Page 37 of Auctioned to the Bratva

Glancing at Roman, I grinned. “Strangely enough,” I started. “I’m okay with it all.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear that,” Roman added as he swallowed the contents of his glass. “Another one?” he asked looking at the half-full glass in my hand.

“Sure,” I said smiling before I downed my drink and followed him back to the bar.

We had a couple more drinks before I noticed Irina and some of the other women had moved away from the patio. Glancing around, I saw them sitting at the tables on the lawnunder the trees. Some of the kids were playing on the grass and I felt sure they moved to keep an eye on the kids.

Chapter 22 - Irina

I noticed Sergei looking at me from across the patio. I have moved with Karine, Evelina, and Samantha to the shade of the trees. We were catching up as I hadn’t seen them for a while.

So much had happened during the last couple of months for them and me. There was a lot to share. Karine’s pregnancy was going well, and I was glad for her and Roman.

Staring across the yard at Sergei, I felt my heart swell with pride. He was a little rigid when everyone arrived but settled in quite quickly. At the moment he appeared completely relaxed. He was talking and laughing with his family and seemed to be enjoying himself.

Being with his family, these people, even though he didn’t know them all very well, made him happy. It gave me comfort to see him at peace amongst them. After all, they were his family, and family were important.

Even though he was having fun, he kept looking my way. It almost felt like he was keeping an eye on me. But I felt certain he only wanted to make sure I was safe.

“How are you doing, Irina?” I heard Evelina ask, pulling me back from my thoughts.

Smiling at her and Karine, I shifted upright in my chair. “I’m doing as well as can be expected, I think,” I answer, glancing back at Sergei. “Things changed drastically but I am holding on.”

“You know you can talk to us,” Samantha added smiling at me. “With all you’ve been through, you need to talk to someone.”

“It’s just been a whirlwind with everything that happened,” I said as I looked down at my hands in my lap. “I came to Miami to start my own life,” I added smiling softly at Samantha.

“Then I met Sergei and ran away from him,” I added, grinning. “Then out of the blue I got abducted. But Sergei and Roman rescued me, and the last month I spent in Los Angeles where I was basically under house arrest just to be safe. It’s been a lot to handle.” I breathed out glancing at Karine.

Evelina winked at me as she leaned in, “Always remember your roots. You are stronger than anything life throws at you.” She spoke.

I nodded my head. I knew what was at stake, I just wanted to return to a normal life.

“Why don’t we then get together and have a lady’s day out? I am sure that would help in making you feel alive again?” Samantha asked.

Karine sat forward, taking my hand as she spoke. “I think that’s a fabulous idea and see no reason why we can’t do it. Plus, with our army of guards, we will be in no harm.”

I smiled at Karine. “Are you sure, I don’t think Sergei will like that. I must say he has been very protective since the rescue.”

“Nonsense,” Karine added. “We each have a handful of guards. We will be as safe as being home. You need to get out and spending time with us is just what the doctor ordered.”

We burst out laughing and I felt overjoyed by the invitation. Spending some time at a spa, shopping, or having cocktails with the ladies sounded perfect.

“Talking of you and Sergei,” Evelina said as she pulled her chair closer. “You met but didn’t stay and now live with him. Tell us what’s happening here?”

Glancing over at Sergei, I felt my cheeks redden as they heated up. My mind traveled to all the developments between us and the most amazing sex. But I couldn’t share all of that with them even though they were family.

“Oh my,” Karine added as I looked back at them. “Tell us more as there must be a lot happening to turn your cheeks crimson like that.”

Smiling broadly, I lowered my head again as I shook it from side to side. “Well,” I started glancing back at Sergei and then facing the three inquiring faces before me.

All three pulled their chairs closer and formed a small circle with me at the center of attention. I smiled shyly as Evelina patted my knee. “Come on, tell us a little more. We’re all family here.” she prodded.

“Well, okay,” I started. “We met in a club the Friday evening but soon discovered the music and people were not quite what either of us expected. Sergei introduced himself to me there and then offered to take me somewhere else. We considered a couple of places, but all seemed packed.”

I smiled as I thought back. “But then we found one that looked quiet. We had a couple of drinks and shared a light meal. Afterward, we went to his hotel room. I must add he was a gentleman the entire evening.”

“Really,” Karine questioned raising an eyebrow at me.

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