Page 104 of Sweet Obsession

And in that moment, tangled in fire and ruin, I believed him.

Chapter 15

LUNA

Last night still clung to my skin like the faint trace of his cologne.

He’d ruined me with every calculated touch, tasting me, tormenting me, using my body like it belonged to him.

Sofia stood behind me, her fingers deftly weaving my hair into an intricate braid. The mirror reflected a woman I barely recognized—eyes smoldering with defiance, lips painted a bold crimson, and a red silk dress that clung to every curve.

“Are you sure about this dress?” Sofia asked, concern etched on her face.

I met her gaze in the mirror. “I want them to see me. To remember me.”

She sighed, smoothing the fabric over my hips. “Misha had a different dress in mind.”

“Misha isn’t here,” I replied, my tone firm.

Sofia hesitated, then nodded. “Very well. But be cautious. The Bratva banquet is no ordinary gathering.”

I turned to face her. “Any news on Gabriella?”

Her expression darkened. “Still missing. Misha’s men are searching, but leads are scarce.”

A knot tightened in my stomach. “I can’t sit idly by.”

Sofia placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “We’ll find her.”

The limousine ride to the banquet was silent, the city’s icy streets reflecting the vehicle’s headlights. Upon arrival at theopulent hotel, a fleet of luxury cars lined the entrance, their polished exteriors gleaming under the chandeliers.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Members of the five Bratva families from regions surrounding Yakutsk—Irkutsk, Magadan, Khabarovsk, Chita, and Amur—filled the grand ballroom.

Each family occupied a section of the grand hall, their banners displayed with pride. At the center, a long table awaited the key players.

Sofia leaned in. “Remember, the vote tonight determines the new Pakhan. If Chernov wins...”

I nodded, the weight of her words settling heavily. “He’ll have the power to destroy Misha—and claim me.”

As I made my way through the crowd, a hand grasped my arm.

“Luna,” a voice drawled.

I turned to see Lev, his grin predatory. “Red suits you. Soon, you’ll be wearing our family’s colors permanently.”

I pulled my arm free. “Don’t count your victories before the vote, Lev.”

He chuckled, eyes glinting. “We’ve greased the right palms. The Volgograd estate will be ours—and so will you.”

Before I could respond, Nikolai appeared beside me. “Is there a problem here?”

Lev raised his hands mockingly. “Just a friendly chat.”

Nikolai’s gaze was icy. “Then perhaps you’d like to chat elsewhere.”

Lev smirked and melted into the crowd.

Nikolai turned to me. “Misha is waiting.”