Page 37 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

Was it because I felt like a discarded object or because I was beginning to see him differently? If I hadn't given myself to him, would it still hurt this much? Was I overreacting?

These questions and a thousand more overlapped in my head, distracting me from the road. I didn't realize that my car had drifted off to the wrong lane until a shrill horn pierced the air, snapping me back to reality.

My eyes widened at the approaching vehicle, my heart pounding in my chest as I gripped the steering wheel. Within seconds, I swerved the car just in time to avoid a head-on collision, cold sweat dampening my forehead.

The other driver, his face red with anger, yelled as he sped by, his voice dripping with a British accent, “Oi! Watch where you're going, goddammit!”

“Sorry!” I replied, my high-pitched tone tinged with sincerity.

That was a close call.

I needed to get my head back in the game. This distraction had almost cost me my life and probably someone else's. I let out a soft sigh, fingers tightening around the steering wheel as I drove on.

Earlier on, I'd reached out to Connor, asking him to meet me at a public park in the city. That might not have been the best idea, considering I used to have a huge crush on him. But he was the only one that I could talk to about my feelings—the turmoil within me.

A few minutes later, I arrived, guiding the car into the parking lot of the park, the gravel crunching under my tires. I parked in an empty space and turned off the engine, taking a deep breath, my fingers massaging my temples.

My gaze swept across the serene surroundings as I hesitated in the car, trying to collect my thoughts. I drank in the view, the tranquil oasis with lush greenery and vibrant flowers—a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, shutting the door behind me. Warm sunlight enveloped me, and the cool breeze brushing across my face offered a momentary sense of calm.

The park was bustling with activity. Children's laughter filled the air, and their shrill screams added to the ambianceof the outdoor environment. Dogs and their owners played fetch, and a group of seniors played chess on a nearby bench. Meanwhile, a few joggers ran along the winding paths.

The familiar tune of “Turkey in the Straw” wafted through the air, drawing my attention to the ice cream truck that stood parked in the distance. Its colorful decals gleamed in the sunlight as enticed children and adults alike gathered around the truck with smiling faces.

My eyes scanned the surroundings in search of Connor, and I dug into my purse, withdrawing my phone. The screen lit and sent him a text, my fingers rattling across the keyboard. “I'm here at the park. Where are you?”

The moment I hit the send icon, I heard his voice behind me. “On your six.”

I turned around, and there he was, with a faint grin perched on his lips and a hand buried in his pocket. He was dressed in his signature suit, and his imposing height towered over me.

I was afraid that I'd feel some kind of attraction to him like I used to. But to my surprise, I didn't. Was he handsome? Yes. But did I find him attractive? No, I did not.

“Hey, thanks for coming on such short notice,” I said, squeezing out a faint smile.

“Sure, anytime,” he said, watching me with slightly narrowed eyes. “Is everything all right?”

I smoothed my hair backward, frustration creeping into my gaze. “I don't know. I guess it depends on your definition ofokay.”

His expression softened, his eyes lingering on me with genuine concern flickering in their depths. “Come on.” He gestured toward an empty bench nearby.

I followed him over there, and we sat. I lowered my head, my palms cupping my face as I struggled to piece words together.

“Tessa, what's going on?” he asked, his voice soft and tender. “Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” A hint of fury and venom crept into his tone.

I raised my head and looked at him, contemplating whether to speak up about what I had witnessed in Erik's office or keep my mouth shut. Connor didn't need to know the details of what happened—this was a couple's issue, and bringing a third party into the fold would only complicate matters further.

What kind of a wife would I be if I exposed my husband's shortcomings to an outsider? Was it worth it? What would Connor think of Erik?

As mad as I was at my husband, and as hurt and betrayed as he’d made me feel, I still couldn't bring myself to discuss this situation with another person…another man. It just felt wrong.

“Tessa, did Erik hurt you?” Connor reiterated, his jaw tightening slightly. Anger simmered beneath the surface.

I looked him dead in the eyes and said, “No.”

His expression softened a little, and before he'd push further or study my countenance, I added, breaking eye contact, “It's, uh….” I cleared my throat, groping for the right words to get myself out of this mess. “I'm kinda stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.”

“Okay…” he drawled, his gaze lingering on me with a wary look in his eyes.

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