Page 2 of Forced Innocent Bride By the Bratva

Chapter 2 - Scarlett

What is love?

Some say it’s an emotion—a feeling that makes people act in a certain way, especially when around those who stir up such emotions within them.

But what, exactly, is love?

Maybe I wasn’t sure just yet. But one thing was certain: This man seated across from me stirred up some sort of bizarre feelings within me. He was my father’s perfect choice for a husband, and in all honesty, I may or may not have gotten such a man on my own.

He sat poised, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his hazel-brown eyes shining under the chandelier’s warm glow. His lips curved into a charming smile, his gaze holding mine in a quiet moment that seemed rather intimate.

I felt butterflies in my stomach and a flutter in my chest as I stared at him, relaxed in my chair, and exuded an air of composure. My manicured fingers cradled the stem of the wine glass on the elegant table set before us, and I lifted it for my lips. While sipping my fine wine, I caught his eyes momentarily darting down to my exposed thighs before flying back to my face.

A faint grin twitched at the corners of his lips, and although he didn’t say anything, I could tell how pleased he was by the sight he had caught a glimpse of. He reached for his wine glass and sipped from it while still holding my gaze.

We’d been silent for at least two minutes now after having a series of random conversations and realizing just how compatible we were.

As we sat in the private dining room, aglow with soft, golden lights, the scent of flowers and fine wine wafted through the air, invading my senses. My fiancé’s gaze melted my heart, and the more his eyes bore into mine, the more vulnerable I became. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not, but it was as though Liam Callahan had some sort of power over me. Or maybe it was just my emotions swirling all over the place.

I was 22 and a recent business graduate, about to marry a man who was every woman’s dream: tall, handsome, charming, and wealthy. Liam’s money didn’t mean much to me, considering I’d been born into wealth and power. I was an O’Sullivan, part of one of the most powerful Mafia families in Chicago.

Liam Callahan was a high-ranking member of the Irish Mafia, headed by my father, Sean O’Sullivan, so my fiancé’s wealth and status in society were almost irrelevant to me. His personality, however, drew my attention, as did his looks. The man was gorgeous; no exaggerations here.

It felt like my life was starting to fall into place, and things seemed too perfect, too good to be true. What a lucky young woman I was!

Tonight, I was dressed to impress, and with the way he’d been staring at me, unable to tear his gaze away, I’d say I did a pretty good job. That was satisfying.

My fiery red hair was swept up into a loose braided chignon that exposed my slender neck, highlighting my striking features. My makeup was light yet polished, with a soft focus on enhancing my natural beauty. I wore an elegant, sleeveless mini dress that accentuated my figure and hugged me in all the right places. The dress revealed a tantalizing glimpse of my thighs as I sat, its silk, emerald fabric matching the color of my eyes, while my lips were painted a shade of pink.

The exquisite cuisine and the quiet hum of conversations seemed to fade into the background as I basked in Liam’s presence, a gorgeous smile perched on my lips. I was lovestruck. There were no arguments there, but in my defense, I was helpless and couldn’t help the emotions flowing through me like a river.

The silence had lingered long enough, and so to break it, I spoke in response to his stare. “What?” I asked, my voice light and tender.

“Nothing,” he said, setting his glass down on the elegant table where fine china, crisp linens, and a delicate candelabra adorned with white candles cast a warm, intimate glow. “Just admiring how beautiful you are. Surely, that’s not a crime.” His lips curled into a smile, and his expression softened.

My eyes dropped to the floor for a moment before darting to face him again.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” he asked, his husky voice laced with a hint of caution.

“No. No, not at all,” I said, stuttering as my brain abandoned me at such a time.

“I can look away if you want,” he teased, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Maybe stare at the grannie over there.” He nodded toward a gray-haired woman sitting by herself across from us.

I stole a glimpse in her direction and chuckled lightly at his joke. “She’s totally worth your attention.”

“You’reworth my attention,” he said, his eyes pinned on me. “No offense to Grannie,” he added almost immediately.

A bright smile spread across my face, and a sense of calm washed over me. Liam always knew the right thing to say, and for a man as dangerous and ruthless as him, his kindness was a stark contrast to his dark personality. I couldn’t think of anything more intriguing than that.

“Is this an attempt to make me blush?” I asked, my voice soft and tender as I felt my cheeks flush.

“Is it working?” He held my gaze as his smile widened by the second.

I pushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear, my eyes dropping to the table setting between us. A flutter rose within me, and my heart melted. His hold over me was strong, leaving me speechless at times.

Liam edged closer, reaching out to place his palm on mine. At his tender touch, a shiver sprinted down my spine, and I raised my eyes to meet his gaze.

“You’re so beautiful, Scarlett,” he declared with a low, husky voice. “And I’m not just saying this because I can. It’s the truth. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and that’s why you’re gonna be the most gorgeous bride.”

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