Page 64 of Virgin Bratva Prisoner

“Do you like it?” I ask, wondering why she seems uncomfortable with the gift.

“It is very beautiful.” She clears her throat and quickly wipes the back of her hand across her cheek. Then she smiles tightly and says, “What’s for dinner? I’m really tired. I want to get to bed early.”

I sigh, walking back to my own seat.

“It’s Smith’s version of fish and chips. I thought you’d enjoy the reference,” I say, feeling lost inside, no closer to understanding what is going on with her than I was this morning.

Raisa shakes her head, her mouth pulling tight as she tugs at the necklace in agitation.

Then she looks up at me with such anger in her eyes that I actually lean back slightly in my chair.

“Why in the world would you do this? Why would you give me gifts and make references to that night we had together? What kind of game are you playing with me?” She practically snarls she is so angry with me. Her fist is clenched around the rose pendant on her neck.

“What—I don’t—Raisa, what is going on?” I say, exasperated. “I’ve been trying for days to help you ease your study stress—but I’m starting to think it’s more than that. What is going on? Talk to me?”

“I just want to know why you are faking being nice to me. Why bother? Why taunt me like that?” She snaps.

“Fake?” I stammer in confusion.

“Yes, Oleg—fake.”

“Why would you think my gestures are fake?”

“Because I am nothing but atoolto you,” she spits the word with anger. Deep anger. The type that hides hurt.

“Raisa—“ my heart is beating fast, realizing the conversation she must have overheard.

“Don’t even bother.” She stands up, pushing her chair back, getting ready to leave. “You don’t have to explain anything,actually. It doesn’t even matter. I heard what you said to Leon the other night. I know I am nothing more than a method of reaching my brothers.” She turns to leave the room, but I am up and out of my seat too quickly. I grab her arm and spin her towards me.

“You were never meant to hear that, Raisa,” I say, holding her against me so that she can’t leave.

“Well, I did hear it—so you don’t have to pretend anymore.” Tears are falling silently down her cheeks.

What I said to Leon really hurt her—badly—and I didn’t mean it. Not at all.

“Raisa, I promise you, I only said that for Leon’s benefit. It isn’t how I feel.”

“Why would you say it if it wasn’t true?” She mutters quietly.

Fuck. I can see the pain in her eyes.

No wonder she has been so cold towards me for the last few days. No wonder she hasn’t wanted to talk to me or interact with me. She’s been completely avoiding me and now it all makes sense.

“I said it only to keep Leon from interfering with our relationship and the entire situation. If Leon thought something was going on, he wouldn’t leave this alone.”

“I don’t believe you,” she whispers. Her eyes turned away from me.

“Raisa, please—“

She steps away from me, pushing against my chest and forcing me to accept that I have to let go of her.

Shaking her head, she takes a tight breath in.

“I’m not really hungry,” she says.

“No, stay and eat something. I’ll go if you want me to—“

She shakes her head again, then reaches up behind her head and unclips the necklace. She puts it on the dinner table, along with the bracelet, then turns away from me and walks out of the dining room.

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