Page 6 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

“Boss,” he rumbled, his voice like thunder.

Gordey stood poised at the entrance, his imposing frame honed from years of combat and violence, casting a long shadow on the floor.

“What?” I snarled, a scowl etched on my face. “Can't you see I'm busy?”

He knew how much I hated being disturbed when dealing with situations like this. So, this better be important.

He took a step forward, his black suit seeming to blend with the darkness around him, accentuating his rugged, weathered face and chiseled features. His buzz cut highlighted his sharp jawline and the scar above his left eyebrow.

“Apologies for the interruption,” he said, his deep voice laced with urgency. “ButPakhanArtem is asking to see you…says it's urgent.”

I heaved a sigh, my jaw tightening in displeasure. This wasn't a good time. I wasn't done with this bastard yet, but I couldn't ignore such a call. With time against me, I had to cut my fun with Fredrick short, and although I hated that, I didn't have a choice.

“Please, show mercy…. I'll never do it again.”

His pleas further fueled my rage.

My scowl deepened, eyes burning with anger as I withdrew my gun, aimed at his face, and pulled the trigger before he could utter another word. The sound echoed against the wall, his head falling backward with a hole in it.

Mercy—a concept I was unfamiliar with—was for the loyal, not for traitors like him.

“Have the men come clean this up,” I said to Gordey, tucking my pistol back into my pants as I headed out.

Chapter 2 – Lorena

Streams of jubilant students with smiley faces flowed out of exam rooms, chattering and laughing in clutters. The air was thick with freedom and exhaustion, and the atmosphere, once tense from the anxiety of exams, was now effervescent.

I raced down the concrete stairs, feet pounding against the steps with my backpack slung over my shoulder, my mind reeling with excitement. I could finally breathe after all those countless hours of burning the midnight oil, sacrificing sleep for grades.

We'd resume next semester, but at least it was over for now, and I was going to utilize this break like never before. I needed a time out for myself, and who better to blow off some steam with than my adventurous friend, Ravyn Jensen?

“Hey, Lori, wait up!” a familiar voice came from behind me, their rapid footsteps clattering over the floor as they approached.

“Beck, hi.” My smile broadened as I swiveled to face him.

He bent over, hands on his knees, as he tried to catch his breath. “Phew! That was a lot of running.” He panted, raising a hand as if to ask for some time.

I laughed lightly, shaking my head. “No, it wasn't. The exam room is just upstairs.”

“Yeah, but you're forgetting the stairs,” he said, struggling to straighten his body.

“Ahh. The stairs.” I clicked my tongue like I just remembered, sarcasm lacing my tone.

“Fourteen steps. That's how many I had to sprint down,” he said, his voice still heavy, puffing out his rounded cheeks.

“It's called exercise, Beck.” I shrugged my shoulders, eyes roaming over his portly form that filled the hallway. “It'll helpyou burn some of that excess fat.” My eyes caught the sweat stains on his XXL T-shirt and the slight wobble of his double chin.

His face reddened, a playful scowl settling, and his brown eyes crinkled at the corners. “Haha, very funny.” A sarcastic smile spread across his round face. His tone was dry, eyes rolling. “Yeah, real original.”

I let out a dismissive laugh, a mischievous grin playing on my lips.

Beck's expression softened, his voice dripping with gratitude when he spoke. “But seriously, though. Thank you for helping me out back in there.” He gestured toward the exam room. “I owe you one.”

My face lit up with a bright smile as I met his warm, grateful eyes. “No problem, Beck. I've got you.” I raised my fist.

He scoffed, his knuckles meeting mine in a fist bump. “If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call.”

“Got it,” came my reply, eyes scanning the bustling hallway, searching for someone in particular. “Hey, have you seen Ravyn?” I asked, returning my gaze to him.

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