Page 42 of The Bratva Bosses' Surrogate

Once Geno leaves, I turn my attention back to Sofia. “I need to head to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

Rising from the table, I give Sofia a sharp glance, my gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks before turning towards the restroom. The dim light of the establishment doesn’t do her justice; she looks more radiant in my dark world than any star ever could.

The restroom is clean and polished. I couldn’t expect anything less. The mirror reflects my azure eyes glaring back at me. Leaning over the sink, I splash cold water on my face, trying to wash away the primal desire coursing through me.

When I return, I spot Geno standing way too close to Sofia for my liking. I’m concealed behind a massive floral arrangement.

Then I hear him, his voice slimy and suggestive, “How much for an hour?” My blood turns to ice in my veins. This motherfucker. Does he have any idea who he’s talking to? Who she is to me?

He’s just signed his own shitty fate. A dark shadow descends over my mind as I move out from behind the floral arrangement, my long strides getting me to their table quicker than I thought possible.

“She’s not for sale,” I growl, standing right behind Geno, my voice dangerously low. The bastard stiffens at my words andthe venom lacing every syllable. With a swift movement, I grab him by the back of his collar and jerk him away from Sofia. His surprise is evident in his wide-open eyes as he turns to face me.

My jaw clenches as I look down at him, pure hatred brewing in my gaze. “Apologize,” I command him coolly. No fucking way am I letting this slide.

He stutters out an apology, fear radiating off him like heat from a flame. My grip on his collar tightens just to make sure the message is clear. Sofia is mine and disrespecting her means crossing me.

I release Geno then, pushing him away from our table. He stumbles backwards, his face pale, and scurries off without a second look back. “Fucking prick,” I growl under my breath.

“Are you okay?” she asks softly and goddamn it if that gentle concern doesn’t send a jolt through me.

“Yeah,” I assure her through gritted teeth as I sit back down across from her. The presence of her, the scent of her, the mere fact she’s here with me, all of it tames my thundering heart. She has no idea what a lifeline she is.

I reach out for her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. “Ignore that fucker,” I tell her, my voice steady. But it’s not only for her, it’s also a promise to myself. Anyone who dares to touch what is mine will find out exactly what kind of monster I can be.

I give a slight nod to my men, they understand instantly. They grab Geno, dragging him away to deliver the punishment he’s earned.

As Sofia and I sit back down, trying to regain some semblance of normalcy, the screams continue in thebackground. It’s a sound I’m accustomed to, but I glance at Sofia, wondering how she’s taking all this.

The restaurant owner, a close friend and ally, hurries over, his face etched with concern and embarrassment. “Sir, I am so deeply sorry for his behavior. This is completely unacceptable,” he stammers, clearly worried about my reaction.

I wave him off, keeping my cool. “It’s been handled. Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The owner nods vigorously, promising to make amends, before retreating to give us space. I turn to Sofia, her face still showing traces of shock.

“Was that really necessary?” she asks.

“Nobody can disrespect you like that, especially not in my presence,” I reply, my tone dark and unwavering. In my world, respect is everything, and fear is a currency more valuable than gold.

The thought of anyone else but us laying eyes on her, let alone disrespecting her, sets my blood boiling.

I glance around the restaurant, making sure no one else dares to even look in her direction. “You’re with me, Sofia. That means you’re under my protection, always.”

She looks at me, her eyes searching mine, and for a moment, I wonder what she sees. The murderer, the Bratva boss, the man who would kill without hesitation to keep her safe? Or something more, something deeper that she’s somehow managed to uncover in me?

I reach across the table, my hand closing around hers. Her skin is soft against my rough, calloused fingers. I want to touch her everywhere, to claim her in every way imaginable. “You havenothing to fear when you’re with me,” I assure her, my gaze intense.

She nods, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “I’m beginning to realize that.”

As we settle into our meal, a six-course culinary journey, I can’t help but steal glances at Sofia across the table. Each course is a masterpiece, but she’s the most captivating sight in the room.

“You know, I’ve never had anything like this before,” she says.

“Only the best for you,” I reply, watching her reaction. Her appreciation for the finer things in life only makes her more alluring to me.

I want to know more about her. I want to know everything about her.

“Tell me, Sofia,” I lean in, my voice dropping to a husky whisper. “What do you dream about at night?”

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