Page 7 of Forced By the Bratva King

Sillydidn’t even begin to cover it.

He stepped forward again, his hands raised in a placating gesture. “I really am sorry, Sierra.”

“It’s fine.” I took a step back, trying to calm my racing heart.

He must have acted under the influence of the lust that had overwhelmed him. So, I cut him some slack and excused myself, though I didn’t hide my lingering disgust.

“Hey, Sierra,” Madelyn called out, rushing up behind me. “Wait up.” She grabbed my wrist and spun me around. “What’s going on? Are you alright?”

“I…ugh.” My hand flew to my forehead, with my fingers gently caressing it.

“What is it?” she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.

She had no idea what Colin had done, so I stole a glance in his direction. He pleaded with his eyes, and he seemed sorry for his attempt.

“Talk to me, Sierra,” she said, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Did something happen? What is it?”

“It's nothing,” I said, forcing a smile. “I just needed some air, that’s all.”

“Really? Are you sure?” she asked, her frown not slipping. “You know you can tell me anything.”

Nice try, Madelyn. But not this time. Thanks, anyway.

“I know, but I’m good, serious,” I reaffirmed.

“Okay, thank God.” She sighed. “I thought something had happened. You’re undermywatch; nothing bad can happen to you.”

I laughed. “That’s sweet, but I can take care of myself, you know.”

“Yeah, of course,” she agreed, her shoulders relaxing.

Just then, her phone buzzed in her purse, but before she could get it, the buzzing stopped. She jerked her head, and a smile brightened her face. “There he is.”

I traced her gaze to a group of men in a corner, and before I could ask which one of them was her new boyfriend, her phone buzzed again.

“Chris is the tall one in black,” she said as though she’d read my mind. “I have to take this.” She looked at the screen.

“Is Suzanne calling you, too?” I joked.

“Very funny.” She excused herself. “In the meantime, go say hello to him.” Madelyn gestured her finger in the direction of the men. “Hello?” She placed the phone over one ear with a hand over the other in an attempt to muffle the noise.

“The one in black,” I muttered, exhaling sharply. “She just had to make me go to him, knowing full well that I suck at starting up conversations. Classic.” I finally mustered the courage and walked up to him.

I almost missed a step in my heels, but I was quick to regain my balance. “Fuck.”

Amongst the men, only one fit the description:tall one in black. My God, he was handsome.

Fuck, Madelyn hit the jackpot with this one,I thought, my knees quaking when our eyes met in a fleeting moment.I shouldn’t be having these thoughts. He’s my best friend’s boyfriend. Wait, why does he look Russian? She never mentioned that he was Russian. I thought Chris was a boy…this is a man. A tall, muscular man.

I tried to stop drooling over him, but it seemed almost impossible. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his matching dark siren eyes melted my heart. Dressed in a black suit, the man exuded power and wealth. He had an imposing build and perfectly trimmed beard that gave him a majestic look.

The closer I got to him, the faster my heart raced. The men around him stepped away one by one as I approached. Soon, he was alone, and I found myself standing in front of him.

“Hi, Chris,” I greeted with a smile.

He looked at me, confused as to who I was, squinting his cold and hollow eyes in my direction.

That's weird; why’s he looking at me like he doesn’t know who I am?Then, I mentally reprimanded myself.Of course, he doesn’t; we haven’t met before. That’s logical. But he must have seen me with Madelyn before she left. Right?

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