Page 18 of Pregnant Bratva Wife
“Just seeing how far you’ll let me push before you run away.” I reached out, letting my fingers brush a strand of hair from her face. She flinched but didn’t move.
“I’m not running anywhere,” she said firmly. “I made a deal.”
“Yes, you did.” I put down my hand, cocked my head, and gave her a wink. “But I wonder what would happen if I tried to cash in early.”
Her breath caught. “You said you wouldn’t force anything.”
“Force? No.” I let my gaze drop to her lips and broke into what I knew was an antagonizing grin. “But what if I asked nicely?”
For a moment—just a flicker of time—I saw it. The hitch in her breath, the slight parting of her lips.
Desire.
It was there, beneath that tough façade.
She wanted me too, even if she’d never admit it.
But just as quickly, the shutters came down. “I’d say you’re wasting your breath.”
I stepped back, giving her space. I wouldn’t be the one to give in first. My pride wouldn’t allow it.
When Autumn Malone came to my bed, it would be because she wanted to, not because she felt obligated.
I’d make sure of that.
“Finish up with Margot,” I said, walking toward the door. “Choose whatever you want. Dress. Shoes. Jewelry.”
“Of course, a budget isn’t a thing,” she muttered. “Not for you.”
I paused at the doorway, looking back at her. Standing there in that gown, surrounded by mirrors that caught her in every direction, she looked like a dream I couldn’t quite grasp.
“Three days, Autumn,” I reminded her. “And then you’re mine.”
Her eyes narrowed. “On paper.”
“We’ll see.”
I left her there and headed upstairs to work out before dinner with my family.
* * *
I was late reaching Caspian and Kate’s house.
I valued punctuality. But Autumn had gotten under my skin, and I’d spent longer than planned in my home gym, working out my frustration on a punching bag that couldn’t fight back.
All my siblings’ cars were already in the driveway. I pushed through the front doors, not bothering to wait for the doorman to get it, and rushed to the living room, where I knew they’d all be gathered.
I walked in and saw my family hanging around, laughing and chatting over drinks before dinner, as was customary in any good Russian household. We didn’t eat till we got drunk. It was an unsaid motto, of sorts.
Kate was the first to notice my entrance. “Oh my god!” She made her way from the bar with a wide smile on her face. “Look who finally graced us with his presence!”
Dante, who was lounging on a chair nursing his scotch, raised his glass at me, accompanied by a lazy wave. Of course, he didn’t dare muster up the energy to rise and greet me.
Kate pulled me into a hug while my youngest sister, Beatrice, threw me an accusatory look that could put anyone to shame. “You missed Scrabble.”
“It’s not like he ever wins,” grinned Caspian, patting me on the back before he guided me towards the bar.
At the bar, I stood around and sipped some red wine. Liquid courage, right?
