Page 27 of Forbidden Bratva Virgin

“Christ, Elena! Can you please stop using the f-word?” I mumbled. “It’s triggering.”

Elena leaned against the counter, stirring her drink lazily, a smirk playing on her lips. “Sounds like someone needs a little excitement.” She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Why not explore other options?”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “Nathan and I are serious, and you know that’s not how relationships work.”

She took a slow sip of her drink. “Maybe. Maybe not. But one night of fun never killed anyone.” Her gaze flicked across the terrace, and I followed it.

There was a guy on the move, watching us intently. Tall and sharp-looking in a plain black suit, though I couldn’t make out his face from the distance.

Elena winked. “That one looks promising.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes, but my stomach did a slow, uneasy flip. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re frustrated.” She smirked. “Think about it. I need to use the ladies’ room.”

No, she didn’t. My friend was conveniently walking away to buy time for the stranger, and there was no time to yell at her. My back suddenly tingled in awareness, and my nose picked up the whiff of cologne.

The man appeared beside me and motioned to the stool Elena left vacant. “May I?”

I nodded shyly, toying with my glass while the stranger made himself comfortable. He had an aura around him, confident and dark, like a brooding knight that emerged from the shadows.

Up close, the mystery allure around him only intensified.

I found him charming. His dark eyes, thin lips, and pointy nose. The way he carried himself, the way he looked at me like I was the only person here—it was enough to make any woman feel special.

And yet, my insides twisted, a quiet unease settling in my stomach.

“Hi. I spotted you from a distance and couldn’t help but draw closer. The name’s Axel.” He held my gaze with an easy smile. “Do I have the pleasure of knowing the name of the damsel?”

I was sure my cheeks were scarlet already. Fighting hard to control myself, I mumbled, “Hazel.”

“A pretty name for a pretty lady.” Axel turned toward the bartender. “Mind if I get you a drink?”

My stomach repeatedly flipped, but I shook my head. “No, I don’t mind.”

“Great.” Axel’s smile stretched until his eyes were smiling, too. “You’re so beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Yes.

My boyfriend, to be precise, and he’s told me countless times.

A lump formed in my throat. What was I doing?

I forced a polite smile, gripping the glass a little tighter. “Excuse me,” I said, my voice smooth despite the uncertainty creeping in. “I need to freshen up.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and made my way to the restroom. As expected, Elena was not there. She was probably on that terrace mingling with some random people.

The dim lighting and cool marble counters offered a brief reprieve from the swirling energy of the party outside. I placed my hands on the sink, exhaling slowly.

This was ridiculous.

Axel wasn’t trying to get to know me. Encouraging the conversation was only going to lead to one thing, and his eyes showed it: the lust-filled intent he had for me.

This wasn’t me.

I wasn’t some naïve girl swayed by a handsome face and a charming demeanor. I had Nathan. Nathan, who had always been there, who sang the cheesiest song for me on my eighteenth birthday, who loved me and always managed to prove it.

I straightened, meeting my own reflection in the mirror. My eyes were teary, but I quickly dabbed them with my fingers to avoid ruining my makeup.

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