Page 51 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

I should've stayed. Should've taken her home myself. Instead, I'd ditched her for this bullshit deal with Veronica.

As soon as I'd left, I'd messaged Anton to pick her up.

But all Anton sent back was: "Pakhan, she's gone. Staff said she didn't even call a car. Walked out on her own."

That place was miles from her apartment. Riley must've walked forever to get home. In those heels. Her ankles were probably rubbed raw.

My hand kept working mechanically, but I felt nothing. My dick was numb. No matter what I did, it just felt wrong. The image of Riley turning away, eyes red, refusing to look at me—it made my chest tight.

Fuck. I was going soft—and I didn't even want to finish anymore. What the hell had she done to me?

No woman had ever made me care like this. No woman had ever made me crave her this badly—and not just her body. I wanted her to hold me, kiss me, need me.

She was like a nail driven into my heart. By the time I'd noticed, she was already embedded deep. It wasn't a bad feeling, exactly. Just that every breath without Riley felt like suffocating.

I wanted to bury my face in those perfect tits so badly it hurt.

But not yet. I still had work to do.

The dinner went ahead as planned at the Waldorf Hotel.

Nice enough venue. Soaring Byzantine dome overhead, massive crystal chandeliers spilling soft light across the space.

Too bad the woman on my arm wasn't the one I wanted. Veronica wore a dark green jumpsuit, back completely exposed, a pigeon-egg emerald at her throat. She smiled sweetly, like we were the real deal.

Riley wore the white dress I'd sent her—short in front, showing off those killer legs, the strapless top highlighting her full chest, trailing fabric in back covering what needed covering. I was satisfied. The dress suited Riley perfectly.

But what the fuck was this picture? Veronica plastered to my side while Riley walked behind me.

If I hadn't promised Veronica I'd play along with this remarriage charade to boost her profile and help her claim her inheritance, I wouldn't give her the time of day.

And why the hell had I agreed to this circus? Because right now, I needed her help clearing obstacles off my smuggling routes.

This was temporary. I wasn't stupid enough to keep playing house with her forever.

"Darling, do you like my dress tonight?" Veronica's voice dripped honey as she pressed against my arm.

Her bony frame felt like leaning against a plank of wood.

"Riley, don't fall too far behind." I ignored Veronica completely, glancing back at Riley, who was gaping up at the ornate ceiling patterns.

"Sorry, Mr. Bykov." She immediately looked at me, those big eyes still full of wonder.

Whatever. As long as she was happy.

"Matvey, there are plenty of reporters here tonight. Don't forget what you promised me." Veronica switched to Russian, tightening her grip on my arm.

"I know."

Talking to her set my teeth on edge.

"So good to see you, Mr. Bykov!" People kept approaching with champagne flutes, making small talk. "Bykov Group's commercial reach is simply unmatched."

I was sick of the ass-kissing.

Nearly everyone looked my way—but some gazes drifted past me. I followed their stares. Riley stood there looking uncomfortable under the attention.

"Come here." I beckoned to her.