Page 18 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

Riley turns and walks out, back to the dining room and I go to the kitchen to let Rachel know I'll be having breakfast in my office.

I had Martin collect her car and study materials and bring them to the mansion. He's the one I trust the most with anything to do with Riley. She doesn't even thank me; she just takes her things and goes upstairs to her room. When I check on her, she tells me to go away so she can study.

Riley avoids me on Monday and Tuesday, going to campus and then going straight to her room. She doesn't go to Roman's to get her clothes, but she wouldn't be able to because I told the guards not to let her in and to send her straight home. They would have let me know if she tried.

On Wednesday, she finally joins me for dinner. The chef has made roast chicken, roast potatoes, a rich gravy, rice, cauliflower in cheese sauce, and broccoli. I glance at her as she sits down. “You're not eating in your room?”

“Is it a requirement?” she asks.

“No, it's nice of you to join me. I just… you've eaten your last few meals in your room, so I'm surprised is all,” I say.

Riley doesn't say another word and we start to eat. I want to ask her how her classes are going. I want to ask her if she's feeling at ease around campus. I want to ask if she's being safe.

There are so many things I want to ask her, but most of all, I want to bring out her feisty side. I like when she's feisty. I like to tease her, but right now I'm scared she'll leave the dinner table if I push her too far. I don’t want to push her buttons too much and yet, at the same time, I want to push them all and watch her explode.

“What?” Riley asks.

I realize I've been staring at her and quickly look at my food. “Nothing.”

“No, you were staring at me. What are you staring at?”

“Well, you just said I was staring at you.” I can't help but tease her.

Riley huffs and goes back to her food. “Yes, but why? Have I got food on my face or something?”

“Maybe it's because I find you adorable when you're irritable,” I say.

Riley's face turns red, and I worry she'll get up and leave. Instead, she stabs her chicken with her fork and bites into it. I chuckle softly and continue to eat my food.

I'm surprised when she joins me for dinner on Thursday again. This time, we're having tomato soup and toasted cheese and garlic sandwiches. Perfect for the windy day we've had. As she sits, I smile brightly. “Two nights in a row. This might become a habit.”

“If you don't want me here, just say so,” she growls.

“I'm not saying that at all,” I grin. “I'm saying I'm happy you're joining me. We can pretend we're actually husband and wife. You can start by telling me about your day on campus.” I raise an eyebrow.

“Nothing happened. I went to class and came home. Gwen is back in two days, so next week I'll probably do lunch with her,” Riley says. She blows on her hot soup before she eats it. She breaks her sandwich in half and dips it into the soup before taking a bite. I smile at her and eat my own.

She looks at me seriously and asks, “So, when are you going to fetch the rest of my things from Roman's house?”

“Like what?” I ask, knowing exactly what she means.

“My goddam clothes,” she says angrily.

“Why are you so insistent on getting those rags back?” I ask. “As husband and wife, we have an image to uphold.”

“I don't want to uphold any image. I want to be comfortable. Look at what I'm wearing.” She stands up to prove her point.

It's a designer dress, and it's form-hugging. It's emerald green and stops just above her knees. The shoulders are open and her breasts look incredible. Her skin looks as soft as the sheets I sleep in, satin-like. I want to touch her; I want to caress her skin with my lips and draw goosebumps out of her. I can feel my cock twitch slightly in my pants at the thought of her naked underneath me.

She sits back down and stares at me. “What are you staring at now?”

“I was looking at the gorgeous dress you're wearing. That's what you wanted, isn't it?” I ask, eating some of my soup.

“You are so full of shit,” she says as she goes back to her food. I laugh and sip my wine.

“Do you want some wine?” I offer, picking up the bottle.

She pushes her glass toward me silently. I fill it until about halfway full and then I put the bottle down. “I shouldn't be letting you drink. You're underage, aren't you?”

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