Page 38 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

"You know us so well, Sis." Fedor grins, halfway to the get the glasses already.

As I pour the drinks, I can't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Awkwardness at the interruption, mixed with nostalgia for this familial warmth I've missed.

"So, how's the newlywed life treating you?" Artyom asks, his tone teasing. "Vlad keeping yousatisfied?"

I nearly choke on my drink. "That's none of your business, little brother," I snap, my cheeks burning.

Natalia laughs, slapping Artyom on the back. "Leave her alone, you pest. Our Sofi's thrilled, can’t you see?"

"Am I?" I mutter under my breath, thinking of Vlad's earlier anger.

"What was that?" Dima asks, his sharp eyes narrowing.

I force a smile. "Nothing. Just thinking about how much I've missed you idiots."

As we settle into our second round of drinks, I can feel the initial awkwardness start to thaw. Vlad sits beside me, his presence both comforting and unnerving.

"Remember that time Sofia tried to sneak out to that party?" Natalia starts, her chocolate brown eyes twinkling with mischief.

I groan, hiding my face in my hands. "Please, not this story again."

“No,” Vlad asks, grinning from ear to ear. To my surprise, he reaches out and takes my hand. “Tell me all about it. I’d love to know all the antics my wife has pulled.”

I look at him in surprise, wondering how he can keep itsotogether when he’s clearly mad at me. In this moment, I realize something about my husband. Hell, or high water, in public, he’d always have my back. A small warm fuzz forms in my chest as my siblings launch into the tale of my ill-fated attempt to sneak out and end up grounded for weeks. The teasing and laughter wash over me, a balm to my soul.

But as Fedor launches into the tale, complete with dramatic reenactments, I find myself relaxing. The familiar banter, the shared memories—it feels like home.

"And then," Natalia chimes in, "she trips over her own feet and faceplants right in front of her favorite actor!"

We all burst into laughter, even Vlad chuckling beside me. I feel a warmth spread through my chest, a sense of belonging I haven't felt in a long time.

"Well, at least I didn't set the kitchen on fire trying to impress a girl," I retort, nudging Fedor with my foot.

As the night wears on, the atmosphere shifts from tense to comfortable. I find myself leaning into Vlad's side, our earlier argument momentarily forgotten in the glow of familial love.

"I've missed this," I admit softly, more to myself than anyone else.

Vlad's arm tightens around me, and for a moment, I let myself believe that everything might just work out.

***

As the night winds down, my siblings start gathering their things. A bittersweet feeling washes over me. "Do you really have to go?" I ask, hating how vulnerable I sound.

Nikolai pulls me into a hug. "We'll be back soon, promise. Try not to miss us too much."

I roll my eyes, but I can't hide my smile. "As if that's possible."

Watching them leave, I'm struck by a conflicting surge of emotions. The evening has filled a void I didn't even realize was there, reminding me of the family I've been distanced from. Yet, as the door closes behind them, the reality of my situation with Vlad comes rushing back.

I turn to face Vlad, my jaw set and eyes narrowed. "Now that the charade is over, shall we get back to our previous discussion?" I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

But Vlad surprises me. Instead of the anger I expect, his face softens. "Sofia," he says, his deep voice unusually gentle. "You were… impressive tonight."

I blink, caught off guard. "What?"

"The way you handled yourself was amazing. You cast aside the anger between us and were so serene and content, all for your family, " he continues, taking a step closer. "It’s not just that your siblings didn't suspect a thing, but that you put them first. You were incredible!"

I cross my arms, unsure how to respond to this unexpected praise. "Well, I've had plenty of practice hiding my true feelings," I say coolly.

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