Page 39 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

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Back home at the end of the night, my stomach churns with a mixture of emotions, and I realize that the confrontation with my brothers has taken its toll on me. Unable to sleep, I sink deeper into my mattress, rubbing my temples as the weight of their disapproval lingers.

I glance at the clock. It's late, but Nikolai always says he's available when I need him. Biting my lip, I pick up my phone and dial his number.

"Anoushka," Nikolai's rich baritone caresses my name. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"No reason," I say breezily, though we both know I never call without good cause. "How is Paris?"

"Cold. Missing a certain firecracker to warm me up." His teasing tone brings a reluctant smile to my face.

“Well, I hope you find her soon,” I tease.

“Don’t tell me you’re not missing a certain someone,” he jokes back.

“Nope, never,” I say in a straight voice, refusing to admit I miss him.

Even though I do. So, so much.

“Ouch,” he gasps into the phone.

I smile but don’t giggle, still lost in my thoughts as the day comes rushing back to me. I fought with Boris, Damien, and Lev.

"Anoushka?" His voice is warm and deep, instantly soothing me. "Is everything all right?"

How the hell does he know when I’m feeling low?

"Everything's fine," I lie, cradling the phone against my ear. "I just… needed to hear your voice."

"Are you sure? You sound… off." Nikolai's concern cuts straight through my bravado.

"Really, I'm okay," I insist, but I can't keep the tremor out of my words. "I don't miss you or anything like that. I just had a long day."

"Ah, want to talk about it?" Nikolai asks gently, and I can almost see the smirk playing on his lips as he realizes I miss him.

"I’d rather talk about yours," I retort, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of his smile.

"Busy, as usual," he replies, sharing the details of a business deal he's been working on. As he speaks, I close my eyes and let myself get lost in the rhythm of his voice. It's like an anchor, grounding me when everything else feels unsteady.

"Your turn," he prompts when he finishes. "Tell me what happened today."

I hesitate, unsure if I should burden him with my family drama. But as Nikolai patiently waits for my response, I find myself spilling everything that transpired between my brothers and me.

"Anoushka," he says softly when I finish, "I'm so proud of you. You stood up for yourself and showed them that you're more than their sister who needs to be protected."

"True," I whisper, my voice wavering. "But I wish I hadn’t been so harsh with them. What if they’re mad at me?”

"They’re your brothers," he says, firmer this time. "You are strong. You are capable. And they know that. Chances are, they’re proud of you.”

“Oh yeah?” I ask, gently closing my eyes and snuggling up with the phone against the pillow as I begin to feel drowsy. “How would you know that?”

“Because I have sisters, too,” Nikolai whispers. “You think Sofia and Natalia haven’t stood up to me? In fact, I cherish the moments when they do. That’s when I know they’re discovering themselves, exerting their boundaries, are preparing for the world.”

"Thank you, Nikolai," I murmur, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes from how sweetly he speaks of his sisters. "I needed to hear that."

"I’m glad it helped," he replies tenderly. "Now, why don't we sleep? It sounds like you could use some rest."

"Sleep? On the phone?" I ask, a small smile playing on my lips.

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