Page 35 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

However, with her, my wife, I was a completely different man. Perhaps the fact that she was a virgin had rung the “gentle” bell in my head. But was it really about her virginity? Or was it something else, something a little deeper than that?

I couldn't imagine myself treating Tessa the same way that I fucked those other women. I simply couldn't. She wasn't like them, and she'd managed to unlock something in me, something emotional.

Tessa and I shared a connection, one that transcended beyond the physical. When I’d come in her, it was a whole new feeling like none I'd ever felt before. Of course, I'd come countless times in my life, but not like this. This one was different; it was like a piece of me had gone into her, and she accepted every drop of my essence.

That was, perhaps, the first time that I ever really came in a woman—it was the only logical explanation as to why I felt the way that I did. It seemed like the part of me that had been empty for so long had met its match. It was as though I'd found my better half, and I'd never been more alive, more fulfilled.

Our union might have been arranged to benefit both our families, but I couldn't overlook the possibility that this could be destiny. Despite our differences, I was beginning to believe that she might just be the one for me. Perhaps this wasn't just another typical arranged marriage that would either lead to divorce or a life of misery.

But she and I had agreed to go our separate ways after two years of being together. The thought of losing her after the stipulated time period made my face slightly contort into a frown. I wasn't ready to do that; I didn't think I'd ever want to do that.

However, two years was a long time. A lot could happen, and perhaps she’d change her mind.

If this was truly destiny—and I had a feeling that it was—then it would all work out in the end. I just needed to play my cards right and ensure she was a happy wife.

My heart was gladdened by the idea of being the man who would bring a smile to her face, peace to her life, and reality to her dream business. My plan was to be the perfect husband so that she would choose to stay with me even when she had the chance to leave.

For that to happen, she would have to trust and fall in love with me. Was that possible? Yes. It might take a while, but eventually, it would happen.

I swiped a palm across my face and got a grip of myself again, ready to delve back into the files flickering on my laptop screen. I adjusted in my chair, fingers hovering over the keyboard, and that was when I heard it: a knock on my door.

Now what?I thought, irritated by the sudden intrusion. As if I hadn't had enough distractions for one day.

“Hey, Erik!” a feminine voice, low and seductive, came at me.

My brows narrowed, forming faint creases as I set my eyes on her, lingering by the doorway. “Jennifer,” I called quietly, my voice low and even, laced with irritation.

“The one, the only,” she replied, wiggling her brows at me as she struck a seductive pose, one hand on the doorframe, the other on her hip.

She stood poised at the entrance, her stiletto heels elevating her statuesque frame. Her makeup was flawless as usual, with bold eyeliner and crimson lips that seemed to gleam in the lights.

Her raven hair cascaded down her shoulders in luscious waves that framed her face. Her green gown complemented the color of her eyes, hugging her like a second skin. The stunning dress accentuated her curves, its fabric shimmeringlike moonlight as she waltzed into my office like she owned the place.

Jennifer was an ex-lover of mine. We used to fuck all the time—no feelings attached, no emotions, just two people having a good time. Nothing serious. I hadn't seen her in a while, and now I couldn't help but wonder why she was here.

I hated that I'd have to leave my work to attend to this unexpected guest, and it made my blood boil.

As an eligible bachelor, I’d found Jennifer ridiculously attractive, even though I knew I could never have anything serious with her. She didn't mind being the girl I called only when I had an itch to scratch. It was a mutual understanding, and we got by just fine for years.

However, things were different now. I no longer found her as attractive or interesting as I used to. These days, I only had eyes for one woman: my wife.

“What're you doing here unannounced?” I asked, my voice cold and bitter.

“I heard you got married,” she said, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached my desk.

“I did,” I replied, my tone dismissive.

“Interesting.” She halted in front of my desk, a faint grin playing on her lips. Clearly, she was unfazed by my attitude. “Never thought I'd live long enough to see that happen.” Jennifer dropped her bag on the mahogany table and slowly walked over to me.

I leaned back in my chair, my eyes roaming her body as she sashayed her way toward me. She must have an ulterior motive for dressing so sexy, but unfortunately for her, I wasn't interested. I knew that for sure because nothing about her enticed me anymore.

“Erik, the menace…a married man?” She halted in front of me, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. “Howwonderful.” She leaned her ass against the edge of my table, her crimson lips curling into a smile.

“What're you doing here, Jennifer?” I asked, my expression stern.

“Temper, temper,” she said softly, her smile broadening. “Can't a woman just stop by to say hello to an old friend?” She batted her eyelashes at me, her teeth grazing over her lower lip. “I'm sure you remember what fun times we had together.” Her voice dropped to a low whisper, her manicured fingers brushing over the fabric of my suit as her green eyes locked onto mine.

I grasped her wrist as she dared to venture down my groin. “If this is why you're here, then you need to leave,” I said, my tone dripping with a mild warning.

---