Page 54 of Captivated By the Bratva

“Suffice it to say that things are as black and white as they seem. If the Avilovs are funding and backing the Kastavas, then I don’t give a fuck who that old bastard wants to marry. I wouldn’t support any engagement, and I wouldn’t provide help to make it happen.”

“When did you learn about this development?”

He barked a single laugh. “Right before you fucking called.”

I had to smile.

“I don’t know how everything could line up for you. That when you realize you want Nadia, itmightbe something we could arrange.”

Even if the Avilovs weren’t funding the Kastavas, I would refuse to give Nadia up.

“So, sit tight, all right? Hold on and wait until I can get back to you with more information.”

I nodded, relieved that I had his support. That was what a good leader—and brother—did, though. They stood by their loved ones no matter what.

“We will.” I trusted him to act in my best interests, and if anyone could orchestrate the destruction of an arranged marriage, it’d be him. He had particular experience in doing so.

We disconnected the call. I couldn’t wait to explain this all to Nadia.

As I headed toward the bed, she woke and sat up, peering at me drowsily.

“Where’d you go?” she asked around a big yawn.

“Not far,” I replied.And I never will.

20

NADIA

Maxim raked his gaze over me, but it wasn’t that smoldering look that preceded his ravishing me. “I had a call with my brother.”

I sobered up quickly at that news. All traces of sleepiness vanished. I felt so relaxed and rested, sleeping all night with him. Being with Maxim soothed my soul.

“Um…” I fought hard not to wince. “Which brother?” I fidgeted, tossing the covers off me to hurry and go to the bathroom.

He laughed lightly as a knock sounded on the door.

I froze, one foot on the plush carpet and my butt still on the mattress.

“I ordered breakfast.” As he headed toward the door, he smiled at me and tilted his head in the direction of the bathroom. “Go on. We’ll talk as we eat.”

We’ll talk.Those words sounded so scary, but as I hustled to use the restroom, I realized he’d said them without any hint ofscolding. He was back to the charming guy, smiling easily and confidently.

That’s gotta be a good sign, right?

I washed my hands after I used the toilet, and in my rush to go back to him, I grabbed a robe that hung on the back of the door. Tying the sash as I went, I sought him out.

He’d taken the room service cart to the lounge area, and as I slowed my pace, I let it sink in that this was currently my life.

This wasme, a guest in this posh, expensive hotel suite wearing a thick robe, padding barefoot over the softest carpet. Maxim was spoiling me, getting me breakfast and waiting on me like this.

“Which brother?” I asked again.

He smirked, offering me a mug to fill with coffee. “You don’t want caffeine first?”

Is he teasing me? Taunting me?

I was nervous at once. After the way we’d come together last night, I wanted to be sure that we were on the same page. We’d expressed our desire for each other. I wasn’t lying when I told him that I wanted him.

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