Page 26 of Pregnant Bratva Wife
“No, I don’t know,” he said, his voice maddeningly calm. “Why don’t you explain?”
I could feel my cheeks heating. “Don’t be difficult. You know what I mean. We’re not... sleeping together.”
“I believe I agreed to that condition already.”
“Right. Good.” I twisted my hands around my glass. “And if you want to... You know, with other women, that’s fine. I mean, it’s not like this is a real marriage.”
He looked positively amused for some reason. “You’re giving me permission to cheat on my wife for six hours?”
“It’s not cheating if we have an understanding,” I said defensively.
“An understanding,” he repeated, setting his glass down and taking one step forward. “And what exactly is our understanding, Autumn?”
The way he said my name made my stomach flip. “That this is just for show. That I’m your wife on paper, but not... not in other ways.”
“Other ways,” he echoed, taking another step. “Such as?”
“You know what I mean,” I said, frustration mounting. “Physical ways. Bedroom ways.”
His mouth curved into that infuriating smirk. “I’m still not clear. Perhaps you should be more specific.”
“Oh my God.” I threw up my hands. “Are you seriously going to make me say it? We’re not having sex! Is that clear enough for you?”
He was laughing now, the bastard. “Crystal clear.”
“It’s not funny!”
“It’s a little funny,” he countered, wiping tears from his eyes. “Watching you try to dance around the subject.”
“I was trying to be polite,” I snapped.
“Since when?” He was grinning now, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“You’re impossible,” I said, turning away to walk out.
He caught my arm, gently but firmly. “Autumn.”
I looked back at him, trying to ignore the warmth of his hand on my skin.
“I know the terms of our arrangement,” he said, his voice softer now. “I won’t push for anything you don’t want.”
I nodded, relief washing through me. “Good.”
“But,” he continued, his eyes holding mine, “I won’t apologize for finding my wife attractive.”
My breath caught. “Federico—”
“It’s just an observation,” he said, releasing my arm. “Not a demand.”
I didn’t know what to say to that, so I just nodded again. “Goodnight, then.”
“Goodnight, Mrs. Lebedev.”
I hurried out of the living room, his words echoing in my head.
I won’t apologize for finding my wife attractive.
I shut my bedroom door behind me and leaned against it, closing my eyes. This was going to be more complicated than I’d thought.
