Page 55 of Paid for By the Bratva

Her eyes widen in shock, and she takes a step back, pale in the face. "Marv? If not Marv, then who…?"

“I don’t know,” I admit, the disappointment at myself crushing my voice. “I think we should sit and talk,” I say, the fatigue catching up with me.

She nods and takes my hand in her own, which I notice is trembling. She must be petrified, and I hate doing this to her, seeing her this way. Gently, she guides me up to my bedroom and sits on the bed, staring at the floor. I sit down beside her.

Lara reaches out and takes my hand. "Dima…I won’t lie. I’m terrified. If this gets out, it could ruin my reputation, not to mention I don’t know how my brothers would react. But I know you'll do everything in your power to protect me," she says softly, her eyes filled with unwavering trust.

“I will,” I say without skipping a beat, resting my head on her shoulder. "But I need to know what I'm dealing with. We need to find out who's behind this because right now, I’m at a dead end. And I want you to stay strong. You have nothing to be afraid of."

She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Alright, I'll do that. But I promise I'm not who they say I am. I've changed, Dima. I wouldn't do anything to put our marriage in jeopardy. And, I worry, what would your family think?”

“Hey,” I say, sitting up and gripping her face in my hands, forcing her to look into my eyes, our foreheads pressed together. “Don’t ever say you changed. You did nothing wrong, you hear me? Everyone has a right to party once in a while, Lara. As for my family, they will say nothing, for all that matters is that we’re loyal to one another. You’re their family, too, and they’d never let anyone attack that bond.”

She nods, but I can see the same look I’ve noticed in my own reflection just moments ago. She’s afraid and uncertain. The warmth of Lara's breath against my lips sends shivers downmy spine as we sit there, our foreheads touching. Her hands find their way to the nape of my neck, playing with the short hairs there, sending a tingling sensation through me. I can't help but pull her closer, my own hands sliding around her waist.

"Hey," she whispers, looking up at me with those deep, trusting eyes. "We’re in this together, Dima. Nothing will ever change that."

Her words surround me like a blanket, making me forget the world. In this moment, I’m beyond proud of choosing to be honest with my wife. My brave, beautiful wife who over and over again surprises me with her poise and grace.

“Together,” I whisper, leaning down to claim her lips to mine.

Chapter 19 - Lara

The warm glow of the chandeliers creates an inviting atmosphere as Dima and I step into the opulent ballroom at Anoushka and Nikolai’s, surrounded by Anoushka's friends and family to celebrate her birthday. At the precipice, I hold Dima’s hand nervously.

He stops and leans down to whisper in my ear. “Trust me. Nikolai hasn’t told anyone. Nobody would have seen the videos.”

I look up at his tender gray eyes, reassured. When I nod, he guides me forward with his hand at the small of my back. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the air while waiters in crisp uniforms glide through the crowds, offering canapés and flutes of champagne.

"Anoushka certainly knows how to throw a party," I comment, leaning closer to Dima.

"That she does. It's her way of making sure everyone has a good time," he replies, guiding me toward our hostess.

“Welcome, welcome!” Anoushka greets us, enveloping me in a hug.

I smile, “Happy birthday, Anoushka!” and hand my cousin a small wrapped box.

She gasps, eyes sparkling. “Let me guess,” she whispers conspiratorially. “Jewelry?”

“You know my husband,” I laugh, wagging my eyebrows at Dima. “His beloved gift to women is always jewelry.”

“Hey,” she gasps, opening the box and pulling out a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet. “No regrets here!” she squeals with delight. “Help me put it on!”

From behind, Nikolai comes and helps his wife put on the bracelet. “Dima,” he growls. “You’re making it hard for me to impress my wife.”

Dima laughs and raises his hands in humble victory. Nikolai meets my gaze and gives me a side hug, not once mentioning all that’s been going on since the video was circulated online.

And for that? I’m grateful.

Anoushka and Nikolai stay put, greeting others who arrive. Dima leads me forward to catch up with some friends before we move on to our clusters of family members. Dima's arm is a warm weight across my shoulders, a welcome one.

We mingle with some friends, and our family, exchanging pleasantries and light conversation. I notice the genuine warmth in people's smiles, and it feels like everyone’s truly having a great time.

"My dear sister!" a familiar voice booms, drawing my attention. My brother Denis approaches, arms wide for an embrace. "It's been far too long."

"Denis!" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around him. “I saw you last week.”

He smells of his signature cologne, and I feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me.

---