, but she cuts me off.

"Shut up and let me help," she says firmly, her eyes meeting mine with determination. I nod, conceding to her stubbornness.

As Anoushka meticulously tends to my wounds, I can't help but marvel at her resilience. She's been thrown into this evening without warning, and yet she's managed to remain strong, compassionate, and fiercely protective.

It makes me truly feel that the tides are shifting beneath our feet—that what we think and believe no longer matters.

"Thank you," I say quietly when she finishes bandaging my chest.

"Of course," she replies, giving me a small, reassuring smile.

But it’s clear there’s more on her mind. "Nikolai,” she begins softly. “I deserve to know what's going on, especially if it puts any of us in danger."

"Fine," I relent, considering how this is the third time she’s asking. "There were some… disagreements at the club tonight. Things got out of hand."

"Disagreements over what?" she asks, trying to hide the tremble in her voice. “Wouldn’t this fight affect your reputation? Your establishment’s reputation?”

I can see the determination in her eyes, and I know she deserves at least some semblance of an answer. "My family's safety is more important than me than anything else," I say cryptically. "And that includes you, Anoushka."

Her expression softens, and for a brief moment, I see a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She reaches out and gently cups my face, her touch warm and tender. “I’m just so glad you’re okay,” she whispers, her face so close to mine that I can see the green hues in her blue eyes speckled with flakes of brown.

“I’m glad you’re alright,” she whispers, her lashes fluttering against my skin as she leans her forehead against mine. I can feel her breath on my lips.

The air between us shifts, charged with electricity. Our eyes remain locked, and I can see the fire burning within her.

"Anoushka… " I murmur, my voice barely a whisper.

"Shh," she breathes, silencing me with a finger pressed to my lips. Slowly, deliberately, she leans in, pressing her lips to mine with a hunger that surprises me.

This is the first time she’s been so bold. This kiss, this moment, it’s all her making.

And dear lord, am I thrilled.

Anoushka's lips are like warm silk against my own, the sweetness of her taste slowly erasing the lingering pain from my battered body. Her fingers trace a path along my jaw, her touch both gentle and insistent as she begins to kiss me harder, fiercer. She touches my bare chest, and I shift in my seat, my towel threatening to unravel from my waist.

I take my hands and place them on her hips, pulling her down on my lap. Her ass juts into my crotch, my cock getting mildly hard as arousal takes, desire coursing through me like wildfire.

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