Page 26 of Forbidden Bratva Virgin

“Now, this is exactly what I needed.”

Elena laughed beside me, allowing the cool breeze to brush the bangs on her forehead. She was stunning tonight, as always. The rest of her frizzly brown hair was held up in a messy bun, and the teal dress she was wearing highlighted every inch of her full curves and enhanced the glow of her smooth olive skin.

It was funny how, years ago, we’d both been teased for being curvier than the average media-projected stereotypical girl. And it seemed now that almost every woman wanted a voluptuous figure.

Back in college, when I met Elena a few times, I yearned for how effortlessly flawless she was. Not only was she attractive, but her I.Q. and confidence levels were unparalleled, and it intimidated me to the point where I felt like I couldn’t measure up. But despite our differences, we somehow clicked, bonding over late-night pizza and study sessions.

And now, over time, we’d grown into two women who couldn’t get enough of our friendship.

“I can’t remember the last time I saw you this wild and free.”

Signaling the bartender, I rolled my eyes and moved the glass forward for a refill. “You call two glasses of Paloma wild and free? What happened to you? I thought four glasses were for beginners?”

“Hey, you know I’m still me. But you? Haze, you’re taking two shots.Two.When was the last time you went out with me to grab so much as a bottle of water?” I didn’t answer, and she gave me a curt nod. “Exactly my point.”

She wasn’t wrong. If it wasn’t Prima Care, then home it was. I couldn’t even recall the last time I went anywhere else after work, except grocery shopping. But that was one major difference between Elena and me: She was an absolute social butterfly, and I wasn’t. She could walk into any place with her head held high and mingle with everyone, even if she knew no one.

Like tonight, for instance. Her call came in right after I arrived home, and all she’d said was, “A friend’s throwing a party. It’s a new place in town, and I’m taking you there because I really want us to check it out. No excuses. Get ready. I’ll be there in ten to pick you up.”

I couldn’t argue; she didn’t give me the time to. But despite my reluctance to admit it, I knew I needed a break from the chaos of work and thoughts of Nathan to just recharge and focus on myself.

So, I got dressed and followed Elena to The Tavern. There, Elena confessed to not knowing the actual party thrower.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a high-class event, so entry was free, and we were spared any embarrassment.

Honestly, the place was cool. It still retained that new smell and buzzed with life. It stood on an open terrace, surrounded by glass railings that overlooked the city skyline.

Warm, golden string lights crisscrossed above polished wooden floors, and music pulsed through the space, a sultry jazz tune laced with a subtle electronic beat. It wasn’t too loud, just enough to make me feel comfortable.

Elena and I sat at a high-top table near the edge, where the breeze carried the city’s night air, cool against my skin. She leaned in, her green eyes gleaming under the lights.

“I know you, Haze. I know something’s up. You know I won’t try to force anything out of you, but I’m here to talk if you want.”

Flashing an unconvincing smile, I swung my head back to down half of my third shot. The instant taste was smooth, a perfect balance of sweet and strong. “I’m fine.”

I was trying hard not to ponder on the glaring fact that Elena and I were taking free shots at someone’s party. Someone who had no idea we existed. Someone wedidn’tknow.

“You’re fine? That’s fantastic! Can I interest you in some denial-based coping mechanisms?”

That tore a laugh from me, and I was close to choking on my drink. “Don’t pull the therapy thing on me, Lena. I’m—”

“Fine. I know. I heard you the first time.”

I fought hard not to spill my guts and empty the truckload of my worries on Elena, but my pit of frustration was full and overflowing. There was no one else I could comfortably share these things with.

I sighed, and she smiled, knowing she’d won.

“So…Nathan’s back.”

She gasped with joy and then looked at me funny. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Why don’t you look happy?”

“I am,” I groaned, running my fingers through my hair. “I am just bubbling with so much happiness because he’s closer now, at least for a few more weeks. I get to see him again, right? But lately, it just feels like…like we’re off. Emotionally. Physically. It’s like we’re going through the motions, but something’s missing.”

“Ah,” she tutted and took a swig from her glass. “So, you guys still aren’t fucking.”

Despite the chill air, heat spread around my neck. “A relationship is more than justthat, Lena. There are other ways to connect,andwith Nathan, you know that’s not an option for us.”

“But you’re still not fucking. Andyoudesperately want to fuck.”

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