Page 46 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

I turn mine off and lie down, and he spoons me, wrapping his strong arm around me and cuddling me. I lie there awake for the longest time, acutely aware that his hand is on my stomach.

Chapter 17 - Danil

I finish my breakfast and push the plate away from me. As promised, I let Asher sleep in today. I did my best not to wake her when I got up. I turned off the alarm after she fell asleep so it wouldn’t disturb her either.

Renat comes into the dining room with some papers for me. “Sir, these were delivered from the lawyer's office. He said it’s business that needs to be signed by Pakhan Milov.”

I take the papers. “Then why are they delivering it here, the lazy bastards? I’ll take it over there this afternoon when I visit my nephew.”

I return to my newspaper, setting the papers aside. Renat leaves, and Claire comes in. “Would you like some more coffee, Mr. Milov?”

“Yes, please. With more sugar.” I probably should watch my sugar intake, but what the hell, it’s Saturday. I have such an excellent surprise for Asher later. Our date is going to be so much fun. Asher makes me feel excited like I did when I was much younger. When life hadn’t made me so hard and guarded. It’s like she is the fountain of youth for me.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” Asher says sleepily as she walks in a little later. She is back in the baggy tracksuit and oversized jumper. “Did I miss breakfast?”

“Claire kept your breakfast warm for you, don’t worry. And you said you wanted to sleep in, so I let you.” I get up and go to the door that adjoins the kitchen. “Claire, can you bring Asher her breakfast.”

“Yes, sir,” Claire calls.

She comes through the door with the tray of coffee first, including a second mug for Ash. Then she leaves and returns a little later with a bowl of cooked oats for Asher.

Even in baggy clothes, Asher is like a Goddess I want to worship. I would kiss every inch of her all day long.

“What are you looking at? I did brush my teeth.” She yawns as she speaks.

“Nothing. You’re just so beautiful.” I take my coffee and sip it. “You need to be ready for our date by six pm. Wear something casual that can get dirty. Although even in something dirty, you’d be gorgeous.”

“Stop it, Danil. You’ll embarrass me.”

“I love it when you blush, though, so it’s a win-win for me,” I chuckle. “So, what are you going to do while I’m out for the day? I’ll be back around five to get ready.”

Asher sips her coffee, bringing one leg up and sitting with one foot on the seat of her chair. She rests her chin on her knee. “Probably nap. Maybe get some work done in the peace and quiet. I promise I won’t spoil my appetite by going to Zeek’s before our date.” She smiles sleepily at me.

I finish my coffee. “Okay, well, I’m off. I have to stop at one of our businesses and then pop into Kervyn’s to drop off some documents. Don’t forget. Six.”

“I won’t forget,” she yawns again, then blushes as she realizes I’m still watching her.

I leave her and go outside, where Renat is waiting for me in the car. I get in and settle back. “Let’s go to the Flying Birds Casino and see how Luka is getting on after the grand opening.”

“Yes, sir,” he says quietly.

We join the traffic and I watch out the window as we drive. My mind isn’t on work today. It’s on Asher. I only said I’d stop by to check on Luka so I can burn off some energy because I’m so excited for tonight.

When we arrive, we park in the VIP parking, and I get out. Renat follows me inside, and I look around. The casino is almost completely full. There are loud noises of people calling cards, wins, losses, the rolling noises of the slot machines, and amongst that, some music playing in the background that not one of these fuckers cares about.

I walk to the middle of the room, looking around carefully. Everything looks good, and it seems like Luka has it under control.

“Surprised?” he says as he walks up behind me. “Didn’t think I could do it?”

“You got two card counters at the blackjack tables,” I say with a smirk.

He looks over, and I chuckle. “Not really, you moron, I’m just messing with you. Now, you said this was more than just a check-in. What’s up?”

“I think those Italian guys from the Swinging Aces Casino were here last night during the opening. Come with me.” I follow Luka to the security room, where he accesses the previous night's videos and plays a specific part for me. He goes through them, then stops. “There, these three. I’ve been seeing them everywhere. They bumped into me at the races not so long ago, and I’m sure they called the cops on me.”

I look at their faces. “I bumped into them a while back, too. We’re being staked out.” I look at Renat. “See what you can find out from our informants and let Currie know to be on the lookout. They might be targeting Kervyn or all of us.”

“Yes, sir.” He steps out of the security room and I look at Luka. “Sorry, little brother, but it’s time you got a guard. I’ll send you someone I trust personally to take care of you.”

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