Page 32 of Forbidden Bratva Virgin

“So, we’re not going to talk about why and how you randomly showed up there to save the day? And where you’re currently taking me to?”

“I had some business to take care of, and I am taking you to your house,” was all he offered.

I lifted an eyebrow. “And you know my address, how?”

“I have my ways.” A shadow of a smile crossed his face, only to disappear. “Back to you and your loneliness at The Tavern.”

“I wasn’t alone or lonely. My friend Elena and I were there together. That was until Axel showed up and—”

“You know what I mean.”

Did I?

His eyes were insinuating something, but I wanted to hear him say it.

“I’m asking if you have a boyfriend, Miss Sinclair. And I’m genuinely curious because Axel wouldn’t have had a chance if he had been present. Orexisted.”

It was the strangest thing, but we’d somehow transitioned from a heated, prickly moment, to talking with ease, like civil people. It felt lighter, different; and though I twisted uneasily about bringing up Nathan with him, the atmosphere between us was comfortable enough.

And, somehow, I found myself enjoying listening to Miron talk.

“He does exist. His name is Nathan.” I smiled a little, encouraging myself to speak with boldness about himbecause I wasn’t doing anything wrong.“And it was a girl’s night out, so he wasn’t invited.”

Miron didn’t react immediately. He just hummed. Then, in the same flat tone he’d used the entire evening, he said, “I’m engaged.”

I thought I paused breathing when that piece of information knocked the air out of my lungs. I stared at his long, slender fingers. No ring.

But he looked dead serious.

I should’ve felt nothing. But instead, a strange discomfort settled in my chest, tight and unwelcome.

“Oh,” I said, forcing a smile. “Congratulations.”

Then, he glanced over his shoulder, unreadable as ever, as he watched me briefly before facing the road again. “Usually, Alina is the one who gets most of the congratulations. I handle the paperwork and ask for places to sign.”

“Are you being metaphorical?”

“What do you think, Miss Sinclair?”

“I think if you’re speaking about your upcoming wedding like it’s work, then….” The realization dawned on me. “It’s a contract? Your marriage was arranged?”

“I see how you put those qualifications to good use.”

“Let me get this right; if I understand things correctly, you’re not happy about this arrangement.”

“Happy?” He blew a dismissive grunt. “Sounds like the name of a children’s playground. Getting married to Alina is an obligation I must fulfill. Where I come from, there’s no choice in consideringhappiness. And I’m not complaining. She’s got her intense days, and I’ve got mine. We’ll deal with it.”

“Sounds like it’s convenient then.” Fumbling with my fingers, I blurted out something I thought I’d only ever tell Elena. “I, on the other hand, am not very happy with the way things are on my end. It’s long-distance, and it’s slowly taking a toll on us.”

Again, Miron didn’t say anything, but this time, the faint smile on his lips was more visible. “No wonder you’re so wound up. Makes sense. I mean, with your boyfriend always gone, I doubt you’re getting much action.”

Sudden heat rushed up my neck, and my whole body locked up. “That’s—”

“Never mind.”

His guards went back up, and I swallowed hard, gripping my seatbelt.

The car felt unbearably small all of a sudden, and I should have been grateful that he didn’t prod further. But the words slipped out before I could stop them.

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