Page 16 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

“This is not the time for jokes, Viktor. I'm being serious.”

“Are you always so serious?” he asks curiously, that smile still playing on his lips.

I resist the urge to stomp my foot. “Yes, I am. You better get used to it. Sorry, I'm not the fun wife you thought you were marrying.”

“I didn't expect anything from this marriage other than to protect you,” he replies.

I put my hands on my hips. “Well, I expect some privacy.”

“Like I said, you cried out,” he grins. “How was I to know you weren't in danger?”

“You were in the room when I woke up. You were here before I cried out. Don't bullshit me. Why were you watching me?” I ask.

He is dressed simply, but he looks handsome. He's wearing a jumper, cargo pants, and smart shoes. His hair is brushed back out of his eyes. His eyes search mine, and his smile falters.

“Were you having a nightmare? Why don't you tell me about it?”

His sudden seriousness catches me off guard, and I shake my head. “I didn't have a nightmare.”

“You cried out in your sleep. You were obviously having a bad dream,” he says. “If you're having nightmares about what happened to you, then it can only be beneficial to talk them out.”

I turn around and start making the bed.

“The maid will do that,” he says calmly. “You don't have to make your bed to avoid me.”

“I like making beds,” I lie. I never made my bed at Roman's house and I never made it at my college dorm, either. It was perpetually in a state of chaos. I shake out the sheet, tuck it back in, and fix the duvet.

“Tell me about your nightmare,” he says again. “What are you so afraid of?”

“I'm not afraid of anything,” I snap, fluffing up the pillows aggressively. “And I don't need to be psycho-analyzed by a hitman.”

“I'm not a hitman, I'm an enforcer,” he chuckles. “You're clearly traumatized. Why don't you want to talk about it? What did they do to you when they kidnapped you?”

I sit down on the bed and remain silent, not wanting to respond. I'm not sure I could respond if I tried. I feel like I want to cry if I'm honest with myself, but I don't want him to see more tears from me. Not after how I freaked out last night. Or was it this morning? I don't even know what time he barged into my bedroom to demand I marry him.

He stands up and walks over to me, standing in front of me. I stare at his navel, refusing to look into his eyes. He reaches down, puts a finger under my chin, and tips my face up so our eyes meet. “Tell me about your nightmares.”

“Leave,” I say. “I don't want you here.”

I've completely shut down at this point. I don't want anything to do with him.

“Breakfast is waiting for you. I'm in my office. If you need anything, just ask Rachel to show you where it is.”

He walks out of the bedroom, and I breathe a sigh of relief. I'm so glad he's gone, but at the same time, I feel his absence. It was somewhat comforting having him nearby and now that he's left, I feel even more vulnerable than I was. I would never admit that to him though, he would be far too satisfied with that and I am not going to give him an inch of satisfaction.

I wait a good few minutes before I walk out to ensure that he’s gone before I go downstairs to the dining room. As I enter,a young woman comes in from the kitchen. “Hello, Mrs. Milov. I am Rachel. Can I bring you your breakfast and a cup of coffee?”

“Yes, please,” I say. “It's lovely to meet you, but please call me Riley.”

“I have to call you Mrs. Milov. Mr. Milov won't like it any other way,” she says with a warm smile. “But I will bring you something to eat and drink straight away.”

She leaves again, and I sit down, glancing around. There’s artwork on the wall—very abstract pieces. They’re quite colorful, which isn't something I would associate with Viktor. In the corners, there are also suits of armor and cabinets showcasing display pieces. It nearly sparks my curiosity, but I resist the urge to explore for now. I just want to have something for breakfast, and then I'll decide where to go from there. I need to study and improve my grades, but Viktor made me leave all my things at Roman's house. I need to arrange to go get them along with my clothes.

Rachel brings me breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. It's a huge plate of food, and I'm not sure I'm that hungry until I taste it. The food melts in my mouth, and I eat it all, sipping my coffee once I'm finished. Rachel clears the plate and the coffee mug, and I sit there for a moment, not sure what to do next. I suppose the only thing I can do is explore. I get up from the table and exit the dining room. Viktor pointed out where everything was downstairs, so I walk into the living room and take a look around. The television is so large that it feels like I'm in a movie theater. The couches look plush, and I fall onto one. I sink right in and let out a sigh. I could sit here and watch TV while I study. I get up again when I spot a set of French doors and walk over. I open them and step outside. There's a guard nearby, and I wave at him. He nods back at me.

I look around and notice an Olympic-sized swimming pool that someone is busy cleaning. I go over and feel the water and it's warm. Heated, nice. Maybe if I can pick up my bikini, I can have a swim once in a while.

My phone rings and I take it out of the waistband of my pants. It's Gwen.

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