Page 28 of Innocent Bratva Twins

I glance down at my high heels. Thank goodness it’s not far to walk. The party was right by the office, so I’m right around the corner from home.

I got cornered by Justin tonight, but at least it was an eye-opening moment for me. I can’t keep risking my career over a silly crush. It’s time to put walls up, block out whatever I’m feeling, and focus on my work. Nothing else.

My heels click as I walk along the sidewalk. The shoes are starting to hurt, but it’s not far.

The road is still busy with people coming and going, wrapped warmly in long coats.

I shove my hands into my long gray coat and smile as a couple walks past me with their dog. The little furry ball of happiness pauses to sniff the corner of my coat, and I lean down to tickle his soft fur.

“Hey, cutie,” I smile.

The couple moves on, wishing me a lovely evening.

“You can’t walk in those heels.”

His voice sends a delightful shiver down my spine as the car comes to a stop on the road next to where I’m walking.

“I can, actually,” I grin at him as he leans out of the window.

“Get in. I’ll drive you.”

“Nico, we’ve been through this.” I shake my head, still smiling. Stop smiling. Be professional.

“Serafina, get in the car and stop being so difficult. It’ll take me two minutes to drive you home.”

I glance down at my feet.

They hurt. I don’t want to admit it, but I would love a lift.

“Serafina, get in,” he says more sternly.

I give up.

Inside Nico’s car, the heat is on, and my entire body relaxes into the warm seat. It’s cozy and comfortable.

“It was a good party tonight,” Nico remarks, a little stiff.

“It was great. Successful,” I say, just as stiff.

Why is this so difficult?

“The music was nice.”

Is he serious? Are we really talking about the music?

“And the catering,” I agree.

Oh my word, this is hell.

I glance across the car towards him. He looks at me, briefly, a tense smile on his face. Then he quickly looks forward again.

I chew the inside of my cheek.

It doesn’t matter whether I am attracted to him or not, and my silly little crush is pointless. I know how this goes. I know because I’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. Whether I wanted it or not.

Brandon Plume. My boyfriend at the beginning of college. I was so in love, head over heels for this completedouchebag. Of course, at the time I had no idea he was a douchebag.

He was my first boyfriend, and I thought I was the luckiest girl on the planet, because all the girls thought he was amazing—the hottest guy in our year, and friends with everyone.

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