Page 33 of The Bratva's Auctioned Bride

Slipping my arm around her waist to hug her as we walk, I reply, “It was probably the best night I’ve ever had in Barbados.”

And I mean it.

With her here, this place is even more magical than it’s ever been before.

“Kittens!” Angelika yelps, bolting away from me and crouching near the ground. I peer over her shoulder and see three little kittens gathering around her as she feeds them shredded pieces of her calamari.

“They look so healthy,” she says.

“The people here all leave food out for the street animals. They take care of them,” I tell her.

“Lucky little furry balls of joy,” she grins, standing up and folding her empty calamari box, then dusting her hands off.

“Did you give it all to them?” I laugh.

“They were hungry.”

“And you?”

“I’m so happy I can’t possibly need anything at all,” she grins.

“Do you want my calamari?” I ask, offering it to her.

“Oh yes, please, I’m starving!” she gasps, and I pack up laughing, loud and hearty.

“We’d better get you a nice piece of fish on the way home. You haven’t tasted fish until you’ve eaten fish in Barbados.”

I slip my arm around her again, and she happily snacks on my takeaways as we walk down the street to find a ride home. Angelika’s vibrant happiness has been spilling into me all night. She’s irresistible. Beautiful. Captivating. I can’t tear my eyes off her while I watch her experience every moment of this evening.

Chapter 10 - Angelika

Diomid wakes me with a gentle knock on my bedroom door.

“Hey princess, are you up yet?” he asks, his deep voice soothing over me.

“Mm,” I reply happily, rolling over to squint at him, blinking my eyes awake.

“Coffee?”

“Isn’t it too hot for coffee?” I ask, my voice husky from sleep as I sit up and pull the blankets with me.

“That’s why I made you iced coffee,” he laughs.

“Wow, you really are rather handy to keep around, aren’t you?” I tease, trying not to stare too much at his topless gorgeousness.

Last night was absolutely wonderful. It wasn’t just about being in a new place; it was about being with someone who encouraged me to beme.

“What time is it?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee. Sweet, creamy, and perfect.

“Time to get ready. We’re going snorkeling,” he says, “and then I thought we might visit one of the gardens here, maybe the flower forest or the Farley Hill National Park. You’ll love it!” he sounds excited to show me things.

My stomach does a small lurch at the thought of snorkeling. All that ocean beneath you, with no idea what might be swimming nearby. And to swim over a shipwreck seems even more daunting. What will be hiding inside it? Are there bodies inthere? From the sailors? I don’t know, I’ve never thought about it until this very moment.

First, I realize that Diomid is staring at me with a smirk. Then I realize I’ve got my nose all scrunched up with worry.

“What are you thinking about, adventure-princess? Nervous to snorkel?” he hits the nail on the head as though he’s reading my thoughts.

“No, not at all,” I sass, fixing my face. “I’m very excited to do something I’ve never done before.”