Page 19 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

“I am perfectly capable of holding my alcohol, thank you very much,” she says, sipping her wine.

“Okay, okay,” I hold my hands up. “No need to get testy.”

“I'm not testy.”

“You're absolutely crazy,” I joke. “I never know what's going to happen to you.”

“I am not crazy,” she says, her mouth dropping open. “I just want my stuff.”

“You are crazy. Any girl would kill to have new designer clothes bought for them,” I say, egging her on.

“Well, I'm not just any girl,” she says as she finishes her food. “Gwen should have told you that.”

“I think she tried to warn me, but I didn't listen,” I tease.

She gets up and walks out. I get up and go after her. “Come on now, don't be upset.”

“I'm not upset. I have to study,” she says as she goes up the stairs.

I follow her and grab her hand at the top of the stairs. My hand practically engulfs hers. I pull her toward me. “You are upset and I feel bad. I just like it when you're annoyed.”

“Why? What normal person likes to annoy people on purpose?” she asks, trying to pull her hand away. I keep ahold of it and step one step closer to her, our bodies inches apart.

“Maybe it's because I like you feisty,” I say quietly.

Her breath catches, and she licks her lips. “Well, all you're being is annoying. It does nothing but upset me.”

“Oh no,” I say quietly still. “I'll have to make it up to you.”

“You can't,” she says. “There's nothing I want from you.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, stepping closer.

“Viktor!” I hear Anya's voice ring out from downstairs. “There you are.”

I let go of Riley and roll my eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“Gwen called and apparently I have a new sister-in-law,” Anya says happily. “I came to hang out.”

“It's late, Anya. Come back another day,” I say. “Shouldn't you be in bed already?”

“I'm not twelve, big brother,” she laughs, punching my arm as she reaches me. She smiles broadly at Riley. “I know we already have met, but I'm so happy to hear you're my sister-in-law.”

Riley smiles at Anya. “Yes, Viktor swept me right off my feet.”

“No doubt a hair-brained scheme of his. He's always getting up to something reckless,” Anya says.

“Enough,” I say. “There's no need to go into details.”

“Oh, I would love to hear the details,” Riley says. “In fact, I don't think I finished my wine. Anya, do you want some wine?”

“No,” I say. “This is a bad idea.”

“I think it's a great idea. I haven't had any company except you and Rachel for the whole week. Come, Anya.” Riley takes my sister's arm and leads her downstairs triumphantly.

I sigh and follow. “Are you hungry, Anya? I can ask Rachel to fix you a plate.”

“What's for dinner?” Anya asks as we enter the dining room.

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