Page 47 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

“I can take care of myself,” Luka says. “Always have and always will.”

I grab him by the neck and bring him close to me. “You’re the baby of the family, always have been and always will be. You haven’t had to do the things your three older brothers have had to do to survive. You might know what they are, but until you experience them, you will follow my lead. You got it?” I let him go, and he nods

“Yes, Danil,” he says quietly. I know I’ve gotten through to him now.

“I’ll send over Cyrus. He’s a great guard, and he makes a good assistant as well.” I fix my tie. “I need to get to Kervyn before I can go on my date. Stay safe and stay alive, for fuck’s sake.”

I leave him there, Renat falling in step behind me as I exit the room. I keep looking around, sure I’ll see the Italians at any given moment. I need to know what they want.

Kervyn isn’t home when we stop there, so I leave the papers on his desk with a note. Penny and Samuel are also gone, so I can only assume they’re visiting my mother.

We stop at a few more casinos so I can ask if anyone has noticed any Italians hanging around lately and we get two hits. It's definitely something I’m going to have to discuss with Kervyn.

I check my watch and look at Renat. “Time to get back. Is everything set for tonight?”

“Yes, sir, your car will be outside at six pm sharp. Do you need an escort?” he asks.

“No, it will ruin the mood, but I will take a gun with me just in case I need it. Don’t let Asher know.” I look out the window as we rejoin traffic.

“Noted, sir.”

When we get home, I go upstairs to find Asher changed into a pair of capri pants and an off-shoulder top. She’s curling her hair with a curling iron and has that smoky makeup look that I love.

“Is this fine? What I’m wearing?” she asks as I walk in.

“It’s more than fine, gorgeous.” I walk to her and kiss her on the opposite side of the iron.

“Careful,” she hisses. “You could get burned.”

The fact she cares that I would get burned means more to me than I could ever explain.

I change into a pair of slacks and a button shirt and put on my trainers.

“So this is a very informal date?” she asks. I can hear she’s trying to sound innocent.

“It’s a surprise. Just go with the flow and trust me.” I go to the bathroom and fix my hair. It’s grown long since the wedding, and I need a haircut, but I like the way Asher laces her fingers in my hair when I’m eating her.

I go into the closet while she’s busy and shrug into a holster before putting my nine-millimeter into it. I put a jacket over it and make sure she can’t see it before I come out.

I look at my watch. “Ready?”

“Almost, go downstairs. I’ll be down now.” She takes another piece of hair to curl.

I head downstairs and stand at the bottom of the stairs, waiting. I keep glancing at the time until it’s five minutes to six. I’m about to call up for Asher when she comes skipping down the stairs like a princess. I smile and hold my hand out, and she puts her hand in mine. Right now, my world is perfect in every possible way.

I lead her outside, holding each other's hands, and I walk her to the passenger door of my Porsche. I open the door for her, and she slides in, looking around as she buckles her seat belt.

I go around and climb in, nodding to Renat first, then I turn the car on and turn on some relaxing music while I pull off.

“Can I know where we’re going now?” she asks. “Or is it still a surprise?”

“I might be willing to tell you a thing or two,” I say as I rest my hand on her leg. She puts her hand over mine but doesn’t push me away.

It’s nights like this that I think there’s hope for us.

I pull up to the restaurant and get out.

She’s out before I can help her, and I reach for her hand, which she willingly gives to me.

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