Page 84 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

I gulped down a mouthful of my drink. The lemon and mint taste was refreshing, but couldn't suppress the sourness in my throat. I told myself to stop looking, but my gaze kept torturing itself, refusing to look away.

Brinny leaned close to Varlam's ear to speak, her lips almost touching him. When Varlam turned his face, her kiss grazed his cheek.

My stomach suddenly lurched. The nausea came hard and fast, felt like the air was being sucked from my lungs. I quickly set down the rest of the drink and stood up.

The woman next to me looked at me questioningly. I pointed toward the cabin, waved my hand, indicating I was just leaving for a bit. She smiled and nodded.

But I didn't go into the cabin. Inside was full of people, laughter. I just wanted to find somewhere no one was talking to catch my breath. I walked forward along the side passage.

The sun was slowly sinking toward the sea. The afternoon gold had turned to heavy orange-red, the water sliced into countless rippling fragments. The wind was stronger than when I'd boarded, whipping my hair constantly against my face.

By the time I reached the forward deck, the noise was finally left behind. No one here. Quiet enough. I approached the railing, gripping the rail with both hands. My chest still felt tight. No land anywhere, the sea stretching to the edge of vision, like a huge room with no exit.

I took a deep breath.

How ridiculous. Before coming here, I'd thought today would be the start of something changing between us.

He'd picked out clothes, picked out a necklace, said he looked forward to seeing me wear them. I thought the questions he hadn't answered would get answers today. The answer definitely appeared—just not the one I wanted.

"Hiding out here alone—is this enjoying the party?" A familiar voice came from behind me, and my shoulders immediately tensed.

Brinny. How did she suddenly get here?

"It's quieter here." I didn't turn around.

"So you like quiet." Brinny walked to my side, the corner of her mouth slowly curling up. "Then you don't belong here."

Of course I knew that. From the moment I stepped onto this yacht, I hadn't had a single moment that wasn't awkward.

"I've never been to a place like this before," I said calmly.

Admitting it wasn't shameful. I'd never been on a private yacht, couldn't tell who was who among those men on the top level. But I could calculate how many flowers a wedding needed, knew which supplier could help when the budget ran short, knew how to support myself and Rory on one salary.

My life wasn't inferior to hers, just not as luxurious.

"I'm the one who told Varlam to bring you." Brinny's eyes turned toward the sea.

"Why?" I turned to look at her.

She should want me to disappear from her sight.

She didn't answer right away. The wind lifted her ponytail, her posture composed like she'd rehearsed this scene in advance.

"The Vasiliev family and Petrov family have worked together for many years. Our families' businesses are interdependent. From very early on, everyone assumed I would marry Varlam."

My stomach churned again.

"What does this have to do with me?" I forced myself to look unconcerned.

"It has everything to do with you." She turned toward me, lips curving. "Today's party is hosted by my father. The purpose is to discuss our marriage with Varlam."

"And?" My fingers gripped the rail tighter.

The metal's coolness seeped into my palm. I could only straighten my back, trying to hide the chill spreading through my entire body.

"And? We're getting married." She looked at me like I'd asked the stupidest question in the world. "He's loved me longer than he's known you. I wanted you on this yacht to see with your own eyes how he'd leave you behind and choose me without hesitation. So you'd leave quietly."

She said it like it was obvious.