Page 56 of The Russian Pakhan's Forced Bride

“You’re good at this.”

Despite myself, satisfaction flows through me, and I'm well aware that it’s getting to him in some way.

“I’ve had practice.”

His brow lifts with suspicion. “What, convincing people you’re someone else?”

“Convincing people I’m happy.”

At that, Roman’s expression simmers down to something gentler, but he doesn’t say anything. His grip on me tightens.

While subtle, it seems to say so much at once. In a way, the gesture feels like a quiet reassurance. Empathy, maybe.

Either way, it seems I’ve found a way to convince both the others and Roman that I’m in love with him…and it feels like the upper hand.

A softness to exploit.

Then, I realize I’m not much better than him.

Chapter 19 - Roman

There’s something soft about her smile that’s almost disarming. It feels genuine, even if it isn’t.

Victoria is someone else entirely, despite her initial refusal and her evident reluctance.

Rather than looking too clever or spiteful, she gives me the kind of smile that has me second-guessing all of her previous resistance and resentment.

For all of our arguments before, it’s almost like she doesn’t hate me…as if she truly does feel the things she’s portraying for the room to see.

She laughs like it’s easier than breathing, leans into me like she’s magnetized to me, and she grins like it’s an invitation.

Every part of her demeanor screams that she’s mine…and while I know it’s all for the image, all for my request, something about the way my body reacts to her makes me forget.

I asked her to do this. I told her to bide her time and at least show the others she doesn’t despise me. That she is my wife—and a doting one at that.

Now, I can’t help but wonder if that was a mistake.

She’s almost scarily good at it, which should concern me to a degree.

While I know it’s all forced, I can still feel her pulling me in, and for the first time, it’s like I’m the one being played.

But at the same time, there’s something almost addicting about the way she clings to me…how she looks empowered with me.

Her hand lingers against my chest while looking at me so earnestly, I can’t help but believe her.

She presses a bit closer, causing me to warm all over. Cocking her head slightly, she gives me a small, demure smile.

“I like how you’re looking at me…”

I lift a brow, feeling like I need to tread carefully for my own sake. “How so?”

She hums. “Almost like you’re not sure if you should strangle me or kiss the ground I walk on.”

She’s too right and doesn’t even know it.

“Careful, Victoria…” I warn her with a low tone, grip tightening against her back ever so slightly.

“Why?” She asks, giving me a subtle look of mischief. “Afraid you’re feeling things?”