Page 57 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

My brows narrowed ever so slightly, my face a mask of confusion, as my eyes darted around, wondering what was going on.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” a smooth baritone voice boomed through the microphone, filling the room with anticipation. “It's now time for a music performance,” the announcer declared. “Please, help me welcome on stage…the Bolshoi Ballet Orchestra!”

As the crowd erupted into a round of applause, my eyes widened, brows arched in disbelief. I felt my heart sink into my belly, and my breath caught in my throat.

Did I hear correctly?I wondered, but while I questioned my hearing, the band appeared on stage with their instruments, ready to create magic.

“Oh, my God. Itisthem,” I muttered, heart racing with anticipation. My chest heaved slowly as I tried to curtail my excitement.

The Bolshoi Ballet Orchestra was my favorite classical music band! I'd always wanted to watch them live, but tickets were impossible to come by.

Standing here, watching them perform the legendary Tchaikovsky’s iconic pieces, starting with my personal favorite,Swan Lake, felt like a dream come true.

My eyes misted with tears of joy, excitement coursing through my blood as I felt myself getting lost in the music. My gaze was pinned on the performing orchestra, the notes washing over me.

I was so carried away by the enchanting, soul-healing music that I didn't realize I'd been squeezing Alexei's hand.

The moment I got a grip on myself, I let go immediately, taking a step away. I'd glued myself to him without even knowing. His gaze lingered, and when I looked at him, there was a self-satisfied smile playing on his lips.

My eyes narrowed, forming faint creases between my brows as I pondered the mystery behind that smile.

Did he plan this?

It would make complete sense if he had. Why else would he text me to get dressed and be ready by 8 P.M.? Plus, that mischievous glint in his eyes said it all. He was behind this.

But how did he know that I liked classical music? How did he know my favorite band?

None of that mattered, anyway. The fact remained that he’d made an attempt to make me feel better after hurting me.

This was his silent way of apologizing.

So, hedidcare about me.

Slowly, I felt my anger dissolve by this singular gesture. My heart melted, leaving room to accommodate the sensual thoughts running through my mind. I'd refused to let myself delve into how attractive he was tonight, but now that I was less mad at him, I found myself harboring provocative images.

His sexy gaze was starting to turn me on, and I felt a flutter in my chest, followed by a tingling sensation between my legs. Reflexively, I batted my eyelashes at him before realizing and tore my gaze away.

Even while refocusing my attention on the live band, I could still feel his stare, and it stirred up something in me—something…sexual.

With this much tension building between us, tonight might end with the two of us getting all sweaty and exhausted.

The thought of this alone sent shivers down my spine.

Chapter 21 – Alexei

I hadn't been able to stop myself from staring at my wife tonight. The more I tried, the more her aura drew me in like a moth to a flame.

From the moment she got all dressed up and stood by the head of the steps, balanced on those black stilettos that accentuated her elegance, she’d had me mesmerized.

It was almost like she was an entirely different woman tonight—a fucking goddess!

I'd always known that she was beautiful and sexy, but tonight's glow was on a whole new level. Words couldn't describe the way she appeared, graceful and majestic.

My cousin, Afanasy, would describe such a beauty as a drop-dead, gorgeous diva and that was the perfect description that fit my wife's appearance tonight.

Her eyes sparkled like a thousand sapphires, her red lipstick neatly traced the perfect curve of her mouth, and her long, wavy brown hair fell loosely over her shoulders.

Under the chandelier lights, her porcelain skin glowed, glistening like diamonds scattered across silk. Her makeup was light, blending seamlessly with her skin tone—simple yet elegant.

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