Page 62 of Virgin Bratva Prisoner

It’s better if I just stay away from him as much as possible. At least I have my studies to keep me busy.

That is my goal, anyway. It always was. I wasn’t ever meant to fall for some random guy. My dreams arejustto become a doctor and to make a home for myself in this city. I don’t need Oleg. I don’t need some asshole guy who just wants to use me as a tool.

I can take care of myself.

I nod at my reflection in the mirror.

Then, with one last deep breath, I step back out into the family party.

My heart closed off, colder, more protected than before.

Chapter 19 - Oleg

I have been struggling the last few days with Raisa.

It seems that no matter what I try, she hardly even wants to speak to me.

She goes into the sunroom, closes the door, and doesn’t come out except to eat a little and then go to bed.

I knew her studies would be difficult, a definite challenge, but I feel like she is drifting away from me.

I can’t figure out exactly what is wrong or how I can help her.

Walking up the stairs carrying two cups of coffee, I want to try and talk to her again. I’ve tried before and she was extremely cold towards me, but I am going to keep trying until I get through to her.

The truth is that I miss her.

Even between her studies, she was usually smiling and relaxed, but things are different now.

I knock once on the sunroom door, then push it open with my foot, carrying the coffee inside.

Raisa has her head bent over her textbooks, a pen in her hand as she takes notes.

I put the coffee on her desk and wait for her acknowledge me in some way.

She doesn’t. It’s like I’m not there at all.

“Raisa,” I say gently.

“What?” she snaps back without looking up.

“Can we talk?”

She drops her pen, clearly agitated. “Why?” she says, spinning her chair to glare at me with the same fierceness that has been in her eyes for the past few days.

“I wanted to check in with you—to see how you are doing?”

“I’m perfectly fine. Thank you. Was that all?” she says abruptly.

“Are you sure, though? You seem—“

“Oleg, is this going to take long? I have a lot to do here.” She gestures over her textbooks.

“No, sorry for interrupting,” I say, disappointed that I still have not managed to get through to her. “Enjoy your coffee,” I say, turning away, wishing she would call me back or say something more. But she doesn’t.

I think her studies are stressing her out. I paged through her textbooks the other night and what she is learning is really intense.

It must be exhausting. I don’t really blame her for being so stressed out.

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