Page 25 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

Although her husband, Lev, was just as cruel and ruthless as mine, she somehow managed to find love and peace. How did she do that? The way Lev looked at her, the way he smiled at her, made me realize that their love wasn't one-sided.

I remembered when I’d warned Ravyn about going after Lev the last time we met. I explained to her what kind of man he was and the reputation that preceded him. However, it was a good thing she didn't listen to me. She wouldn't be this happy if she had.

In my marriage, would I ever find the same happiness? Was there hope for me, too?

“Okay, I'm afraid you two will have to excuse us.” Ravyn's voice pulled me back to reality. “We have a lot to discuss.” She took my hand. “Come on, Tess, let's step outside for some fresh air.” She waved and winked at her husband as she led the way.

I flashed a faint smile at Erik before following up behind Ravyn.

Several people lingered in the garden tonight, some gathered in small groups, while others sat on the benches. The fresh scent of blooming flowers filled the air as we walked beneath the cold, distant stars and the moon's ethereal glow.

“So, how does it feel being a Tarasov wife?” I asked, beginning the conversation.

Ravyn stopped in her tracks and faced me, her lips curling into a smile that made her eyes sparkle.

“Forget I asked,” I added, my voice soft and teasing as her wide grin revealed the answer I already knew.

“No, no,” she said, her eyes fixed on me as if trying to find something.

And I guess she did because I watched as solemnity slowly crept into her face.

“It can be hard at first,” she said, her voice gentle as wind. “Trust me, you might even regret it—the Tarasov brothers can be….”

“Monsters?” I finished her statement, raising an eyebrow.

“I was going to say ‘strict,’ but I guess that'll do,” she said, her lips parting into a brief smile.

I lowered my head and rubbed my eyes, plagued with a thousand thoughts running through my mind.

“Hey.” She reached out and took my hand, her touch warm and comforting. “It may not seem like it now, but trust me, as a woman who's been part of the family longer than you, it will get better.” She raised her finger and gazed into my eyes. “I promise.”

“How can you be so sure?” I asked, my voice cracking under the weight of my situation.

“Because, Tess, I've lived it—I've experienced it. At some point, I ran away for five years.” She chuckled, watching me intently.

“What?” My brows arched in shock, my eyes widening.

“Yeah,” she said softly, nodding her head, amusement flickering in her gaze. “See, the Tarasov brothers are easy to hate and despise because of the life that they live. But if you scratch the surface, you'll find a side of them you never thought existed.”

As she spoke, my heartbeat became steadier by the second. It was as though her words had made the weight of this marriage a little lighter.

“Do you know why you think you're not happy?” she asked and didn't wait for me to reply. “It's because you don't think it'll work. And because your mind already believes that notion, you're failing to grasp the possibility of a better man than the monster you married.”

She had a point. Indeed, I'd refused to see another version of him even though a part of me was already aware of what his little gestures hinted at.

“They're not as terrible as you think—he'snot as terrible as you think.” She gently squeezed against my fingers. “Their world, however…that's a dangerous place to live, and you'll have to be careful.” Her tone was laced with a hint of solemnity, like she'd experienced something firsthand.

My heart skipped a beat, but I managed to squeeze out a faint grin. “Thank you, Ravie.” I embraced her.

“Anytime, Tess.” She rubbed her palm over my back before pulling away to add, “If you ever need anything, I'm just a phone call away.”

“I'll keep that in mind,” I said, holding her gaze, retaining my smile.

Her phone rang in her purse, and a grin lit up her face. “Speaking of phone calls.” She reached into her purse and withdrew the buzzing device. “I’ll have to take this. See you back inside?”

“Of course,” I replied, watching her leave, chattering and laughing with the person on the other line.

I wished we had more time. I would have asked her so many questions, like how to manage my business while still being a Tarasov wife. But I guess that would have to wait.

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