Page 58 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

He dropped onto the worn fabric couch, his large frame making the cramped space feel even smaller.

"I already paid Evelyn's medical bills," he said. "The company's paying you enough to afford something better than this, isn't it?"

His casual assumption stung. Yeah, he'd paid the medical bills. But there was more to my life than medical bills.

"Yes, you paid the bills. I'm grateful. But rent costs money. Food for Evelyn and me costs money. Every dollar has to stretch."

I kept my voice steady.

"After Evelyn got sick, she couldn't work anymore. I'm just an intern. Money's tight enough without upgrading to some fancy place."

The exhaustion and frustration I'd been carrying for so long rose up, making my voice shake.

"Matvey, you're always so high and mighty. You have no idea what it's like for regular people just trying to survive."

"Why didn't you tell me?" He stood suddenly, his tone sharp. "Not just the apartment—I can fix everything for you."

Nice words. He could fix everything? Right now, he was my biggest problem.

"Forget it." I shook my head, the corner of my mouth twisting bitterly. "What right do I have to ask you for anything? You're getting remarried, so I just want to give back all your stuff..."

Before I could finish, Matvey's breath caught. Two strides and he was in front of me.

"Give back my stuff?" His tone was teasing, deep, almost wrapping around me. "What about my heart? You took it from me. Ever think about returning that? Or do you enjoy watching me lose my mind over you?"

What was he saying?

Before I could react, he had me pinned against the wall, kissing me. His lips were still soft, his breath's cold fragrance nearly overwhelming my senses.

I knew I shouldn't. Shouldn't hold any illusions about him anymore. But my body gave me no choice. The moment his lips touched mine, my body responded without permission.

His tongue pried my teeth apart, stealing my breath. I felt like I was melting. I closed my eyes, tears stinging. My feelings for Matvey were undeniable. I liked this man down to my bones. I couldn't refuse anything he gave me.

I don't know how long it lasted, but by the time he finally stopped that aggressive kiss, my lips were numb. The crushing embrace finally loosened.

"Riley." He was breathing hard, his lips at my ear. "Trust me."

"No." I pushed against his iron-solid chest.

Trusting him only brought pain.

"It's not what you think." His tone darkened. "When the time's right, I'll explain."

My mouth filled with a bitter, salty taste. What couldn't he say now? I wasn't a three-year-old... I even knew he was pakhan. What else couldn't I know?

I struggled, trying to break free from his arms, but it was impossible. The strength difference between us was too great.

"Let go of me!" I twisted, my shoulder pushing against his arm, glaring into those gray-green eyes. "I don't believe a word you're saying!"

"Give me a reason." His voice turned hard, veins standing out on his arms. "Or I'll never let go."

A reason?

I finally stopped. He immediately moved closer.

"I don't know what you think you can explain." I turned my head away, avoiding his gaze. "Veronica already told me everything about you two. I'm not delusional enough to compare my place in your life with the woman you love."

His muscles went rigid. With just a little force, I pushed him away.