Page 32 of Virgin Bratva Hostage

“Hello, Ruslana.”

She looks at me, smiles tightly and says hello too.

“How was your day?” I ask, walking into the living room and standing next to the sofa. She pushes mute and shifts her position. “It was alright, thank you. How was yours?”

“Long. I’m hungry. Do you want to join me for dinner?”

Her eyes flare, lighting up at the idea. I suppress the smile I feel inside.

I like the fact that she wants to have dinner with me.

“Yes, please,” she says sweetly.

I still need to be careful around her.

But eating dinner together won’t cause any harm. And it will give her a little company, which I think she needs.

We don’t say much, sitting together at the table. It’s awkward for a number of reasons. The main one being that I find her so attractive and I can’t stop thinking about all the things I would love to do to her.

The other reason being that I’m enjoying her company far too much. I never considered that I would want someone around. But having her here at the dinner table with me is a stark reminder of what loneliness feels like.

She is a welcomed distraction from the long day I’ve had at work and the projects I have to deal with tomorrow.

“Did you find the library?” I ask, just trying to make conversation with her.

“I did,” she smiles a wide, gorgeous smile that lights her entire face. “I started reading a really good book. Do you read?”

“I love reading, although I admit that I haven’t had much time for it lately.”

“I think you should always make time for the things you love. Otherwise, what is the point of anything?” she grins, pushing her food around her plate, looking relaxed and possibly even happy for the first time since she arrived here.

I shouldn’t be delusional, though. I know her primary goal is to escape. So while I gift her this freedom, and this time with me, I can’t let her manipulate me or take advantage of any of it.

Chapter 10 - Ruslana

I am still a prisoner, but at least I am not going insane.

It’s still boring as hell—but I can do my best to keep myself busy during the day while Avraam is busy.

This new routine is far better than the old one. I wouldn’t have lasted another day chained to that bed. Now, I can explore the entire mansion. He doesn’t restrict me from going anywhere, which surprised me.

“I’m heading out. I don’t know how long I’ll be,” Avraam says, picking up his black, leather laptop bag off the counter and glancing towards where I am making a cup of coffee in the kitchen.

“Ok. Um—I’ll be here,” I laugh lightheartedly, joking around.

I have to.

I have a new plan, since he allowed me this freedom.

I am going to win him over by being nice.

I will earn his trust slowly over time and at some point he will slip up and forget something. It will give me the opportunity to escape. All I need to do is be patient—and nice. No more arguing, no more feisty or rude comments. And no more unplanned escape attempts. They are a waste of time and energy and it makes him lock down his security tighter.

Right now, I have free roam inside the mansion, but outside, the security is like a fortress.

Patience is my new best friend, even though I’ve never been good at it.

Avraam narrows his eyes towards me for a moment and I smile, sipping my coffee.

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