Page 39 of Auctioned to the Bratva

This scared me a little as I doubted what we shared would stay the same. His current life would surely change, and I couldn’t be sure we would work if things were different.

Thinking back on what the women said, I considered the fact that I may be falling in love. I wiped the idea from my mind and focused on the story. Feelings could change and we didn’t know what would happen in the future.

I think the best course would be to take it step by step, I assured myself. Finding my place in the book again I started reading again.

Chapter 23 - Sergei

After seeing everyone off, I returned to the house and ensured all the doors were locked. As I moved through the house putting off the lights, I noticed Irina was no longer downstairs. I thought she was still busy in the kitchen, but she wasn’t there.

I headed upstairs in search of her. Thinking about our visit, I was surprised by the flood of emotions. I sincerely enjoyed the company of our family. Even the women were all friendly and seemed supportive of both me and Irina.

Irina was a big part of that, I couldn’t have done this without her. Smiling as I entered the second-floor landing, I wondered what the discussion under the trees was about. Irina had glanced my way a couple of times as the four women huddled in a circle.

Turning on the landing, I noticed a light filling the short hallway. I was sure she had to be in there, so I walked to the open door. Peeking around the door I saw it was the library. Of course, this is where I would find her, I thought, remembering her fascination with the library at my other home.

Glancing around the room, I spotted her in the corner nook on the large double couch. She looked so relaxed with a book in her hands. Quietly, I stepped inside and leaned against the wall. She didn’t notice me, and I could admire her for a bit.

Her hair glistened in the soft glow of the light above her. Her skin looked like porcelain and even though I knew she wasn’t a delicate doll. I couldn’t help but be filled with an intense feeling of protection. My emotions spun as I admired her curvy body.

She was lying on her side propped up on one arm. My stare flowed over her body as I absorbed her fully formed hips and stared down her legs to her feet.

Since the first time I met her, I knew there was something special about her. Something different as she stirred feelings in me, I never knew were there. Irina was not like other women I have ever met. She brought out the best in me I considered as I shifted my stance.

“Hey there,” she said looking my way. “I didn’t hear you come in.” She closed the book and sat up straight.

“I didn’t want to disturb you,” I replied as I walked toward her. “You looked so peaceful.”

Irina’s smile broadened, “I am. I feel at home with you, Sergei.” She said, taking my hand as I came to stand before her.

Sitting down next to her, I placed a tender kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, Irina, for being here with me. You made this visit special.” I said as I pulled her into my arms and lay down backward with her.

She dropped the book on the table beside us as she cuddled into my chest. Trailing a line with her fingers down my chest she asked, “What did you think of the family?”

Feeling other emotions stirring, I took hold of her hand and kissed her fingers. “I must admit, they are not what I thought. I don’t know what I expected, but I enjoyed their company. And you?”

Irina giggled as she pushed me to my back and got on top of me. “When the family gets together, it is usually a time for relaxation and they are quite normal. But business is business, and mixing the two is usually not something that happens,” she said as she leaned in and kissed me keenly.

“They are good people. Not that I know everyone, but they are loyal, and family comes first,” Irina added as she lay her head down on my chest.

I played with her soft hair as I considered her words. “I did enjoy their company,” I added as I lifted my head and kissed her on the top of her head.

We lay there cuddling for quite some time without talking. I felt complete just having her there in my arms. It was nice to unwind and just have someone who made your life exciting.

“We have settled on a plan,” I said after a while.

Irina lifted her head, folded her hands over each other on my chest, and placed her chin down on them staring at me. Her face lit up as she smiled, and I wondered how one person could be so perfect.

“If all goes smoothly according to the plan, we could be living our lives fully very soon,” I said smiling at her.

“I am sure it will go according to plan,” Irina replied. “I have been invited out with the other women. They will pick me up in the morning.” She added before turning her head sideways and laying back down on my chest.

My heart stopped, and my mind blanked out as her words sunk in. Holding her to my chest, I sat upright quickly. “No,” I said sternly. “The timing isn’t right.”

Softly pushing her away from me, I took her face in my hands. “Irina,” but before I could continue, she placed a finger on my lips.

“Sergei,” she said sternly. “We have an army of guards if you look at how many men each of us have protecting us. Don’t you think we will be safe?”

She pushed back and got up from my lap. “I am sure one day out with the women will not put me in harm's way,” Irina added as she stood before me with her hands on her hips.

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