Page 37 of Pregnant Bratva Wife
The Vadims. Our most powerful allies. Just knowing that they were there was a balm to the soul.
“And by the way,” Caspian whispered as Kate kissed Autumn goodbye. “The Espositos are here.”
“I thought they would be,” I said with a grimace.
Autumn helped herself to another flute of champagne, and I guided her through the crowd, introducing her to those I trusted and tolerated.
Autumn was... surprising. Where I expected awkwardness, she showed grace. Where I anticipated stumbles, she glided.
She was a natural—smiling, asking thoughtful questions, remembering names and details.
“Your wife is charming, Federico,” said Don Amato of a powerful Italian Syndicate, patting my shoulder. “A refreshing change from the usual trophy wives.”
I nodded, feeling proud though I had no right to it. This wasn’t real.
Except it felt increasingly real with each passing minute.
We were speaking with a shipping magnate when I felt a presence at my back. The hair on my neck stood up—animal instinct warning of a predator.
“Federico Lebedev,” purred a voice I recognized immediately. “How long has it been?”
I turned to face Viviana Esposito, the niece of my family’s greatest enemy. She wore red—of course she did—and her dark eyes glittered with malice.
She was a troublemaker if I ever saw one. A rebel. Unpredictable.
“Viviana,” I acknowledged coldly. “This is my wife, Autumn.”
Viviana’s eyes flicked to Autumn, dismissive. “Wife? How... quaint. I hadn’t heard you’d settled down.”
“We kept it intimate,” I said, placing a protective arm around Autumn’s waist.
Viviana stepped closer, ignoring all social boundaries. She placed a hand right on my chest, in front of my fucking wife. “You always did prefer... intimate settings.”
I shoved her hand aside and gave her a warning smile. “We went for dinner once, and that was a long time ago.”
“Not so long.” She smiled like a shark. “I still remember every detail.”
Before I could respond to tell her there were no details to remember, that we never even got around to desert, Autumn stepped forward.
The transformation was instant and astonishing.
“Darling,” she said, her voice honey-sweet as she slid her arm around me. “Who’s your little friend again?”
The possessive way she said “darling” and the cutting way she said “little” sent a jolt straight to my groin.
“Viviana Esposito,” I said. “An old... acquaintance.”
“How lovely to meet you,” Autumn said, her smile brilliant but her eyes steel blue.
Then she did something I never could have predicted. Not in a million years.Sheleaned in.
Pressed her body flush against mine. Slid one hand up my chest and settled right where Viviana’s had been. Marking her territory.
Her breasts—barely contained in that dress—brushed my ribs. I felt her thigh against mine. Her perfume. Her breath. Her hand curled lightly into the fabric of my jacket like I was hers.
She was acting. Iknewshe was acting.
So why the fuck did my cock start to stiffen as if this was real?
