Page 23 of Innocent Bratva Hostage

“Even better. My fiancée has to look the part,” was all he said.

I stood there, blinking at him like a complete moron. I shouldn’t have brought that up. I mean, for a man as rich as him, a $10,000dress was nothing. I bet it wouldn’t even matter to him if I spent twice that amount. That was a dumb argument on my part.

I’d never been to an exclusive gala event, and I’d always wanted to be at one where I would network for when I became an artist. But for some reason, all I could feel right now was the anxious churn of my stomach.

Going to an event like that wasn’t the problem, I was good with handling crowds, but going as his fiancée—thatwas something I hadn’t prepared for. Refusing wasn’t an option; his tone and the way he turned his back on me and went back to his business made it clear he wasn’t going to entertain any arguments.

The decision was made. All I had to do was play along.

Chapter 10 – Andrei

I leaned against the black Mercedes with my arms crossed as I watched the entrance of the mansion.

The night air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of the city, and a crescent moon sat up in the sky. It was a beautiful night, but all of that barely mattered when my attention was fixed on the door, waiting for Giselle.

And then she walked out in a dress she’d ordered that morning.

It was strapless and red, clinging to her in all the right places, and the rich color complemented the gold in her skin and the sharpness of her emerald eyes. Her raven hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face.

She was beautiful in a way I considered unworldly, too perfect for a world like this. Everything about her, from the curves of her hips to the swell of her breasts to the gleaming in her eyes, caught me off guard for a moment.

My pulse kicked up, and a pang of desire made my heart beat faster. I couldn’t take my eyes off her for a second, not even as she descended the porch with an elegance that couldn’t be taught. She was a natural, born for a life worthy of a queen.

I straightened up, trying in earnest to hide the desire lurking inside me as she approached me with a smile.

“How do I look?” she asked with glee.

“Not bad.” I tried to sound as cool as I could despite reaching the brink of pure obsession.

She pursed her lips. “Not bad? Is that supposed to be a compliment? I spent hours shopping and getting ready for tonight, and that’s all you can say?”

I wanted to tell her how jaw-droppingly gorgeous she looked, how any man would fall at her feet just to get herattention, but I didn’t. Instead, I opened the passenger door. “Get in.”

She heaved a frustrated sigh, but luckily, she didn’t argue. She just went along, sliding into the passenger seat without a word of argument.

I closed the door and rounded the car to the driver’s seat. “Buckle your seatbelt.”

She did.

“Remember the rules?” I asked, ignoring the way she pouted her plump, pink lips to show her displeasure.

“How could I forget? I’m supposed to be the perfect fiancée. I have to stick by your side and wear a pretty smile at all times. I mustn’t do anything to embarrass you.”

“Good, and if someone asks, tell them we’re in love.”

She flashed a sly grin at me. “In love? No one will believe that. I mean, do we look in love?”

“I don’t care. Your job is to make them believe it.”

She met my gaze. “And what story do I tell them if they ask? My father died working for you, and we’d never met before? At least I need a convincing love story they’ll buy.”

“Keep it simple and short. We met once and fell in love at first sight. We’ve been dating secretly and only decided to go public with our engagement after your father died.”

She let out a breath, looking unbothered. “I’ll do my best to remember.”

“Your best has to be good enough.”

She exhaled a low chuckle and leaned back in her seat. “Sure.”

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