Page 28 of Accidentally Knocked Up By the Bratva

I nod, understanding her trepidation. "I know, Zara. But I promise I'll be right there with you."

She bites her lower lip, a habit I've come to find adorable. I resist the urge to kiss her again, knowing she needs space to make this decision.

"Will there be… women like Tatiana there?" she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Perhaps," I speak, my hand moving to cup the nape of her neck. "Yet none matter but you."

Finally, almost imperceptibly, Zara nods.

"Okay," she breathes. "I'll go with you."

Chapter 10 - Zara

With steady hands, I fasten the delicate clasp of my necklace, the cool pearls settling against my collarbone. I study my reflection, appreciating the beautiful woman staring back at me. The black sequence dress hugs every curve, a daring slit revealing a tantalizing glimpse of thigh. I've spent hours on my makeup, creating a sultry smokey eye and my classic deep red lip. My dark hair cascades in soft waves down my back.

Tonight, I’m ready to stand by Abram’s side—on my own terms. Attending this gala with Abram kind of solidifies things a little. It’s a first, and it’s nerve-wracking, but I’ll try not to let it show. Tonight is about him proving himself to me, and not the other way around.

A text from Abram lights up my phone: "I'm here."

Pulse quickening, I grab my clutch and hurry downstairs. I push open the heavy doors of my apartment building and freeze. But only momentarily.

A gleaming black stretch limo idles at the curb. And there's Abram, looking devastatingly handsome in a perfectly tailored grey tuxedo that matches his eyes. His short stubble, perfected just right, makes him look so damn gorgeous, that my knees almost buck.

How the hell did I land a guy like him? I restrain myself from pinching my arm, just to make sure I’m not in a dream.

Meanwhile, his eyes darken as they rake over me.

"You look breathtaking," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my cheek when I reach his side. His stubble scrapes deliciously against my skin.

"Thank you," I reply smoothly, meeting his eyes with a knowing smile. "I wasn’t expecting a limo, but I suppose we’re making a statement tonight?" I gesture at the limo.

Abram's lips quirk up in amusement. "It’s a fancy gala, and I’ve got a woman to impress."

I roll my eyes, but inside, I feel powerful. He may have arranged the limo, but I’m the one who’s setting the tone tonight.

He helps me into the plush interior, sliding in beside me. The leather seats are butter-soft against my bare skin. Abram pops open a bottle of champagne, the cork hitting the roof with a muted thunk.

"To second chances," he says, handing me a flute of bubbling golden liquid.

I take a sip, the champagne fizzing on my tongue. "So, how do you score invites to so many galas?"

Abram's hand settles on my thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles. Heat blooms under my skin. "I have my ways," he says cryptically.

I shift, hyper-aware of his touch. My breath catches as his hand inches higher. Our eyes lock, and the air between us crackles with tension. But then he pulls away, leaving me aching for more.

"There are going to be lovely pieces tonight," Abram says casually, as if he hadn't just set my body on fire with a simple touch. “You should take this opportunity to look around for your gallery.”

I try to focus, to remember why I'm really here. But all I can think about is Abram's hand on my thigh and the promise of what might come later.

***

As we pull up to the gala, it takes all my willpower to not let my jaw drop. The mansion before us is a modern masterpiece of glass and steel, illuminated by strategically placed spotlights that make it glow like a jewel against the night sky.

"Oh my god," I breathe, taking in the scene. I’ve seen this house before, in magazines. Studied it. "This is Matteo Ricci’s estate. How did you—"

Abram's hand finds the small of my back as we step out of the limo. "I told you, I have connections." His voice is a low rumble in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He has connections,of course.With billionaires, too, evidently.

We enter the grand foyer, and I'm immediately overwhelmed by the opulence surrounding us. Priceless artwork adorns every wall, sculptures occupy corners, and a massive chandelier drips crystals overhead. The air buzzes with excitement and the clink of champagne glasses.

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