Page 53 of Knocked Up by the Bratva

I narrow my eyes at her, but I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. She’s toying with me, and I’m letting her. It’s a dangerous game, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.

I keep Jennifer close, my hand resting on the small of her back as we navigate through the crowd. I can feel her teasing glance now and then, her playful smirks. She’s enjoying this, knowing exactly how to push my buttons, and I’m not even trying to hide how much I like it.

She’s playing the role of the perfect wife, and it’s as if she’s been by my side for years. I’m impressed by how easily she’s slipped into this, how comfortable she’s become. But I know her better than that. There’s a storm brewing underneath her composure, and I can’t help but wonder when it’ll finally break.

As we move toward the back of the room, the buzz of conversation grows quieter, replaced by the soft hum of music.I lean down, my lips brushing her ear as I speak. “Let’s step outside. I think we both need a break from this charade.”

She gives me a look, one eyebrow raised, as if she’s daring me to make good on my offer. “Lead the way,” she murmurs, her fingers lightly trailing down my arm, sending a jolt of heat through me.

Without another word, I guide her through the crowd, nodding at a few familiar faces on the way, but my focus remains on her. The moment we step outside into the courtyard, the cool night air hits us. The music fades into the background, and the world around us feels distant, quieter. More intimate.

I pull her close, backing her up against the stone wall of the courtyard. Her eyes lock with mine, the teasing smile still playing on her lips, but there’s something more now. A spark of anticipation, of heat.

“You’re enjoying yourself too much tonight,” I growl, my hand sliding to her hip, fingers pressing firmly against the curve of her waist.

She tilts her head back, the cool breeze catching her hair. “Maybe I am. What are you going to do about it?”

The challenge is clear in her voice, and I’m more than happy to accept it. I capture her lips with mine in a rough, hungry kiss. She responds instantly, her hands gripping the front of my jacket as if she’s been waiting for this all night. My hand tightens on her waist, pulling her even closer, feeling the heat radiating from her body.

I pull back slightly, our breaths mingling in the cool night air, her lips parted and swollen from the kiss. “Don’t push me too far, Jennifer. You might not be ready for what happens next.”

She laughs softly, a sultry sound that only stokes the fire burning between us. “Maybe I’m counting on it.”

I crush my lips to hers again, this time rougher, hungrier. The teasing and the games melt away, replaced by something raw and consuming. Her body molds against mine, and I revel in the way she gives in so easily, the way she craves this as much as I do.

I slip my hand into her hair, tugging slightly to expose the curve of her neck, my lips trailing along her jaw. Her soft gasp tells me everything I need to know—she’s mine, whether she wants to admit it or not.

Before things can escalate further, I hear footsteps behind me. I pull back, still close enough that our bodies are touching, but enough distance to acknowledge whoever has intruded on this moment.

“Enjoying the party?” a familiar voice asks.

I glance over my shoulder, spotting Serge leaning casually against one of the stone pillars. He’s got that same smirk on his face, the one that tells me he’s amused by whatever situation he’s walked into. I don’t reply immediately, letting the tension in the air simmer before addressing him.

“You could say that,” I respond coolly, not bothering to move away from Jennifer. I know Serge is watching, probably amused by how easily she has me wrapped around her finger tonight.

Jennifer shifts slightly beside me, adjusting her posture but staying close. I can tell she’s trying to regain her composure after our heated kiss, but her cheeks are still flushed, her breathing uneven.

“Serge, you remember my wife,” I say, my voice casual, though the possessiveness in my tone is clear. “Jennifer.”

She turns to Serge, offering him a polite smile, though I can feel the tension in her shoulders. She’s trying to navigatethis world she’s been thrust into, and I can’t help but feel a little proud of how well she’s handling it.

They met briefly at the wedding, but with so many guests, we didn’t get the chance to speak much.

“Hello, Serge,” she says softly, extending her hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

Serge takes her hand, giving it a gentle shake. “The pleasure’s all mine. Timur’s spoken about you nonstop this last while.”

I raise an eyebrow at that. I haven’t said much about her at all, but Serge knows how to play the game. He’s sharp, observant, and knows how to manipulate a conversation just as well as I do.

Before the conversation can continue, Oleg approaches, his usual serious expression in place. He nods at both of us, then turns to me. “Everything’s in order, Boss. The deal’s moving forward.”

I nod in acknowledgment, but my focus remains on Jennifer. She glances between Serge and Oleg, clearly taking in her new reality—one where she’s surrounded by dangerous men with even more dangerous secrets. She doesn’t flinch. Not anymore.

I catch her eye again, her gaze flicking between Serge, Oleg, and me. She’s seeing it all now—the dangerous world she’s a part of. Instead of fear, there’s resolve in her eyes. She’s stronger than I expected, and I can’t help but admire that.

I lean closer, my voice low, meant only for her. “Shall we get out of here?”

Her lips curve into a small smile, and she nods. “Yes, please.”

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