Page 61 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

Except, after roaming around a little while and introducing her to everyone, I realize it’s not warmth she was looking for but familiarity and safety. Comfort.

She is overwhelmed and nervous.

Her usual sassy, vibrant self is a little subdued and almost hiding behind me.

Oleg reaches his hand out to her and shakes it enthusiastically. “Jade, welcome, what a pleasure to meet you,” he says. Raisa Is standing next to him looking proud of her husband.

“How long have you guys been together?” Jade asks, relaxing slightly.

“Oh wow, it’s been solong, so manyyears. My wife is a difficult woman to be around, so time moves slow, so much—“ Oleg gets cut off when Raisa punches him playfully in the arm. “We’ve been married for a year now.” She grins and glares athim. He smirks a wide, sparkling smile back at her and drags her into his arms to kiss her.

“It’s been the most magical time of my life,” Oleg says, looking directly at Raisa.

“Wow, that’s a gorgeous necklace,” Jade says, gesturing towards the ruby rose pendant around Raisa’s neck.

“Thanks. I love yours as well. Seems our men have good taste. I have a bracelet as well—to match.” My sister winks at me and I notice Jade’s cheek flush bright pink.

“I have a ring,” Jade says, pulling her sleeve up away from her hand.

“Wow. Oleg, I think I might need a ring too.” Raisa grins at her husband.

“Anda unicorn,” Oleg teases.

“And aunicorn,” Raisa says excitedly.

I pull Jade towards me, away from the two of them.

“Are you doing ok? You see? Everyone is really friendly.”

“They are. I actually really like them.” She smiles, her eyes lighting and her face looking relaxed.

I cup my hand around the back of her neck, and she stands up on her tiptoes to kiss me. In front of everyone.

My heart stammers a little at the gesture. Then shyly, she steps back and scrunches her nose in that way she does when she’s thinking really hard or feeling a little awkward.

Throughout the afternoon I watch her as she talks to my sisters, laughing and joking, getting on especially well with Ruslana. She chats to Ruvim and I can see he likes her. At one point he even grabs her and gives her a one armed hug, exactly the same way he hugs our sisters.

She fits in with us. She gets on with everyone and has such a down to earth perspective of life.

I sip my drink, leaning my shoulder against the wide patio doorframe, admiring her from a distance.

What would it be like to have her as a permanent part of my life?

What would it be like if she were really my wife, emotionally, physically and entirely belonging to me?

The more I am around her and the more time we spend together the more I want that.

I don’t know how to tell her or how to show her, and I have no idea if she wants the same thing.

My heart flips wildly when she turns to look at me across the party and her lips curl up into that beautiful smile.

My eyes trace over her body, utter perfection and beauty.

If I had my way, I would drag her to the backroom right now and let her know what she does to me.

How crazy she makes me.

I grin and start walking towards her.

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