Page 82 of The Bratva Enforcer and His Virgin Bride

Ben is silent for several moments.

Then he asks the question I’ve been avoiding.

“So, what now?”

I lean back in my chair.

Good question.

Because every option in front of me is terrible.

“If you ask her directly,” Ben says carefully, “she’ll figure it out.”

“Yes.”

“She’ll think you married her because of the code.”

“Yes.”

A pause. Then Ben gives me a look. “Which is true.”

I slowly raise my eyes toward him.

Ben realizes his mistake. Either way, he doesn’t look particularly sorry.

“Careful.”

A grin tugs at his mouth. “I’m just saying.”

I continue staring.

“Technically speaking, you did marry her because of this.”

“Things are different now,” I answer.

His eyes narrow, a dangerous kind of amusement appearing there. “Things are different now?”

I say nothing, but that doesn’t stop him from reaching his own conclusions.

“Oh… I called it.”

“Shut up. Get out.”

He wisely decides not to push his luck any further.

With one final look of disbelief, he heads toward the door.

Before leaving, he pauses. “You know, eventually, you’re going to have to tell her.”

The amusement is gone now. Only seriousness remains. Because we both know he’s right.

I don’t answer.

Ben studies me for another second before finally nodding and leaving the office.

The door closes behind him.

Silence returns.