Page 87 of The Bratva Enforcer and His Virgin Bride

For some reason, I pause before opening the door.

The afternoon sun catches the side of his face as he turns slightly toward the skyline. He looks… thoughtful. Not his usual intimidating stance.

It’s such an unusual sight that I find myself staring.

Then the door slides open.

The sound makes him glance over his shoulder.

Our eyes meet.

Something shifts in his expression. Subtle. Gone almost immediately.

But I catch it.

And suddenly, my pulse feels a little too fast.

Before I can dwell on it, something at the far end of the balcony catches my eye.

I turn. And stop. A gasp escapes me. A table has been set near the railing overlooking the grounds. A dinner table.

Two chairs face each other beneath the soft glow of hanging lights. Candles flicker inside glass holders, their reflections dancing against the balcony windows. Plates, silverware, wine glasses, and covered dishes have all been arranged with quiet precision.

It’s beautiful. Thoughtful. Like something planned carefully.

For a moment, I can only stare. Then I look back at Lukyan. “What is this?”

His gaze follows mine toward the table. “Dinner.”

I blink. “Dinner?”

“Yeah.”

I narrow my eyes. He almost smiles. Almost.

“What’s going on?”

His expression softens slightly. “I thought we could eat together.”

The answer only confuses me more. “Why? Why not at the dining table?”

The question leaves my mouth before I can stop it. Lukyan’s gaze settles on me. He doesn’t answer right away. The silence stretches just long enough for me to realize he’s actually considering his words.

When he finally speaks, his voice is quieter than before.

“Because we never had the chance,zaychik.”

I frown. “The chance for what?”

“To know each other.”

The answer catches me off guard. For a second, I don’t know what to say. Lukyan looks away briefly, his gaze driftingtoward the city lights below. When he speaks again, there is none of his usual teasing in his voice.

“Our marriage started badly.”

An understatement if I’ve ever heard one.

His mouth tightens slightly. “I know that.”