Page 17 of Paid for By the Bratva

“We should tell our families tomorrow.”

Okay. This isnotwhat I was expecting.

“So soon?” I ask, petrified of how they’d react.

“We’re getting reckless. It’s only a matter of time before someone in Philadelphia recognizes us and the news spreads. We should be the ones to tell them before someone else does,” he says firmly.

Dima is right, as much as I hate to admit it. We can't hide forever, and the longer we wait, the harder it will be to face the consequences. Taking a deep breath, I nod slowly, my eyes meeting his intense gaze.

"You're right," I agree, trying to sound more confident than I feel. "We'll tell them tomorrow."

Dima's expression softens as he reaches out to gently cup my cheek, his touch surprisingly tender. "We'll face it together," he reassures me, his thumb brushing against my skin.

His words offer me comfort in the midst of uncertainty, and for a brief moment, I allow myself to lean into his touch, seeking solace in his presence. We sit in silence for a few more seconds before he says something that brings me crashing back to reality.

“You remember how we must act?” he asks.

I gulp. How can I forget the number of times he’s told me we’d have to act intimate in public?

“Y…yeah,” I stammer. “I remember.”

“Good,” he says, leaning past me to open the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow…wife.”

***

That night, I toss and turn, tremendously afraid. How the hell does Dima expect us to act like a real couple in front of everyone when we haven’t even kissed? He’s not exactly the easiest person to cozy up to.

He’s nice and warm. I do enjoy his company. It’s pleasant, even.

And at times, for the sake of honesty, I have no shame in admitting to myself that he can send my heart racing.

But to be intimate in public? I’m five foot three, and he? Like six feet or something. He looks like the kind of man that could snap someone in half without breaking a sweat. I know we have to keep up appearances, but how the hell can I look past that tough exterior?

I try to sleep, yet I still can't shake the fear of what others might think when they see us together. Will they see right through this sham?

Or will they buy it?

I only hope we’re not forced to end up regretting what’s been done.

Chapter 6 - Dima

Nikolai slaps me on the back as I’m watching our families arrive. I flinch, pulled from my thoughts.

“Why are we doing this again?” he asks, eyeing his wife Anoushka as she greets her brother Boris and sister-in-law Robin with enthusiasm.

“Where are the others?” Anoushka inquires, glancing around.

“Behind us,” Robin replies. “They were running a little late.”

Anoushka nods and ushers them in, offering drinks. Nikolai taps me on the forehead.

“What the—?” I grumble, turning to him.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” he says. “Why are we doing this here, at my house?”

“Because I have some news,” I reply with a straight face. “And it’s easier to escape your threshold than my own with guests around.”

“And the Zolotovs were needed for this news?” Nikolai presses.

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