Page 53 of Forced to Marry the Russian Bratva

He goes quiet, but then shrugs. “Sure. If that’s what you want.”

The casual tone stings. The fact that I’m disappointed he isn’t fighting harder sends me into a spiraling mess of confusion.

This is what I want, but why does it hurt when he agrees?

I grab my clothes before the disappointment on my face gives me away. “I’m going to take a shower.”

He nods and reaches for his own clothes. “I have some business to handle anyway. I'll be out for a while.”

“Okay,” I say, unable to look at him. “See you later, then.”

***

The doorbell rings hours later, while I’m in the living room, watching some silly reality show to distract myself.

Valentin still hasn't returned, and the sun’s already about to set. Who would be visiting at this hour?

“I’ll get it.” I smile at the housekeeper who scuffles in from the dining room to get the door. “I’m closer to the door anyway.”

I check the security monitor, and when I notice it’s Valentin’s sisters, Darya and Nadya, along with Yulia, his sister-in-law, I open the door immediately.

“Ladies! What a surprise.”

“We were dying to see you!” Nadya says, bouncing in first to give me a big hug. “We thought you might be going stir-crazy locked up with my brother all day.”

“Is Val around?” Darya asks after saying hello, looking past me into the house.

“He had some business to take care of,” I reply, trying to keep my tone light. “Not sure when he'll be back.”

Yulia gives me a knowing look. “Trouble in paradise already?”

“What? No, nothing like that.”

“Honey, we've all been married to Yuri men,” she says with a laugh. “We know that look. They're a handful.”

I wonder if I look that affected by Valentin’s absence as I lead them into the living room. Yulia takes a cozy chair while Darya and Nadya take the couch. The same couch where just hours ago... I quickly push that thought away and offer them drinks.

“So,” Nadya says once we're settled down with some wine, “how are you holding up? Are you taking good care of yourself?”

“Yeah, are you?” Yulia looks at me with compassion.

“I’m good.” I smile and sip my wine. “I’ve started working again, actually.”

“Have you, really?” Darya squeals. “So like, you head out to your office?”

“No, I work from home.” I give her a small smile.

“Does it get lonely?” Yulia asks. “You must miss human company, and I know Valentin. He’s probably always out.”

“Actually,” I admit, “he’s been working from home more often too.”

“Ah! Young love,” Darya sighs and looks like she’s daydreaming about something.

As the women begin to tell me Valentin must really be obsessed in order to stay at home for me, I find my mind wandering. It’s not like him to be away all day without checkingin with me or the house staff. I begin to wonder if everything’s alright with him.

“It’s sweet of Valentin to be around the house more,” Darya says and wiggles her eyebrow. “But…if he’s being overbearing, just let us know.”

“He's actually been...” I search for the right word, “considerate, mostly.”