Page 10 of The Bratva's Arranged Bride

I didn’t miss how Val’s expression dropped somewhat, and he looked vaguely annoyed. But he adjusted one of his cuffs and returned with more poise, “Of course…I should take my place. You two have a pleasant rest of your evening.”

“You as well. I’m sure we’ll see you around, Novikov.”

With a note of finality, Dad held his arm out for me, and I wordlessly accepted it, allowing him to sweep me toward the main stage.

On the way, I couldn’t fight the urge to look over my shoulder at Val, immediately finding his gaze still on me.

Turning back around, still feeling flustered, I urged myself to relax. To ignore it and ignore his obvious teasing.

Because that’s all it was…pointless and harmless. It didn’t mean anything else.

Someone like Val could have his pick in the city, and regardless of who my father was, I had to be his last choice. Even considering myself as an option was absurd.

The start of the auction provided me with enough of a distraction to forget about him and our interaction for a time. Various art pieces and whatever else was put up for sale moved across the stage, catching the attention of prospective bidders.

Frankly, it was boring…just like I remembered.

While I would’ve preferred to be anywhere else—hell, even talking to Val would’ve sufficed—I knew it was something Dad had been looking forward to. At least, he appreciated having me there, and his eyes were fuller of light than they had been in a while.

Even if it was dull, I was there for him, as I said I would be.

It wasn’t much, but it was something.

But as the auction continued and more money was flaunted around the place, I found myself spacing out and aimlessly glancing around the room, taking note of various dresses and expensive jewelry around me just to keep me preoccupied.

Then, I felt that odd sensation of being watched because I was.

The moment my gaze flickered over to my left and I locked eyes with Val Novikov, heat flooded my cheeks.

He’d already been looking in my direction, and I had no idea for how long.

Swallowing hard, I adjusted myself in my seat and averted my eyes. But after a moment, they returned to him, just catching the subtle shift in his attention. From somewhere ahead of him, to me, then back to the stage.

Whether he was trying to be discreet or not, he was certainly failing. I caught him red-handed.

No part of me wanted to react to his attention, but the thought alone was enough to make my stomach flutter.

Regardless of how beautiful he was and the way he had obviously been flirting with me earlier, I didn’t want to entertain anything remotely close to it. I didn’t like being toyed with, and I had the feeling that was exactly what Val had been up to.

He struck me as the perfect player, and that was the last thing I wanted to get caught up in.

Even if the idea of catching his attention was at least somewhat thrilling, I pulled my gaze from him completely and urged myself to continue looking away. Tempering that pulse of intrigue inside me, I told myself it was for the best.

I needed to ignore him, and I needed to stick to it.

Nothing good would come from meeting him halfway, and I was well aware of it.

Chapter 5 - Val

I’ve always been able to manage my thoughts well and focus on things that require my attention—things that take precedent over all the rest.

While Yuri only favors the things he enjoys and can’t be bothered with whatever he doesn’t, I know how to balance the good with the bad. The pleasure with the inconveniences.

At least, Idid.

But ever since the gala several nights ago, no matter what I did, I could only see her.

Tia.

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