Page 3 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

His large hand gripped my arm, slowly helping me up, his movements careful and gentle.

"Thank you... I'm fine." I finally found my voice.

"You sure?" He raised an eyebrow, seeing right through me. "Little liar."

His teasing, intimate tone landed on my neck, stinging and itching at once.

At least he didn't scold me. He turned his gaze to Chloe and Makar.

His naturally commanding stare made everyone afraid to breathe. I felt the air around us drop several degrees. His slightly appraising look swept over them both before settling on Makar.

"Makar." His voice carried weight. "You two. Apologize to this woman."

Chloe bit her lip, her expression too rich to describe. And Makar? His face flushed red.

"She..." He tried to argue, looking at me with resentment and dissatisfaction, like I'd done something wrong.

"Apologize." The man's jaw flexed slightly as he spoke again, his voice deeper, more dangerous.

When Makar met the man's eyes, his face went white instantly.

"Sorry." After a moment of silence, Makar lowered his head first.

Chloe wisely followed, though I could see her reluctance.

He finally released the two of them and looked up at the guests. I saw Makar and Chloe both breathe secret sighs of relief. Was this man really that terrifying?

"Delete those photos and videos," he said. "I don't want anything from tonight showing up anywhere else."

Just that one sentence was enough to make everyone who'd been enjoying the show do exactly what he said, fingers flying across their phones. No need to verify—I was certain they'd delete everything completely.

So who the hell was he? Why could he make arrogant Makar meekly apologize with Chloe? Why did these clearly well-connected guests instinctively obey his orders?

I couldn't help turning to look at him. He wore only a white shirt now, which made his chest look even broader and more muscular—the fabric looked ready to burst against his pecs.

"I'll take you to the dressing room." He caught my gaze, his palm hovering politely at the small of my back. He wasn't even touching my skin, but I still felt burned.

"Thank you so much..."

"I should be thanking you." A tiny curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, but I caught it. "Thank you for giving me a chance to get close to you."

My heart trembled. What was he saying?

The sound from those thin, sexy lips was too dangerous, creating heat that made my whole body shiver. And he was too close now—close enough for me to see his recently grown stubble. I bet it would feel rough, but wonderful too. My pulse quickened.

"I'll make it up to you for Makar, beautiful lady." His voice moved even closer, almost touching my ear.

My skin was on fire.

But make it up to me for Makar? Why? He'd just helped me!

Chapter Two

Briony

The lounge was so quiet I barely dared breathe. I sat on the couch, still wrapped in that oversized suit jacket—big enough to pass for a dress.

The man sat across from me, phone in his broad hand, his predatory gaze never leaving me.