Page 14 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

Half-conscious, I felt myself being lifted from the tub. Once my body hit something soft, I was out.

When I opened my eyes again, it was bright daylight. Sunshine streamed through the gaps in the curtains. Everything looked beautiful. Except my body felt like it'd been run over by a truck.

"Briony, did you go on a date?"

"Hope you go out more often so I can have pizza at night instead of Briony sandwiches. Those really suck."

"Okay fine, I still hope you come back tomorrow. I'll miss you."

My phone was full of messages, most from Rory.

God, what had I been thinking last night? I'd texted my little brother I wasn't coming home, then spent the night fucking this man. This was all too insane. A one-night stand? With my ex-boyfriend's Pakhan brother? I'd rather believe this was a dream.

But his hand was still on my chest, that broad chest right behind me. His breath, his warmth—all proving this was real.

This was bad, wasn't it? Nothing could be worse. I carefully extracted myself from his arms and got dressed.

I had to admit, this man was exactly my type. Clearly defined muscles, a handsome face that radiated maturity and stability, gentleman and savage mixed perfectly.

But the dream was over, Briony. With alcohol, I could justify ignoring reality and doing what I wanted. But sober, everything had to get back on track.

I had massive medical debts from my parents to pay off, plus an eight-year-old brother to raise. I couldn't bring someone this dangerous into my world.

I needed to get back to my own life.

Chapter Five

Briony

I rushed downstairs and slid into the Uber.

No time now to get home, make Rory breakfast, get him on the school bus, and still clock in on time.

"Rory, remember to eat breakfast. Be safe. I'll be home tonight." I texted him the usual reminders.

He was a responsible kid. Never needed much hovering.

"Already ate. You know what? Cereal is God's gift to mankind. Way better than your vegetable soup. I feel powerful today."

I rolled my eyes. Sometimes he was like a little gremlin—not that he actually got into trouble—but still. Infuriating.

"I don't wake up an hour early to cook breakfast just so you can trash-talk it behind my back. You need nutrition."

"Nutrition comes in many forms. Teacher says picky eating is mentally healthy sometimes. Like refusing overcooked pasta and mystery-seasoned vegetable soup."

Fine. He won. I swear it was only once that I mixed up the salt and sugar. And Rory's bus was twenty minutes out.

"Don't feel bad, Briony. Everyone has their weaknesses. I'll take care of myself. Don't worry."

"By the way, you met someone you like, didn't you? Otherwise you wouldn't stay out all night. Am I right? I'm glad you're not moping after breaking up with the Human Volcano."

I nearly laughed out loud at that familiar, ridiculous nickname. Makar had a temper, always bickering with Rory over nothing. Rory never said it to his face, but behind his back he'd dubbed him "Human Volcano" and solemnly suggested I keep a fire extinguisher wherever he showed up.

But someone I liked... Varlam? My ears burned.

He was the kind of man whose restraint carried its own weight. He didn't need to raise his voice like Makar to prove anything. He just had to look at me with those dark eyes, and my common sense threw itself off a cliff.

"Stop guessing, you little brat."