Page 49 of Forcibly Sold to the Bratva
“Excited, more like.” I smile up at him as he squeezes my hand. We step inside, and immediately, I feel a thrill shoot down my spine.
There’s lovely music blaring over the lawn speakers, and the sun shines just right through the trees sprinkled across the backyard. In one far corner, I see tables laden with food, and there’s a full-fledged bar beside it.
“Oh my god!” I squeal, looking around excitedly.
“You’re going to get drunk, aren’t you?” Ilariy rolls his eyes at me.
“Shitfaced,” I deadpan.
“How about we go see Faddey first? Before you get shitfaced?”
“Alright, alright,” I giggle, and together, we go in search of Faddey.
Ilariy sees him under one of the trees, chatting with Bogdan, Nikandr, and Rurik. We make our way over.
“There’s the birthday boy!” Ilariy pulls his brother into a hug.
Faddey grins back and searches Ilariy’s hands. “What the hell? Where’s my gift?”
“Right here!” I chime in, but Faddey’s more interested in pulling me into a hug first before he takes the gift.
“You really shouldn’t have!” he clutches the gift to his chest in an exaggerated motion before passing it on to Nikandr, who offers to put it aside.
“Says he after he takes it.” Rurik rolls his eyes, and Faddey playfully punches him in the arm.
“So, how many candles are we blowing out today?” I ask with a grin.
“37,” Faddey answers back.
“Will they all fit on the cake?” I tease.
“I forgot. You’re yet to hit 30!” Faddey groans and Ilariy laughs, pulling me closer with an arm around my waist.
Ilariy leans down, and I feel his lips brush against my ear. “How about that drink now?”
“Yes, please!” I answer, and we’re about to walk off when Katya appears at my side.
“Arina!” she squeals and pulls me into a hug before pulling away and giving me an approving once-over. “You look gorgeous. Yellow is definitely your color!”
“Thanks,” I say, smiling. “Where’s Tatiana?”
“Getting champagne. Want some before she hoards it all?”
“Yes, please.” I link my arm through Katya’s, and we begin to walk away.
“What about me?” Ilariy shouts in a grumble from behind us.
We throw a look over our shoulders at Ilariy, and Katya yells back. “Go play with your brothers.”
Ilariy smiles, dimples and all, as he watches us walk away. I’ve noticed that particular smile appearing more and more these days. It’s beautiful, relaxed, and genuine.
As Katya leads me through the crowd, I take a good look. There are so many children playing, some splashing in the pool, while others play games on the lawn. There’s a pretty tent over the patio with strings of lights hanging, to be turned on when the party carries into the night, I assume. And it’s a huge party. There must be around fifty people, most of whom I’ve never met.
From a distance, I catch Agafon’s gaze. He raises his glass to me in cheers and slides a hand around his wife, pointing at me. Lilibeth looks over with the warmest smile and gives me a wave. I wave right back.
We met last week and Ireallylike her. The girls brought her over for dinner and a movie last Saturday, and we had a lovely time together.
We catch up with Tatiana, who is engrossed in conversation with three men. It’s only when Katya taps on her shoulder that she turns and envelops me in a hug.
