Page 1 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

Prologue – Lorena

Honestly, I didn't even want to be here to begin with. However, here I was, isolated from the crowd of affluent socialites sipping champagne and smiling in small clusters.

I sat on the steps, shoulders hunched in discomfort, hands fidgeting with the hem of my glittering knee-length black gown—which, by the way, wasn't my intention to wear. In fact, being here hadn’t been my intention at all, but I didn't exactly have a say in it, considering how cajoling my best friend could be.

Staying home, snuggled in my bed, eating popcorn, and watching a Netflix original series would've been a better option for me, but with Ravyn, I'd never been able to stand my ground.

She had a unique way of convincing me to do anything she wanted—anything at all. Maybe it was her superpower, compelling people to do stuff that, usually, they wouldn't do.

So, here we were at a house party filled with middle-aged moguls and high societal elites, flaunting designer attire and dripping in jewelry.

Ravyn Jensen—my blonde, blue-eyed, fearless, and determined seventeen-year-old best friend—was already mingling with the crowd like she wasn't underage. She'd always been a girl who could blend into any situation and be a part of any conversation without stressing.

Me, on the other hand…not so much.

One could say that I was the introverted one amongst the two of us—Ravyn and me. I never liked being in the spotlight or the center of attention, nor did I fancy being around many people, which was ironic considering how affluent and influential my father was.

But despite his wealth, I'd always loved a simple lifestyle, quiet and peaceful. Nevertheless, there was nothing simple or quiet about this house party, although that was debatable considering the serene environment: soft clinking of glasses, hushed conversations, and the classical music in the background.

However, there were tons of people here tonight—mature grown-ups, some of whom were bragging about their latest business ventures. Being around these men and women made me feel out of place, maybe because I was only eighteen and shouldn't be found in such a gathering.

Anyway, I was present—in solitude but present.

I recognized a lot of folks: Dad's business partners, his rivals, a few others from the upper crust, and some politicians as well.

Yep. Ravyn had outdone herself on this one because I couldn't even fathom how she managed to get us on the list of invited guests. That girl would never cease to amaze me.

Ravyn's parents, just like my father, were also influential and had friends in high places. But the difference between her and I was that she knew how to use her privilege to her own advantage.

My eyes roamed the space, drinking in the sight of all these impeccably dressed folks, mingling, networking, and having a good time. From what I gathered, Ravyn and I were the only teens around, and I was still snuggled up in my shell, feeling like I didn't belong.

“There you are.” Her familiar voice snapped me back to the present.

I shifted my gaze to meet her as she stood balanced on her heels at the base of the stairs, both hands on her waist.

Ravyn's piercing blue eyes bore into mine, her soft skin simmering in the lights as she stared at me with a playful scowlon her face. Her elegant high-slit red gown clung to her body like a second skin, accentuating her curves and plus-sized physique.

She folded her arms across her chest, tilting her head to the side. “Really, this is where you've been hiding all this time?” Her brows arched, mirroring the disbelief flickering in her expression.

“I…. I'm not….” I struggled with my words, stuttering with slightly shrugged shoulders. “I'm not hiding.”

“Oh, yeah?” Her brows narrowed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Then what're you doing sitting on the steps all by yourself?”

I rolled my eyes, shooting nervous glances around. “Uh…reflecting….” My response sounded more like a question than a statement.

“Oh, my God, you're impossible,” she whispered under her breath. Bowing her head, she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“You knew that when you brought me here,” I said, my tone accusing.

“Yeah, I did, and I'm gonna fix that.” She sighed and jerked her head, catching my eyes.

“Fix what?” I cocked my head to the side, squinting.

“On your feet.” She stretched out her hand, wiggling her fingers in a beckoning gesture. “You're coming with me.”

“Where to?” I asked curiously, rising to my feet.

I knew that whatever she had in mind would go against my standards.

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