Page 38 of Pregnant Bratva Wife
“Federico and I were just about to dance,” she said sweetly, looking up at me with adoring eyes. “Weren’t we, sweetheart?”
I forgot my voice for just a moment too long. Then I remembered the role I had to play. “Yes,” I said, a little hoarsely. “We were.”
“Such a shame,” Autumn continued, pressing herself against my side while keeping her eyes on Viviana’s. “Federico promised to keep me all to himself tonight. I so rarely get him to myself these days. He works too hard.”
And then she looked up at me—those blue eyes wide and adoring, her lips a breath away from mine—and smiled like she meant every word.
Fuck.
It took everything in me not to grab her right there. Not to pull her somewhere dark and press her against a wall.
She was pretending.
But my body didn’t give a damn.
“Perhaps another time,” Viviana said, her smile now brittle.
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Autumn replied sweetly. “I’m rather selfish with my husband.”
Viviana’s eyes narrowed, but she retreated with a forced laugh. “Enjoy your... marital bliss.”
I stayed rooted to the floor, still holding Autumn against me, too stunned and frankly, turned on, to move.
“You’re a goddamn savior,” I muttered.
She tilted her head up at me. “Was that convincing enough? That woman was practically undressing you with her eyes.”
“That was…” My voice was hoarse. Beaten. “More than convincing.”
Autumn lingered against me for a second too long. Time stretched thin. Her eyes and mine were glued.
Fuck. I felt the blood leave my brain.
Her hand brushed low on my stomach as she stepped back.
Dangerous territory.
I let go and regretted it immediately.
Soon after, I was pulled into a conversation with a potential investor. Autumn squeezed my hand.
“I’ll get us some drinks,” she offered.
I hesitated.
“I’ll be fine,” she assured me. “I’m a big girl.”
I watched her walk away, her blue dress like a siren. I tried to focus on the conversation, but my eyes kept tracking her. People cleared the path for her. Men attempted to smile. Sheignored them all, stopping briefly only to chat with some girls she’d met earlier. Finally, she made her way to the bar.
I finished my own drink and was about to excuse myself and join her and grab another when I saw him approach.
Marco Esposito. Second-in-command of their family’s operation.
He caught up with Autumn at the bar, leaning in close as he spoke. She smiled politely, but I could see the slight stiffness in her posture.
Red clouded my vision.
I muttered an excuse and cut through the crowd, arriving just as Marco was offering Autumn a drink.
