Page 125 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

"I thought someone who truly loved me should understand me without me having to say anything. But that wasn't fair."

Varlam watched me like he didn't dare miss a single word.

"I didn't pull back because I didn't love you," I said. "Quite the opposite. I loved you too much, so those lies hurt that much more. I was afraid I'd forgive too quickly, afraid that one day I'd discover I was just another person properly placed in your vast world."

His breathing stopped. I felt my heartbeat accelerating.

"But I saw your effort. Not the flowers, not the store." I smiled slightly. "That store is still ridiculous."

"What I saw was you starting to ask if I needed you. You stopped answering for me, didn't chase after me when I left your office."

He gazed at me, the tension in his eyes gradually easing. The cable car swayed again. This time, I didn't grab the handrail. I leaned toward him. Varlam didn't move. Those eyes locked on me, like any sudden movement might make me change my mind.

"Still waiting for me to tell you what to do?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Come closer."

He leaned forward. Our knees touched. Heat raced up from the point of contact. I could smell the familiar cedar scent on him, could even see the fine lines at his eyes and the short stubble on his jaw.

"And then?" His voice was hoarse.

His nose nearly touched mine.

"Kiss me."

He paused for only an instant. The next second, his hand cupped the back of my neck, his mouth pressing down. That kiss wasn't exploratory. Wasn't a request. More like a man who'd restrained himself too long finally getting permission, pressing all the unspoken fear, longing, and love into breath.

His lips were warm, though careful. I felt his arm tense, instinct telling him to hold me completely, reason reminding him he had to leave me an escape.

I grabbed his collar, pressing closer. Varlam's breathing immediately grew heavier.

His other hand landed at my waist, paused, then slowly tightened. His palm pressed against me through fabric, so hot it made me go weak. The cable car, valley, and wind outside all receded. I only heard his breathing. And my own racing heartbeat. He bit my lower lip lightly. A shiver ran up my spine, my fingers gripping him tighter.

I could feel the suppressed tremor in his chest, could feel the ice that had always separated us finally cracking.

I no longer questioned whether he loved me. He no longer used commands to prove I belonged to him. We had simply chosen each other. The cable car suddenly shook lightly, slowing down. Varlam didn't release me. Neither did I. Not until the cable car stopped completely and Rory's knocking came from outside.

"Are you two moving in there?"

I shoved Varlam away. Outside the door, Rory and Makar stood side by side. Rory grinned, showing all his teeth. Makar's face looked terrible. Varlam methodically straightened my wrinkled collar, his thumb brushing my mouth.

The cable car door opened. Rory immediately threw himself into my arms. I stumbled back half a step, Varlam's hand catching my lower back in time.

"Careful." He and Makar said simultaneously.

The two brothers looked at each other again.

This time, no argument.

I led Rory forward. Varlam and Makar fell behind. The mountain path wasn't wide, their voices carried intermittently by the wind.

"Looks like I don't have a chance," Makar said.

I hesitated. Rory tugged my hand, signaling me to keep walking. I didn't look back. The silence behind me lasted a while.

"You had one," Varlam said.