Page 82 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

She looked down at the necklace, then back up at me.

"You mean the necklace?" She smiled.

"The necklace is just a stone. You're the one giving it value." I looked into her eyes.

Her eyes were bright, brilliant. I was wrong. This crystal couldn't match a fraction of her brown eyes.

Her lips parted, but nothing came out.

"Anyway, the necklace suits you. So does this swimsuit."

"So which one should I wear?"

"Blue." My fingers went to the thin strap on her shoulder, straightening it. "Because the black one—you only wear that for me."

She stared for two seconds, red flooding from her face to her ears.

"You're awful." She shoved my hand away and grabbed the boxes, fleeing back to the lounge.

The door slammed shut. I smiled. The lightness felt almost inappropriate but too real to deny.

But thinking about other men looking at her on that yacht this weekend—my good mood turned edged with dangerous restlessness.

Anyone who stared too long would become a problem I'd have to handle.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Briony

The deep blue swimsuit clung to my body.

It didn't show much, but the way it hugged my waist and hips was deliberate—every curve I wanted to hide, perfectly outlined. The crystal necklace hung against my chest, the honey-brown pendant swaying gently with each breath. This was hands down the most special gift I'd ever received.

I thought I could handle Varlam's gaze. After all, I'd already worn it for him at the office.

But standing in front of him now, I realized this was different. He just stood there, silver hair slightly wind-tousled, eyes sweeping from my shoulders to my waist and hips, and my skin felt like his hands were slowly tracing over it.

"Let's go." He tilted his head, gesturing for me to follow, then turned toward the deck.

I obeyed immediately.

Today he wore only a black tank top and dark shorts. The tank outlined his broad shoulders and tight waist, the shorts making his long legs look even more powerful. He looked casual, relaxed, but the intimidating presence hadn't diminished one bit.

Damn. When did I realize a man dressed like this could make my throat go dry?

Varlam suddenly looked back. I didn't have time to look away—caught his eyes dead-on.

"You don't need to know anyone." He extended his hand toward me.

"I'm your assistant." I placed my hand in his palm, trying to make it sound like a reminder rather than a question.

His fingers closed around mine, steady, helping me over the last few steps. Controlled, but it made my palm burn.

"You're not here to work today."

"Then what am I here for?"

He didn't answer right away, just reached up and brushed away a strand of hair the sea breeze had blown across my face.