Page 23 of Escaping the Bratva

Sasha

“Someone named V is here to see you. It doesn’t look like he has an appointment. Should I send him away?” Haley says through the phone. Why does he think he can just barge into my office? Was it not enough for him to break into my condo and leave me a terrified animal?

“That’s fine. You can send him in.”

Teddy, the name I picked out for the scared pit bull I came home to last night, lies curled up by my feet in a plush dog bed. Once I’d gotten off the phone with V, I sat on the couch and wrapped my arms around the poor animal until he realized I wasn’t going to hurt him. Then I took him for a walk and ended the night with a bath. I’d sent an email to Haley, and she was able to get the dog bed and all the other things Teddy might need. I hate that V sprung this on me, but I can’t help but be charmed by my new pet. He slept in my bed last night tucked right up to my side as if he was scared I might leave. He’s nervous around other people, but I’m relieved at how fast he’s warming up to me.

The door to my office swings open, and V walks in like he owns the place. He’s dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a tight black T-shirt that accentuates every single one of his muscles underneath. I haven’t seen him shirtless in twelve years, but I don’t need to to know that there is a well-sculpted body underneath those clothes. He wears a single gold chain around his neck and in his ears are diamonds.

“What do you want, V?” I ask, trying to act unaffected by his masculine presence. His eyes flicker to Teddy on the floor, who now has both eyes open and is watching V hesitantly.

“Really? A sweater?”

“It’s cold outside,” I say in defense of the blue and gray sweater I managed to pull over Teddy’s head this morning.

He shakes his head. “Are you still mad at me?”

“Yes. You broke into my apartment and left a scared dog that I never asked for.”

“Anyways,” he starts, ignoring my comment completely and taking a seat in the chair opposite of me. “Uplift Security is launching next week.”

“Uplift Security? What are you talking about?”

“I started a security company. We are set to launch soon, and we could really use some publicity.”

I huff. “You can’t afford me.”

I work with top clients, and I charge every penny that I’m worth.

He cocks an eyebrow. “I can’t?”

“You just got out of prison, and you’re starting a business. How are you going to afford to pay my company to do your PR work?”

He smirks. “I have an idea…”

I roll my eyes. “Seriously, V.”

His grin falls. “I have money, kitten. Enough money to buy a house, a car, and invest in this business. Now, if this business flops, then we can talk about going broke.”

“How do you have that much money?”

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to.”

I swallow. He’s right. I don’t want the answer to that. I don’t need to know the details of how he earned his money before now. He was in prison, so I’m sure he hasn’t been earning it at a nine to five.

V obviously isn’t going to go away if he’s paying this much money just to work with me. There are plenty of marketing agencies he could hire that charge far less. Of course, they don’t do as good of a job, but they’d get it done. Maybe if I give him what he wants, he’ll realize how stupid this all is. That there is nothing left between us except for a past relationship that didn’t work out. I’ll make him see that and then he’ll leave me alone and I can move on with my life without any more interruptions. I open my drawer and take out my tablet and pen. I stand to my feet and thank myself for wearing a tight skirt and heels this morning. I round the desk until I’m right in front of him. He doesn’t hide his satisfaction as his eyes roam over my body unapologetically. I sit on the edge of the desk and cross one leg over the other.

“What’s the company name again?” I ask, looking down at the tablet.

He swipes his tongue over his bottom lip, and a tingle runs through my body at the gesture. God, why does he have to look so damn good?

“Uplift Security,” he says without missing a beat, his eyes still zeroed in on my long legs.

I scribble down the company name before clearing my throat. “The next question is how long have you been in business, but you said you’re launching next week?”

I try to keep my voice professional, but it's hard when I can feel his eyes all over my body. It’s like the temperature in the room has gone up ten degrees.

He stands to his feet and rests his palms on the desk at either side of my ass, caging me in. My legs uncross. Fuck. I curse my body for responding to him. My nipples harden against the fabric of my thin bra. I take in a deep breath, and I’m overwhelmed with his scent. His face is only inches from mine. I think he might kiss me when I hear a low growl that makes me jump up from the desk. Teddy is on his feet and looking at V like he might take a bite out his leg.

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