Page 41 of Knocked-up Bratva Bride
Part of that explanation wasn’t entirely a lie, but it wasn’t true either.
However, Robert didn’t seem convinced. “He shoved me and dragged you away because he just wanted to talk about his family problems with your best friend, at her birthday party?”
I managed a small smile. “Sounds crazy, huh? But he’s not exactly soft or subtle. He didn’t hurt me; that, I can assure you, and he calmed down once we talked things over…about mine and Katya’s friendship, of course.”
And not about how I badly, terribly, and shamelessly wanted him to fuck me.
Robert visibly relaxed and cupped my cheeks softly. But unlike contact with Damien, this felt more platonic on my end.
“Then, if that’s settled, I’ll cut to the chase and go right to it: that kiss, Elena. Fuck, I can’t stop thinking about it—”
I almost didn’t remember it.
“—I don’t want you to rush you into anything but—”
“Rob, if it’s okay with you, can we talk about it some other time? It’s just that I’ve had a pretty long night, and that conversation with Da—Katya’s father was very…intense. I need to lie down, maybe cry for a bit, and drink a cup of hot chocolate. Katya will understand if I have to leave now.”
She would think it was because of Jaz or Nana.
Robert gave a half-hearted smile but didn’t press further. “Sure, sure. Some other time. Come, I’ll take you home.”
My phone buzzed on the nightstand, and I picked it up. A message from Mr. Stone.
Hello, Elena. Happy weekend. I guess I’m texting to know if today’s a good day to grab a bite at lunch. No pressure. :?-?)
Another scream into the pillow, and more tears rolled down my face. I felt like the most terrible human being on the planet.
I turned the phone face down and continued staring at the ceiling. I tried to convince myself thatit had only been one night. One moment of weakness wrapped in warmth and want. A touch I shouldn’t have craved. A kiss I should’ve pushed away from, but I hadn’t.
And I knew if I didn’t pull the plug, I would keep thirsting for more of him.
So, I told myself it was over. That it had to be. I’d bury it deep and never speak or think of it again, despite how hard that would be. I owed that much to Katya; she meant more to me than crazy sex with her father. Our friendship trumped everything else.
My phone buzzed again, and I snatched it up before the screen even lit up, bracing myself for a follow-up text from Robert.
But relief and dread washed over me when I saw that it was Katya.
Could she already know?
“Hey, Kat! What’s up?” I answered, forcing cheer into my voice. “About last night, I’m so sorry again for leaving without telling you. Jaz and Nana—”
“Lena, how many times do I have to tell you I’m good? I was so tired that I didn’t know when more than half of the guests had left. We’re good, trust me. Besides, that’s not why I called,” she chirped, her voice bright. “Guess what?”
She had a new stepmom? If so,congratulationswere in order. Maybe that would help me get rid of Damien-thoughts once and for all, even if it felt like someone rammed a stake right through my chest.
“What?”
“You won’t believe who reached out to me this morning with a birthday text? Starling Records! I’d sent a proposal a few months ago, and, well, I guess the noise around my birthdaypulled some attention. Shit, Lena, do you know how big those guys are? They’re on the top list of record labels in fucking LA. Heck, maybe in the entire States. But do you know what the best part is?”
“Oh, my goodness. The suspense is killing me!”
Loud car noises floated from her background, so I put the phone on speaker to hear her more audibly.
“I got a project! I’ll be composing for them! For a real fucking record! Can you believe that?”
She squealed, and I smiled genuinely, my heart tugging with pride. “Oh, my God, that’s amazing! My best friend’s going to become a celebrity!”
“I know, right? I’m in shock myself. I can’t believe it. It’s all happening so fast—wait, I’m walking over to my—” A horn blared through the phone speaker before a loud, terrified scream ripped through.
