Page 35 of Til Death Do Us Part (Kornilov Bratva Duet 2)

“And you fell in love?” Hannah asks, blinking as she processes the story.

The opportunity to tell her the entire truth presents itself—about the first pretend marriage and the current one, as well—but I’m embarrassed. Embarrassed that I could allow myself to be controlled by a man, but also the idea of Hannah thinking my entire relationship is fake is embarrassing, too.

Because it isn’t fake.

Not all of it.

Not what just happened in the office this afternoon or the concern Viktor has for me and for Theo. Or the concern I have for him.

Despite the marriage being fake, our feelings aren’t. So, I just nod.

“Yes, I fell in love.”

“Oh man,” Hannah says, shaking her head. “That’s the scariest part of everything you just told me. A woman in love makes the stupidest decisions.”

Despite the raw ache in my chest, left there by Viktor’s announcement that I can leave once Fedor is dealt with and by Hannah’s kindness, I laugh. I wipe my nose with my sleeve and shake my head.

“I’ve definitely made some stupid decisions.”

Hannah wraps her arm around my shoulders and presses her cheek against mine. “That’s okay. I’ll be here for you. You aren’t in this alone anymore.”

I’m so relieved I feel like I could cry more.

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