Page 18 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

My curiosity piqued, I follow him deeper into La Fantasia, unsure of what awaits me. We go up a staircase, and at the landing, he gently puts his hand on my small back, igniting a spark of electricity that makes me jerk slightly. For a second, we both just stand there, with him looking down at me, and I blush at the notion that he might have realized how his touch makes me feel. Then, he clears his throat. “This way.” He guides me down the hall to a door to our right.

"Here we are," he announces, opening a door and gesturing for me to enter. The room before me is an office, its large windows offering a perfect view of La Fantasia below. Nikolai closes the door behind us.

"Is this your office?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Yes," he replies, moving to stand behind an imposing desk. "It's where I oversee the day-to-day operations of La Fantasia and all her sister chains."

“How many do you have?”

“There are 34 La Fantasia outlets across the world—London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne, and so forth. We’re expanding to Africa soon. Then, I have a few more chains.”

“You do?” I raise my eyebrows, surprised. I know it can’t be easy handling clubs like this across the world, dealing with people day in and out while still maintaining one’s cool.

“I do. It’s challenging work. Keeping track of our financials, managing staff, ensuring the safety of our guests for over 150 clubs,” he explains, his expression serious as he pours us both a drink. “Sometimes, I feel like I could use an extra pair of hands on deck.”

Here, he walks over to my side and hands me a glass. Our fingers graze as I take the glass, but he holds on to it, his fingers touching mine, his gaze penetrating my very soul as he speaks to hold my attention. ”Some of my siblings do help out, but they’re busy with passion projects of their own, and when dealing with revenue as large as ours… it’s only family I can trust.”

When he says family, he gently grazes his finger over mine before releasing the glass. I stand there, dumbfounded, unable to move.

I look at him, feeling a mix of surprise and confusion at his words. Does he mean… me? Is he actually suggesting that I should be the one to help him manage this empire of clubs? The idea seems absurd! Perhaps I’m mistaken. I glance around the office, taking it all in and processing what he could have meant.

Nikolai watches me carefully, his gaze intense as if trying to gauge my reaction. "I understand that this is a lot to take in," he begins, his voice softer than usual. "But you have a sharp mind, Anoushka. You're more than capable of learning the ropes and helping me with this side of our life together."

"What are you suggesting exactly?" I stammer, taken aback by his sudden declaration.

Nikolai sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "I know that our marriage was arranged, and that we have our differences on how this marriage should proceed. But I did mean it when I said that we have marital duties which must be fulfilled. You’re a part of this family now, Anoushka. I know you’re bright. Boris is no fool. If he has you working in his office, it’s because he knows you’re worth something. Now, I need you to come here and work with me.”

His sincerity catches me off guard, and I find myself struggling to suppress the unexpected emotions welling up inside me. My thoughts race, trying to weigh the potential consequences against the benefits. If I do this, he would consider me fulfilling a marital responsibility, and hopefully it would be enough for now. At the same time, that would mean I’d have to spend a lot more time with him. And so far, from what little time we’ve spent together, it’s been tough to keep our hands to ourselves. The prospect of being more entwined with him both excites and terrifies me.

I glance out the window, watching the patrons below as they enjoy their evening.

Nikolai leans against his desk, his eyes never leaving mine as he continues to explain the inner workings of La Fantasia.

"Each night, we offer a variety of entertainment for our guests—live music, dancing, even some more… intimate performances." The way he says it, sending smoldering looks my way, sends an involuntary shudder through me, and I can't help but glance at his lips as he speaks. They're full, tempting, and dangerously close, reminding me of that kiss in the office hallway.

"Of course," he adds, "we also pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and maintaining a high level of discretion for our clientele. Overall, it can be quite fun managing this place."

I swallow hard, trying to focus on what he's saying rather than how much I want to taste those lips again. The more he talks, the more I realize just how difficult it’s going to be to work with him.

"Anoushka," he murmurs, taking a step closer, his eyes on my lips. I watch with a roaring heart as he clenches his jaw, almost like he’s holding back from smashing his lips against mine.

No. This is too much change for me to handle. First, we get married. Then, I move to his house. He shows up in my office, lets people know I’m Mrs. Orlov, and kisses me. Now, he wants me to work with him? One more concession from my end, and something tells me I’ll be putty in his hands. All my carefully laid plans would be thrown right out of the window and I might even find myself waking in his bed.

I need to take a step back. Distance. Distance is what I need.

"Nikolai," I stammer, my heartbeat quickening as he closes the gap between us, and I immediately take a step back. "It's just… a lot to process."

A flash of disappointment crosses his face.

"I understand," he says, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair away from my face. His touch is electric, sending a jolt of desire straight through me.

"Maybe we should talk about this later," I suggest, desperate to put some space between us. "I need some time to think."

"Very well," he replies, his eyes darkening with a mixture of frustration and longing. "I understand today’s been a long day. Let me get you home.”

"Thank you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Chapter 9 - Nikolai

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