Page 31 of Ruthless Bratva King

“Only if he’s had dental surgery today,” I mutter, smoothing the fabric nervously.

She rolls her eyes. “Let’s not forget the final touch.” She points toward a shopping bag sitting on her nightstand.

I hesitate, glancing inside the bag. “This is what you had Jacques fetch for you?”

She smirks. “Oh, yeah. Trust me, no matter how good you look in the dress, knowing you’ve got something sexy underneath will make you unstoppable.”

I eye the contents of the bag warily. A lacy black bra and matching panties stare back at me. “Where’s the underwear?” I ask. “This is just a couple of pieces of thread, isn’t it?”

“It’s perfect. You can’t wear granny panties on a date.”

“Fine,” I mutter, grabbing the bag and heading to the bathroom. “But if I end up regretting this, I’m blaming you.”

“That’s what best friends are for!” she calls after me, laughing.

As I change into the lingerie and the dress, I can’t help but think about Dmitri’s reaction when he sees me.

Maybe Veronica’s right. Maybe it’s time to live a little.

When I step out of the bathroom, she whistles. “Damn, girl. You’re gonna make him forget how to speak.”

“What time is it?”

“Six on the dot.”

There’s a knock at the door. I freeze mid-breath, staring at the handle like it might combust.

My stomach churns with a mix of nerves and anticipation, but I square my shoulders and walk over, determined to keep my cool.

When I open the door, Dmitri stands there, larger than life. He’s wearing a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt, no tie, and his wool overcoat draped over one arm.

His piercing gray eyes lock onto mine, and a smile tugs at the corner of his lips, softening his otherwise stern expression. In his hand is a small black velvet box.

“Evening, Elena.” His voice is low and smooth, but there’s an edge to it, like a restrained storm.

“Hi.” I step aside to let him in, trying to ignore the way my heart stumbles in my chest.

He strides past me, his presence filling the room. Veronica, lounging casually on the couch, gives him an exaggerated once-over and smirks. “Well, well. You appear to only own the one outfit.”

Dmitri barely spares her a glance, his focus fixed on me. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” My voice is softer than I’d like, but the intensity in his gaze makes my usual snark hard to muster.

“Why did you come into my room last night?” I ask.

His gaze sharpens, and for a moment, I think he won’t answer. “I couldn’t stay away,” he says simply. “I told myself I would. That it was safer to leave you be. But then I’d get your face in my head again. I’m obsessed with you, Elena.”

Veronica lets out a low whistle.

My heart pounds so hard I’m sure he can hear it. “Dmitri?—”

He takes my hand in his. His touch is warm, his grip firm but gentle.

“I’m not a good man, Elena,” he says quietly. “I had a job to do but I can’t do it. The first time ever. What do you think that means?”

The honesty in his voice leaves me breathless. I look down at our joined hands.

“I don’t know,” I say at last.

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