Page 34 of Forced Bratva Hostage

He shook his head, pleading with his eyes, but I wasn't going to fall for his tactics anymore. He'd fooled me so many times, but not today.

He’d probably borrowed this money from another dangerous man, which only meant that sooner or later, trouble would come knocking. I made up my mind that I wouldn't be there when that happened.

I was done.

“Take your money and leave,” I said to him, ignoring the tears streaming down his cheeks.Hurts, doesn't it? That's how it feels. “Nobody wants you here. You're not welcome.”

Dad staggered as though his legs could no longer carry his weight, his arms reaching for the nearest pew, searching for support.

I returned my gaze to Afanasy, my lips curling into a genuine smile. I'd rather be with the man who went out of his way to save my life than return to a man who, for years, had brought me nothing but pain and hurt. At least with Afanasy, I knew that I was safe.

“Take him away,” Afan ordered his men, flicking his wrist in Harrison's direction.

“No, let go of me!” He struggled against their restraints but to no avail. “Wren, please, don't do this. Please…!” His voice faded as they dragged him out of the church.

Someone from the crowd clapped once, twice, and on the third, the others began clapping, too, as though applauding a performance well done.

Afanasy's eyes sparkled with mischief, a smirk twitching on the corners of his lips.

The priest cleared his throat, his gaze lingering on the both of us. “In the absence of any other interruption,” he began, his voice echoing through the building, “with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

The assembly erupted into a heavy round of applause and cheers as Afanasy pulled me to himself, his lips meeting mine in a tender, passionate kiss.

My heart swelled with emotion, my fingertips tingling at the sensation that coursed through me like jolts of electricity.

This was my first kiss, and it felt surprisingly good—so good, in fact, that it left me breathless, wanting more.

I opened my eyes, staring into the depths of his and wondering if I'd just made the right choice.

Chapter 13 – Afanasy

She'd been avoiding my eyes since we stepped inside, a faint grin playing on her lips, her cheeks flushing every now and then.

This was her first time in my room, and I'd caught her discreetly drinking in the opulent setting: plush sofas and state-of-the-art furniture strategically arranged to maximize the space.

I still couldn't fathom the stunt she'd pulled back at the church. Rejecting her father the way that she had was both surprising and hot at the same time. I didn't see that coming—never would've guessed that.

The blank expression on her face and the firmness of her voice were all testaments to the feeling she'd bottled up for a long time. Wren had obviously had enough of the man she called father, and choosing me over him was a clear indication that he'd lost his position in her life.

I sat on a sofa, a subtle smile spreading across my face as I watched her step out of the wardrobe with a white towel around her.

“I…I'd like to take a shower,” she said, barely able to hold my gaze. Her voice was a mere whisper.

“Sure. Have at it,” I replied, my eyes fixed on her.

She lowered her head, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly as she pushed her hair behind her ear. With slow steps, she glided past me, heading for the bathroom.

My gaze lingered, tailing her until she went in and shut the door behind her, leaving me in the company of her sweet scent. My lips curled into a smile, and a small scoff escaped me as I swiped a palm over my mouth, imagining how this night would end.

One thing was certain: I was going to have a great time with my virgin bride.

Fuck.

My cock swelled within my pants at the thought of having her to myself. I'd wanted to take her innocence since the day I discovered how pure she was.

I yearned to explore that amazing body of hers—to possess her every curve, claim every inch as my own. I longed to introduce her to unimaginable pleasure, the kind that would make her moan my name.

Rising to my feet, I headed to the wardrobe and shed my clothes before slipping into a white robe. I could hear the sound of running water and was tempted to join her in the shower, but I'd wait. For now, at least. I reveled in the idea that henceforth, I'd have her in my bed every night, and that turned me on.

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