Page 18 of Arranged Curves for the Bratva
“Okay,” I decide, grinning. “I'm in.”
The siblings cheer, and Tatiana immediately begins planning what I should wear.
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. I'm about to ask what time we should leave when we hear Agafon.
“I didn't realize we were having a family reunion,” he says from the doorway.
The laughter dies instantly as we turn to look at him.
Agafon stands there, his gray eyes taking in the scene. Those eyes land on me last, and I feel a chill down my spine from the intensity I see in them.
“Surprise,” Tatiana says, recovering first. “We thought we'd check on the newlyweds.”
“Hmm,” is all Agafon says, setting down his briefcase on a table before walking up to us. “And what's the verdict?”
“Your wife is delightful,” Rurik says. “You've been hiding her away.”
“I've been working,” Agafon replies flatly.
“Well, we're taking her out tonight,” Tatiana announces. “To Ember. The new place on the 12th.”
I hold my breath, watching Agafon's reaction. His expression doesn't change, but something flickers in those gray eyes as he meets mine.
“No, you're not,” he says simply.
I feel myself freeze at his command. Is that how this is going to be? What does he want? For me to spend the rest of my life alone within these four walls?
“Come on, Agafon,” Katya protests. “She's been cooped up here all week.”
“I said no.” His tone leaves no room for argument. Then he turns to me. “We have plans tonight.”
“We do?” I ask, unable to keep the surprise from my voice.
“Dress up. We’re attending an event tonight, as husband and wife.”
His siblings exchange looks that I can't quite interpret. Disappointment rushes through me, followed by a flare of defiance. Who is he to dictate my plans when he's barely spoken to me all week?
“I already agreed to go out with your sisters,” I say, straightening my shoulders.
Agafon's eyes narrow slightly. “That was before you knew about our prior commitment.”
The room goes silent. I can feel his siblings watching us, this first real interaction between husband and wife.
Agafon steps closer to me, and despite myself, I have to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. His sisters are here, and because of that fact alone, to avoid embarrassing ourselves, I bite back my tongue and give him a wide, cheerful smile. “Of course,” I say smoothly, even though I’m seething within. “I’ll be dressed in time.”
He nods, surprise flickering across his face. “Seven p.m.,” he says, before leaving us to carry on.
Chapter 6 - Agafon
Lilibeth, much to my surprise, is ready on the dot. She’s in the foyer by the time I descend the stairs, and when I see her, my neck clenches from the breathtaking view.
She looks absolutely stunning in that deep emerald wraparound midi sequenced dress. It’s cut low, too low, but the full sleeves balance out the curves. She’s got on a ruby necklace, a stunning piece that draws my eyes back to her curves.
I have to force myself to look away before she gets the wrong idea. Yes, she’s beautiful. But that doesn’t mean I’m falling on my knees at the sight of her. A man like me can appreciate beauty for what it is, without losing sight of himself.
“You clean up well,” she says with a wide smile in that annoyingly cheery way of hers.
“Thank you,” I mumble, taken aback by how civil she’s being after I derailed her evening plans to go out with my sisters. It’s only when I usher her out the door that I realize I never really complimented her back.
