Page 33 of Knocked-up Bratva Bride
Before Robert andDami—
Before Robert andthe man in the shadows of my memory,there’d been no time to consider diving into the dating pool. Relationships were on the bottom of my list; killing it at my job, and taking care of Jaz, Nana, and Mom came first.
But Robert had an air around him that opened my eyes to possibilities and made me want toconsidercreating checkboxes.
Decent?
Handsome?
Funny & kind?
Financial stability?
Family oriented ?
Freaking smart ?
Definitely older ?
Gentlemanly?
Robert walked ahead to wait by the curb, leaning against his sleek silver car. He straightened up and held the door open with a smile; it wasn’t the kind people wore out of politeness, but one of those real ones that crinkled at the corners of the eyes.
So far, he’d ticked more boxes, but it still felt like something was missing.
The drive was quiet at first, in that peaceful sort of way when no one needed to fill the silence. I found myself glancing at him now and then, marveling, not at the tuxedo or the perfect hair, but at how calm he made me feel, even tonight.
So far, he’d ticked most of the boxes, but there was a present hollowness, like something was missing.
***
When the car rounded the last turn and the estate came into view, even I had to catch my breath. In the past, I’d visited her house a few times, but now, it looked different. It had been repainted, with more lights installed almost everywhere, and there were manymen swarming the grounds, dressed in matching black suits and sunglasses.
Normally, Katya never did anything small, but tonight…tonight was something else.
Robert let out a soft whistle, eyes wide. “I didn’t realize your friend came from…this.”
I giggled. “The first time I came here, I had a similar reaction. But she’s always preferred coffee shops to country clubs.” I paused, my eyes tracing the path up to the mansion, which was lit in soft, golden light. “But I’m so happy for her. She deserves to get a night like this.”
He looked at me for a beat longer than I expected, then nodded. “You’re really proud of her, huh?”
I smiled, feeling a swell in my chest. “Absolutely. Tonight’s about celebrating her—and I intend to do just that.”
After a thorough search of our car at the entrance, forbombs and all, we parked under the instructions of one of the men.
Robert stepped out and offered his arm like a scene out of an old movie. My heart did a small somersault.
“Thank you,” I murmured, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. His suit was perfectly pressed, and he smelled faintly of cedarwood and something sweet I couldn’t place.
Inside, the birthday party was in full swing. Laughter echoed off the high ceilings, and music pulsed through the mansion. Guests mingled in clusters, champagne flutes in hand, their voices blending seamlessly into the celebratory atmosphere.
I spotted Katya near the bar, her dark hair shining under the chandelier. A small crowd surrounded her, drawn in by her easy charm and that bright laugh I was familiar with. She looked radiant, confident, and happy. It made my heart warm just to see her relaxed like that.
I led Robert through the guests, clutching the wrapped notebook in my hands. When she saw me, her face lit up, and she reached out without hesitation.
“You’re here! For a moment, I thought you weren’t coming, and—oh, my God! Girl, you look amazing! I’m loving it.”
“Forget me. Tonight’s your night! You’re the real star here, dressed in glimmer and diamonds.”
