Page 99 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

"Get settled." He checked his watch. "I have business in my office. I'll pick you up for lunch."

He leaned down and placed the lightest kiss on my forehead before turning to leave.

That kiss felt light as a feather but set my heart racing again.

The door closed softly behind him. I touched where he'd kissed me, still feeling residual warmth.

Months ago, I didn't dare lift my head when sharing an elevator with him. But now, he treated me like something precious, holding me carefully in his palm.

Life could be absurdly moving sometimes.

After the door closed, I was alone in the vast office.

I could hardly believe any of this was real.

I slowly walked to that leather chair and carefully sat down.

The chair was perfectly soft. As I leaned back, I nearly moaned from comfort.

Matvey was like an unexpected storm, upending all my indignities while... illuminating a future I'd never dared hope for.

I closed my eyes, placing my hand on my abdomen.

Life hadn't betrayed me, had it?

"Later, Mommy will design lots of beautiful jewelry, and with your daddy, we'll make you the happiest children in the world," I whispered to those two unformed little ones inside me.

Just then, a knock sounded.

"Come in." I instinctively straightened, trying to look like a proper director.

The door opened.

A girl carrying coffee backed in. She turned away from me, using one hand to close the door gently.

"Hello, you must be the new Director of Design?" Her voice was sweet and soft. "I made you coffee specially. I'm your assistant, Miranda. Whatever errands you need, just ask..."

My hands slowly clenched. Miranda.

I recognized her voice instantly. But she remained oblivious, facing away, her words so deferential and ingratiating.

As she spoke, she turned around. Then, the instant she saw my face, her voice cut off. That fawning smile froze.

"Riley?" Her eyes went wide, like she'd seen a ghost. "How come it's you?"

I watched her pale face, slowly leaning back into the soft chair.

"Why couldn't it be me, Miranda?"

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Riley

"No... I mean, why are you sitting here?" She set the coffee on the desk with obvious displeasure.

Like she was questioning why I was sitting in the design director's chair.

I picked up the decaf she'd brought me and took a slow sip, then smiled at her.