Page 92 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
“Are you nervous, Reece?”
He looks out over the room and watches the scenes unfolding in front of us. Men are starting to feast on their desserts, hands up skirts, lips on breasts, all the while talking and laughing with their friends as if it was no big deal.
“Yes.” He places his hand on my thigh, and I can feel him trembling.
“Why?”
He takes a deep breath. “My father ordered me to come tonight and told me I was old enough to be brought into men’s business.”
I place my hand on his knee, playing my part.
“You are very beautiful …” He turns and looks at me. “But … I have a girlfriend …” He looks a little sheepish about this as if being faithful was a crime.
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Reece.”
He relaxes a little. “But my father expects me to … you know.”
“I know.”
“Do you want to have sex with me?”
His question takes me aback.
“Honestly?” I ask him, and he nods and pushes me on. “You are a very handsome guy, but no, I don’t want to.”
He looks confused. “Then why are you here?”
What the hell am I supposed to say to that?
His elbow nudges me. “Just so you know, I’m great at keeping secrets.”
I’m unsure whether I should trust him or not, so I stay silent.
“I do not like what my father does. I hate it and I never ever want to be like him,” Reece confesses, which shocks me. “But he has threatened to harm my mother if I don’t start learning his ways, and he will. What choice do I have?”
I can feel his pain. I pull him into my arms. He tenses but takes the embrace.
“I don’t want to be here, but I have no choice. My loved ones will be hurt.”
Reece pulls away from me. “I’m sorry. Can I help you?”
I go still. He wants to help me.
“Shit,” Reece curses.
I follow his line of sight and see the man by Gracie’s side staring at us. I can see the resemblance; he is very good-looking for an older man.
“Is that your father?”
Reece just nods.
“Okay, well let’s put on a show then.” My fingers find his chin, lifting it so he looks at me. I can see the mild panic in his eyes. “I am going to make it look like we are kissing …” He tenses. “No, no. We won’t, I promise. I’m going to kiss the side of your mouth, but we need to angle our heads so from his distance it looks like we are.”
He lets out a sigh of relief.
“Then we will go back to your room, and your dad will assume you and I will … you know …”
Reece’s eyes light up at my idea. “Thank you,” he whispers.
