Page 46 of Used Bratva Bride

I finish my drink, signaling for another. The bartender moves quickly, refilling my glass with a fresh pour of whiskey. I down it just as fast, letting the warmth settle deep in my chest before rising from my seat.

The club is just a front. A place for the men to drink, for business associates to mingle, for money to exchange hands. The real work happens behind the scenes.

I make my way toward the back, passing through the crowd without a second glance. The music thuds in my ears, theflashing lights casting shadows across the room, but I pay none of it any mind.

The hallway leading to the offices is quieter, the soundproofing keeping the chaos of the club at bay. It’s a different world back here. Controlled. Efficient.

I pull out my phone, dialing one of the guards stationed at the estate. He picks up after the second ring.

“She’s fine, sir,” he reports before I even ask. “Causing a fuss, but nothing we can’t handle.”

I smirk. Of course, she is. I imagine her pacing the room, throwing whatever insults she can muster at the guards outside her door, maybe even attempting another escape, as useless as it would be.

“She eat?” I ask.

A pause. “Not much. Picked at what was brought to her, but it’s better than nothing.”

That’s something, at least.

I end the call without another word, slipping my phone back into my pocket just as a familiar voice calls out from behind me.

“Are you really working right now?”

I turn to see Ivan and a few others rounding the corner.

Ivan looks exasperated. The others just look amused.

“You really have no concept of relaxing, do you?” Ivan shakes his head, clapping a hand against my shoulder. “You’re at your own damn celebration, and you disappear into the back like a fucking accountant.”

I roll my shoulders. “Business doesn’t stop because you’re too drunk to function.”

Ivan smirks. “Maybe not, but you’re not exactly fun at a party.”

One of the others, Viktor, lets out a chuckle. “It’s true. You look like you’d rather be anywhere but here.”

Because I would.

Ivan sighs dramatically, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Come on, one more drink. One dance, even. Just pretend to enjoy yourself.”

I stare at him, unimpressed. “No.”

“You wound me.”

I shake him off. “You’ll live.”

He steps in front of me, blocking my path. “One drink. That’s all I’m asking.”

I exhale sharply. The fastest way to end this conversation is to give in.

“Fine,” I mutter.

The men cheer, leading me back toward the club. I let them drag me into the noise, into the chaos, but my thoughts are still elsewhere.

Ivan slams his glass onto the bar, grinning like an idiot as the bartender raises an eyebrow at him. “Another round,” he announces, voice already slurring. “For the groom.”

The bartender, a sharp-eyed man who knows when to push and when to back off, grins as he grabs another bottle. “I should be cutting you off,” he jokes, pouring the vodka into fresh glasses. “But I’d rather not find myself floating in the river tomorrow morning.”

Laughter erupts around us, but Ivan just smiles wider. “That’s the spirit.” He slides a shot my way. “Come on, one more.”

---