Page 41 of Twins for the Bratva

“No,” I said quickly.

Konstantin looked at me, puzzled. “Don’t you want the earrings? Is there something else?”

“No,” I said, taking a slow breath. “That is too much.”

He smiled at me and signed the slip before handing it back to the man. Grinning broadly, the man rose. He took the two boxes and left the room. As we stood, the other door opened, and the young man was there to lead us back out.

I wasn’t used to such luxury and would prefer it if he kept it simple. But I didn’t know how to tell him without hurting his feelings. I got back in the car without a word. I was trying to find a way to gently let him know how I felt.

He smiled as we pulled out of the parking and headed down the street. Next, we stopped at an ice cream parlor. This was more suitable for me, I thought as we entered the shop. We sat in a corner booth, and the waitress brought two menus.

“So,” he said after studying the menu for several seconds. “What are you having?”

“They all sound amazing, I can’t decide,” I replied, wishing I could have them all. I had been craving ice cream the last week. I had Mila buy me a small tub every day. I suspected she had told him, and that was why he had brought me here.

“Let's test a couple then,” Konstantin replied, waving at the waitress. We tried several different flavors before deciding which ones were best. There were two flavors I truly enjoyed. As I ate them, I let out a low moan. The taste sensation was purely delightful; I couldn’t help myself.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” Konstantin mumbled as I closed my eyes. I was absorbed by the taste. Opening my eyes, I noticed his grin. I felt my cheeks heat up as I blushed. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I lowered my gaze.

Reaching across the table, Konstantin lifted my head before continuing. “Sugar, that sound is honey to my ears, don’t hide it.”

I smiled at him but felt the red glow spreading. Even my ears were on fire. By the time we left, I was overflowing with sweetness.

From there, he took me to a private book reading by my favorite author. There were only a handful of people present. It was held at the author's house. It had cost him a pretty penny to get in here. I was thrilled to be there but felt he was spending a lot of money on wildly lavish things.

I got to meet the author and get a signed copy of her latest book. I loved it and was overcome with pleasure, but it was all too much. “Konstantin,” I said as we headed to our next destination. “I love everything we’ve done so far. But you don’t need to spend so much.”

Grinning at me, he replied enthusiastically. “Sugar, there is no price on happiness.”

We stopped at a private deep-sea aquarium. No other people were around, and I suspected he had booked the entire place. I felt a little guilty knowing he had spent so much money on me. The day was marvelous, but I realized I preferred the simple things in life. I didn’t need all this lavishness.

We spent two hours roaming the dark hallways, looking at the wonderful creatures. As we headed back to the exit, Konstantin smiled at me. “Ready for dinner?” he asked.

As I responded with a yes, I hoped dinner would be more normal. I hoped he didn’t go overboard with that as well. Not that I was complaining. It was nice to be spoiled. But I didn’t want him to spend so much to impress me.

I sat watching him as we drove to our next destination. He seemed overly happy. He appeared to be singing under his breath as he moved his head from side to side. I had never seen this calmer side of him, and I was fascinated.

We pulled into a dark alley, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “Where are we?” I asked as he stopped.

“Don’t worry, it’s a friend's place.” He replied, hopping out.

I was astonished as I got out to find the alley clean and quiet. There were no people, no trash lying around, or sprayedsaying on the walls. Most alleys I’ve seen were horrid. It was a place to stay clear of.

A door on the side of the building opened and flooded the area with light. “Dinner awaits, my lady,” Konstantin said as he took my hand and led me inside. We entered the place through the kitchen. The staff all greeted us cheerily, and the odors were divine.

My stomach growled, and I realized I was actually starving. As we walked into the dining area, I gasped. The lights were turned down low. In the middle between all the empty tables was one with candles lit on it. Between the tables on the floor was a line of candles leading to that table. It was all so romantic.

We walked through the deserted restaurant to that table. “Konstantin,” I said as we sat down. “You didn’t have to.”

“But I wanted to, my sugar,” he replied, waving his hand in the air. The waiter came over with our drinks and starters. “I hope you don’t mind, but I already chose the meals.”

Shaking my head, I didn’t know what to say. I felt overwhelmed by everything. We shared a delightful three-course meal. The food was to die for.

As we left after the best dinner I have ever had, I smiled at him as he opened the door. “Can I drive?” I asked.

Konstantin’s mouth fell open, and his eyes seemed to double in size. “What,” he uttered.

Grinning, I continued. “I want to take you somewhere.”

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