Page 29 of Auctioned to the Bratva

“No thanks needed brother, you stay safe, and we’ll talk again as soon as I have more news,” Roman added.

I nodded and said goodbye before closing the connection. Sitting back, I thought about Irina and wondered how she would react to all that was happening. At least Caleb didn’t know where she was at the moment, which gave me some comfort.

Swallowing the last whiskey, I rose from my desk. I may need to do some CEO interviews this coming week. Then the bigger question is, should I expose my home to strangers, or should I go into the office and leave Irina alone? I pondered on this.

Online, I thought, yes, I will do online interviews, I decided as I walked out of my office. The library door was still closed as I walked back. I had to keep her out of sight for safety. But I also wanted to show her some of my hometown.

As I opened the library door, Irina sat up and smiled at me. Yes, I would call my friend at my favorite restaurant I thought. I am sure he could get me a private booth. I wanted to take her out and show her all that I had to offer.

I walked to her side and held out my hand. Irina took it and rose, placing the book on the chaise as she did so.

“Where are we going?” she asked as we headed out the door.

I lifted her hand and kissed it tenderly. “I want to take you out,” I said as we headed to the bedroom.

Irina smiled at me. “You think it’s safe?” she asked, squeezing my hand tightly.

“I will make sure it is,” I replied, leading her to the bathroom. “But first a shower.” I completed as I closed the door behind us. After a quick shower, we got dressed.

Irina wore a faded pink dress that exclaimed her gorgeous curves. Hugging her before we walked out the front door, I considered heading back upstairs first. Her sweet, honeyed essence filled my mind, and it went swirling.

Before I could change my mind, I led her out the door. Outside the driver Roman had sent over was waiting for us at the town car. Roman insisted we have three average cars so that we could blend in better.

I would have preferred to take her through town in my Porche, but knew the dangers it could attract. I gave the driver instructions and joined Irina in the back seat.

As we drove, it reminded me of prom. The girls we hung out with those years were nothing like Irina. I felt pleased that I had not met her in that era of my life. I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad you are here,” I whispered.

Irina’s cheeks glowed red in the reflection of the streetlights as we proceeded to our destination. She squeezed my hand as she blew me a kiss and smiled.

I felt my heart leaping as my senses tingled with excitement. Just as I wanted to tell the driver to turn around and go back home, we pulled into the back alley behind the restaurant.

Stepping out, there were six bodyguards to meet us and escort us to the back door. I asked them to move the cars and wait apart from each other. This would assist with appearance. Otherwise, the three cars parked together might bring along some suspicion.

The drivers agreed and moved the cars. Inside we were met by my friend Braverly. He led us through the back and seated us in a dark corner that was enclosed with ceiling-highwalls. A single light hung down, casting only enough light to make it romantic.

On the table were two candles and soft music played in the background. Irina slid in on one side of the solid chair, and I sat down beside her. A waiter entered with a bottle of champagne, and I was glad I was not driving us home.

I poured each of us a glass as the waiter took our orders. Irina smiled at me, and I could see the happiness in her shining eyes. I thought we would do this more often as I leaned over and kissed her gently.

Soon our food arrived, and we ate in silence. Irina seemed to be enjoying her shrimp and creamy rice. I had to admit the meal was delicious and I appreciated the effort that was put into it.

Once we were done and the bill was paid, we headed out the back again. The driver was ready as we stepped out. The ride home was smooth. As we entered the house, I felt relieved that we didn’t have any issues.

I poured a nightcap as Irina went upstairs to change into something more comfortable. We sat down in the living area by the fireplace. Irina laid her head on my shoulder as I told her about the adventures me and Roman had.

She listened intently without saying a word. After a while, I felt her head getting heavy. Looking down, I noticed her eyes had closed. I took the glass from her hand and placed it down with mine on the table.

Gently, I stood and picked her up. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I walked upstairs with her. As I lay her down on the bed, Irina’s eyes opened.

She pulled me closer and kissed me, “Thank you, Sergei.” She whispered. “I had fun tonight.”

“So did I, Irina, thank you,” I replied as I stroked her hair. My hand moved down her cheek and I kissed her forehead as she closed her eyes again.

I wanted to wake her; I wanted her in my arms, but she needed to rest. Instead, I walked to the bathroom and got ready for bed. Irina looked so peaceful sleeping in my bed, my body ached for her.

Sliding in on my side, I moved closer and pulled her into my arms. Irina didn’t wake up, but she wrapped her fingers around my hand. I fell asleep breathing in her sweet essence.

Chapter 18 - Irina

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