Page 44 of Forced & Knocked-Up Bratva Bride

Dang it, I’m fucked.

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The air was filled with the gentle hum of conversations and the occasional clinking of glasses. Soft classical music wafted through the air, performed by a live band at a corner. Impeccably dressed men and women of the Tarasov family mingled with one another, their light laughs filling the atmosphere.

As we walked amongst them, I felt the shift in the air and the lingering gazes that followed. Eyes tracked us from every corner of the room, hushed murmurs rising from our spectators. I could see the shock in their eyes, the hatred, and, of course, the condemnation. They made it clear with their intimidating gazes that I was not welcome here, but none of them had the courage to say anything. How could they when I had Nik by my side?

To my surprise, he reached out discreetly and slipped his fingers between mine, locking them in place. The moment he did that, I felt like I was no longer alone, like he had my back. I heaved a sigh and raised my chin, my confidence boosted by a fraction.

We hadn’t gone deep into the room when I heard it—a familiar voice calling out to me. “Alessia?”

I paused in my tracks, and Nik did, too. We looked at each other, surprised that someone in the Tarasov family had called out to me like they were familiar with me.

My brows arched in disbelief the moment I turned around and saw my caller. “Scarlett?” A scoff left my lips.

“Oh, my God, itis you!” She laughed, hurrying up to meet me. Her eyes darted to my belly, and her smile widened. “And you’re in a family way.” Scarlett chuckled and embraced me.

“Scarlett, what a pleasant surprise,” I declared, wrapping my arms around her, relieved to have run into her.

The last time I saw her, she was about to get married to Liam Callahan, a charming prince who was perfect for her. But wait a minute, what was she doing at a Tarasov family gathering, then?

Scarlett let go of me and faced my plus one. “Hey, Nik,” she greeted him with a warm, knowing smile.

“Scarlett.” He gave a courteous nod as he hugged her respectfully.

“You two know each other?” I asked, my gaze shifting across the two of them.

Scarlett laughed. “Of course. He's my husband’s cousin,” she replied.

My eyes widened in shock and bewilderment, my head tilting to the side. “Your husband’s cousin?” I repeated, seeking clarity.

“Yes. Daniel Tarasov,” she replied, but her response still left me in the dark.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Nik said, his eyes meeting mine for a second before he dematerialized.

I turned to face Scarlett, my curiosity piqued. “Okay, start talking,” I demanded an explanation.

A waiter dressed halted beside us, offering a tray of champagne and canapés.

“No, thank you,” I said, waving a hand in dismissal.

“You sure?” Scarlett asked me, reaching for a glass on the tray. “The canapés are really good.” She gestured toward the food.

“I’m okay,” I replied, eyes fixed on her.

As the waiter moved along, she took a sip from her glass, savoring the flavor dancing on her tongue.

I leaned in, hushing my voice. “Scarlett, how are you married to Daniel Tarasov? I thought Liam Callahan was supposed to be your husband?” My eyes darted around to be sure no one was listening in on our conversation.

“He was,” she said, her tone casual and unbothered.

“Then, what happened?” I asked, curiosity flickering in my eyes.

“Let’s just say I dodged a bullet,” she replied, sipping her drink again.

I pulled my head back, slightly scratching my eyebrows. “Okay, I’m confused.”

She heaved a sigh. “A lot has happened since the last time we met.”

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