Stolen By The Bratva Brothers

SERAPHINA POV There were only three things I hated in life, which were liars, heels that hurt my feet, and charity galas. Unfortunately, I am currently suffering through all three. As I stepped into the dazzling ballroom, which was glistening with diamonds shining under the chandelier, champagne was popping up everywhere, and wealthy socialites were laughing at what I didn’t find funny. The fake smiles, the nonsensical talk. The wealthy elites pretended they cared about the world while deeply competing over who could write the biggest check. Unfortunately for me, tonight's gala wasn't optional. It's another day when my voice and words have no meaning in the ears of my father…. Russel Valentine. All my life I have been doing things and living up to his standard, following his every step because he keeps saying, “You're my daughter, and I know what's best for you.” The reality of that word is that I might be his daughter, but he actually doesn't know what's best for me, and I don't think he will ever know. "I'm welcoming everyone to tonight's charity gala." My father's voice sounded loud, and everyone cheered, clinking their wine glasses. "Today isn't about me but about you.... about everyone here. So let's enjoy ourselves and be merry together!" He smiled, raising his glass for a toast, and they all followed. "Cheers to a good life!!!" they chorused. The hall buzzed with noise higher than when I came in, and I swear…. I will kill to be out of here. "Sera?" I heard him call my name, and I turned, facing him with a smile that didn't reach my heart. "You're here? I know you don't like galas, but not to worry; it will be over soon. It's just a two-day charity gala...." My smile froze after hearing him say, “Two days,” so will I have to be here again tomorrow? Ahhhh..... "No problem, Dad." Despite the commotion in my head, that was all I could say, and he patted my hair before walking off. I pulled out a chair and slipped into it, alone, just like every other gathering. Conversations swelled around me, laughter bounced from table to table. The chatter blurred into a dull hum as my fingers traced invisible patterns against the edge of the table. My mind drifted somewhere far from the room, somewhere quieter, until the unmistakable prickle of eyes lingering a second too long crawled over my skin. One by one, the stares pierced through my thoughts, dragging me back to the present. I looked up, instinctively following the direction of their gazes, and, of course, they all led to the youngest Moretti heir. Levi Moretti. I had once loved him with the kind of heart that only loved once. Then I discovered he only loved with the kind that never stayed in one place. The day I accepted this truth was the day my feelings for him buried themselves. When his gaze met mine, I froze for a second. He had never stared at me before, and today he was staring longer than he should. But still, it didn’t change anything because I was no longer into him. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Levi breaking away from the cluster of girls, his long strides aimed straight at me. My chair scraped against the floor as I pushed to my feet and headed for the doors without a second thought. The last thing I wanted was another conversation with him. Barely made it out of the hallway, I glanced over my shoulder to be sure he hadn't caught up with me; just then my heel caught the floor, my ankle twisted, and I hit the ground. "Shit..." I stumbled forward, bracing for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I collided with something solid. Strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground. "Careful, Princess." The voice was deep and sexy. "It would be a shame to ruin such a beautiful dress," he added. I immediately pulled away and looked up. For a second, I forgot how to breathe. He was tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. The first few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing some glimpses of his tattoos. His red hair fell over his forehead, making him look dangerous in a way that should have sent me running. But instead, my eyes clung to him, unable to leave his body. "See something you like?" A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Heat rushed to my face, and I immediately averted my gaze in embarrassment. “No.” "No? Not even a little?" He stepped closer, as if trying to make me feel his cologne, and I already did. "Interesting!" he mouthed. "And what's interesting?" "Most girls start blushing before they start lying," he said it so simply without thinking about it. "Most girls probably don't meet arrogant strangers lurking around." I glared at him, and then he let out a low chuckle. "And here I thought you were sweet." He sounded amused. "I am sweet" "To everyone?" He asked, and I thought about it. "No!" "Good, because that would've been disappointing." His gaze swept over me slowly, and my heartbeat betrayed me. Who the hell was this man? I had never seen him before, yet he carried himself like he owned the entire city. "What's your name, Princess?" Princess? Is he calling me a princess? Oh my!! "I'm not in the habit of giving my name to strangers," I said, flaunting my hair. "But you have the habit of admiration." Before I could respond, he brushed past me, his shoulder grazing mine. The contact lasted barely a second, yet the warmth it left behind refused to vanish. I turned around and watched him disappear into the crowd. "Who the hell was that?"