Page 14 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

Her light makeup matched her skin tone, and her long, dark hair was styled in effort waves that cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. Tessa stood out from her entire family, her elegance drawing everyone's attention.

“Is that her?” Zoya leaned closer, her tone a low whisper.

I was wondering the same thing, struggling to recognize this drop-dead gorgeous diva, this goddess. Was she the same sassy and fearless young woman I’d met back at the poker game?

I'll be damned.

Zoya took her eyes off Tessa and looked at me, beaming. “She's gorgeous.”

“It appears you got yourself a hot woman,” one of my relatives whispered to me, chuckling softly.

“Artem Tarasov,” Patrick greeted ourPakhanwith a warm smile.

“O'Brian.” Artem rose to his feet, the two men shaking hands.

Lev and I left our seats and strolled over to greet the guests, shaking their hands with warm smiles—plastic but warm. It would take some time to get used to this alliance.

I could sense the hesitation from their side as well, but this treaty was essential, and it demanded that we set aside our differences.

As we exchanged pleasantries, my attention remained focused on Tessa. We hadn't spoken yet, and she was still occupied with Sierra. Both women chatted and smiled. Their conversation, although brief, appeared to be the most genuine, and their broad grins were sincere and authentic.

“Erik,” a deep, husky voice cut through my thoughts.

I turned to face the speaker, my expression stoic. “Liam.”

He extended his hand, and I did the same, shaking his. “She'll be all yours soon enough.” His lips curled into a sly smirk, stealing a glance at his sister. Liam patted my shoulder andmade his way to the table, where he was introduced to Zoya, the girl with an infectious smile.

A faint smirk twitched at a corner of my mouth as my gaze met with Tessa's for a fleeting moment. Her eyes squinted ever so slightly, a fiery glint flickering in their depths.

I headed back to my seat, and she settled in a vacant chair across from mine. Her brows furrowed when she realized that I was directly opposite her, and her subtle discomfort gladdened my heart.

“We meet again,” I said, holding her gaze, drinking in beauty.

Her palm smoothed down the fabric of her dress, her fiery eyes never leaving mine. “How fortunate.” Her enticing red lips curled into a plastic smile, her voice polite but laced with sarcasm.

I leaned back in my chair, watching her, knowing how uncomfortable my piercing gaze made her feel. She wore a mask of confidence, her expression blank, but I could see right through her, and I could tell that she didn't want to be there.

Perhaps she wasn't in agreement with the plan our families had for us. Her skepticism was understandable, considering the intense outcome of our last encounter.

Her large, dark eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, shrouded by the veil of confidence she wore. Her pale skin simmered in the lights, her full lips red, sexy, and inviting. The very first time I’d set eyes on her, I knew she was beautiful. But tonight, she wasn't just beautiful; she radiated like a goddess.

To my left, Zoya's soft giggles caught my attention. Her smile was broad, and she seemed engrossed in a conversation with Liam. His eyes crinkled at the corners, his voice soft and delicate. He addressed her with nothing but respect, a glint of passion dancing in his gaze.

Perhaps luck had smiled on the both of them, and the fact that Liam treated Zoya with respect meant that he was an honorable man. Maybe I'd give him the benefit of the doubt and lower my guard around him.

They seemed happy and were getting along just fine, unlike Tessa and me. My attention drifted back to her direction, but she'd left the table. Lev caught my eyes and nodded toward the balcony, indicating her present location.

Everyone else was carried away with one thing or the other.PakhanArtem and Patrick O'Brian were having a private discussion at the head of the table. Ms. O'Brian and Sierra were talking about God-knows-what, their tone hushed, with smiles on their faces.

Connor and Arlo sat facing each other, staring with unmistakable skepticism. Neither trusted the other, and the tension between them was palpable.

Lev and a few of our cousins focused on their meals, while the others dared to engage with the O'Brian associates.

The air buzzed with the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of glassware. In silence, unnoticed by many, I stood up and glided over to the balcony, curious about why she had left everyone at the table.

She stood, bathed in the moon's ethereal glow. Her skin shimmered in the soft light, and the cool night air blew her hair back. Her high heels added to her overall look as she gazed across the horizon.

The city was awake, sprawled before her, its lights twinkling like the stars in the celestial canvas. Sirens wailed in the distance, a shooting star traveling across the night sky.

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