Page 32 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

I couldn't wait to taste her again, and my heart raced with anticipation at the thought of being inside her. Somehow, she'd unlocked something in me and had piqued my interest in her as a person.

It was clear that I was drawn to her more than I’d expected—attracted to her. But beyond physical attraction, I was intrigued by this woman and how she'd managed to live rent-free in my head.

Maybe this marriage wouldn't be such a disaster after all.

I let out a crisp breath, the sound punctuating the air as I straightened and leaned forward, my body language shifting from relaxation to concentration.

It was time I got back to work. Thoughts of Lorena had distracted me long enough.

Chapter12 – Lorena

We sat by a cozy corner table surrounded by the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of silverware. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting vegetables.

It had been a few weeks since my wedding day, a few weeks of bittersweet experiences in the Tarasov mansion. My husband and I hadn't yet come to an agreement about literally anything. We still had our banter every now and then.

I’d expected worse, though—didn't even think that I could stand him this long, but so far…things weren't so bad.

However, I got bored of the mansion and needed some fresh air; I needed some else to hang out with. Who better than Ravyn Jensen, who wouldn't stop staring at me?

I sat in silence across from her, eating my salad, savoring the sweet flavors in my mouth. Her gaze lingered; I could feel it, but she hadn't spoken yet.

Ravyn slumped into her chair, the leather crunching beneath her weight, her plate of pan-seared salmon sitting in front of her—untouched.

She wouldn't take her blue eyes off me, and on her lips was a smile that brightened her face. Her arms were folded across her chest, and her brows furrowed as if she was trying to make sense of something.

“Would you stop staring at me like that? You're making me nervous,” I said, locking eyes with her, my voice dropping to a hushed tone.

“Sorry, I just can't help it.” She shrugged her shoulders, giggling, her gaze etched with mirth.

I tilted my head, brows arching ever so slightly, curious. “What's so amusing?”

“Nothing— nothing…” she stuttered amidst chuckles, leaning forward with her elbows on the table between. “It's just….” Ravyn paused, her smile broadening as she stared deeply into my eyes. “Has anyone told you you're glowing?”

I pushed my head back in surprise, my cheeks flushing subtly at her remark. “Glowing? How?” I questioned, eager to hear her response.

Her lips twitched at the corners, her gaze unwavering. “For someone who didn't wanna get married, marriage does look good on you,” she said, her eyes roaming over my body. “Damn, girl, what did he do to you?”

I threw my head back, letting out a throaty cackle and feeling an abrupt flutter in my chest. “Okay,nowyou're just exaggerating.”

She chuckled, reclining in her chair. “I'm not—I mean, look at you!” she exclaimed, gesturing with a manicured hand. Her voice dripped with teasing emphasis, and a mischievous glint flickered in her eyes.

My lips curled into a broader smile, palms rubbing against my forehead as I avoided her gaze. “Is the plan to make me blush? Because it's working.” I laughed lightly.

“Tell me,” she began, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she edged closer, holding my gaze. “How does it feel to be married? And most importantly….” She glanced around as if to make sure that no one was listening.

No one was. Every other person was engrossed in one thing or another.

She continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, “How was your first experience?”

My heart skipped a beat at her question, my mind drifting back to that night, and I didn't realize I'd been smiling until her voice, tinged with amusement, caught my attention.

“Oh, my God, it was that good, wasn't it?!” she gasped, her eyes sparkling. Ravyn clapped once, her shoulders shaking as she let out a peal of laughter.

I lowered my head, eyes dropping to my plate in embarrassment, though I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as my fingers covered my face.

Her throaty chuckle was infectious as she fell back in her chair, her voice still trembling with laughter. “You can't even hide it—no wonder you're glowing!”

“Stop, you're embarrassing me,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper, lips twitching in an attempt to suppress my own laughter.

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