Page 24 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

As he leaned in to kiss me, I steeled myself, closing my eyes in disgust. However, the moment his lips touched mine, grazing softly against them, the contact sparked a flutter in my chest.

I felt a treacherous warmth spreading across my body, threatening to undermine my resolve. A flame ignited within me, and my heart swelled with desire.

What the hell?

I opened my eyes, unable to understand this overwhelming sensation coursing through my body. I locked eyes with him as he withdrew, his gaze tracing over my figure.

A spark of electricity surged through my blood as I wondered what had just happened. The kiss was supposed to repulse me, but it had the opposite effect—why?

This fleeting tenderness he exhibited stirred up something within me, and I hated it—I hated how good it felt.

However, I just stared at him with a blank expression, denying the feeling that had ignited within me.

Chapter 9 – Alexei

“Hello, Mrs. Tarasov.” My housekeeper, dressed in her crisp black-and-white uniform, beamed a bright smile at Lorena, her gray eyes crinkling at the corners. “Welcome home.” She stepped forward, her head slightly bowed in reverence. “My name is Alexandra Kurilenko.”

“Hi.” Lorena squeezed out a smile as she stood by my side in the living room, her dress simmering in the lights.

Alexandra, my loyal housekeeper and the oldest of all my staff, was a stout woman in her earlier 60s who'd devoted decades of her life to serving my household. She always made sure everything was in order and that nothing was out of place.

For a 60-year-old, Alexandra was a pretty woman with a round face and a mop of curly gray hair that seemed to always escape her bun. She was kind, friendly, and always in a good mood. I wasn't sure how she managed to pull that off, but all my life, I'd never seen Alexandra frown before.

She was just the kind of woman who could make anyone's darkest day seem bright. It was like a superpower, and it always worked on me, even though I'd never admitted it to anybody.

Alexandra had been with me since I was a boy, and over the years, she had become more than just a housekeeper; she was like a mother to me now. She'd watched me grow, transform into the man I was today, and she'd learned to navigate my moods.

She was one of the few people in the world who understood me, and this woman was the only one I'd never had any reason to be mad at.

“Good evening, sir.” Alexandra shifted her gaze to me, her voice warm and soothing as her lips retained that signature smile of hers.

“Good evening, Alex,” I replied, subtly mirroring her gesture. “Take my wife upstairs, will you?” My gaze flickered to Lorena, who was standing in silence beside me.

Referring to her as ‘my wife’ sounded a little weird in my ears, but that was my reality now. Lorena was officially my wife.

“Of course,” Alexandra replied, her smile never wavering as she turned to Lorena. “Please, follow me.”

Lorena's gaze darted to mine, a fleeting moment of uncertainty before returning her eyes to Alexandra. Her fingers brushed against the delicate lace trim as she tugged her dress upward, preventing it from sweeping across the floor as she left with Alexandra.

“You must be exhausted, Mrs. Tarasov. I've prepared a warm bath for you,” Alexandra said, her eyes crinkling at the corners as they ascended the grand curved staircase.

“Thank you, Alex—” Lorena said, her soft voice hesitant for a moment before she added almost immediately, “Can I call you Alex?” A hint of mischief sparkled in her eyes.

Alexandra let out a low throaty laugh, like a contented purr. “Of course, Mrs. Tarasov.” Her tone was laced with amusement.

“Please, Lorena will do just fine,” Lorena corrected, her voice a soft whisper, tinged with a hint of modesty.

My brows arched at her humility as I wondered whether her arrogance was reserved only for me. A small smile crept onto my face as I watched the two women get along so seamlessly, like they'd known each other for a while.

Alexandra was quick to make friends; her jovial nature was like a magnet that drew people to her.

Lorena turned her head, shooting one last look in my direction, and our eyes met in a fleeting moment. Was it just me, or did her face seem relaxed, and was that a faint grin on her lips?

That was strange, considering how much I knew she despised me. My brows furrowed, eyes squinting as I headed toward the balcony for some fresh air.

I loosened the tie around my neck, fingers rubbing over my forehead. The glass door slid to the side, and I stepped out onto the balcony, feeling the gentle breeze against my face. The cool evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below.

I drew in a deep breath, withdrew a cigarette, and lit it. The flame cast a brief, warm glow that flickered across my face. I took a long drag, feeling the nicotine coursing through my veins. The smoke curled out of my mouth as I exhaled, savoring the flavor dancing on my tongue.

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