Page 48 of Paid for By the Bratva

“Touché,” Denis notes while Denis puts a hand over his heart in pretend pain. Boris, Nikolai, and Ivan laugh.

As for me? I sit there stunned. Who is this creature, and why the hell has she taken so long to emerge from the shadows? I'm utterly captivated, like a moth drawn to her flame. I want to pull her into my arms and kiss those smirking lips, but I know I'll have to be patient.

"Really?" Abram protests, looking between Lara and me with curiosity. "You're doing Dima's paperwork now?"

"Someone has to keep things organized," Lara replies coolly, meeting her brother's gaze without flinching.

"We need her," I chime in, my voice firm. "Lara has proven herself to be invaluable to our operations."

“Well, yes,” Abram clears his throat. “But our family business could use hands on deck, too.”

“I guess you didn’t ask in time,” Lara shuts him down by stating the obvious. Abram frowns and tilts his head as though he’s trulyseeinghis sister for the first time.

I’ve never felt prouder of Lara for standing up for herself and what she wants.

“Alright, gentlemen,” Nikolai calls the table to attention. “Shall we begin?”

As the meeting drones on, I find my gaze drawn back to her again and again. She sits with perfect posture, listening intently and interjecting occasionally with insightful comments.

When the time comes to discuss the performance of the nightclubs the alliance has invested in, my gaze returns to Lara as she stands confidently, ready to address the group.

“Recently…” Her eyes dance over me quickly, without giving our secret away, “there have been security breaches at the clubs. One wrong incident and our clientele would be afraid to visit.”

“What happened?” Nikolai asks, leaning forward.

My heart stammers, praying she won’t let my brother know the fight I got into. “Nothing of serious concern,” Lara covers for me, and I sigh with relief. “Some ruffians showed up unannounced. Tried to harass the girls. Everyone was safe.”

“Oh, thank god,” Boris says.

"Nevertheless, we need to address the security of our clubs," Lara announces, her voice steady and assertive. "We have some powerful clients, and bouncers aren’t enough to cut it, even if the Bratva trains them. One way to enhance it would be to implement separate exits and entries for staff and guests."

I can see some eyebrows raise in curiosity, and Mikhail speaks up. "Why do you think that's necessary?"

"By having separate entrances, we can reduce the chances of clients interacting with employees outside the club, which keeps employees safe," Lara explains, her tone patient but firm.

“Besides that, we need to remove addresses from the public domain. All members shall reach out to concierge service to know where the clubs are located in the cities they visit. This keeps non-members away from our establishments. I’ve observed the general public often drops in and tries to enter, thinking our clubs are open for all.”

More than once, her suggestions impress us all. Separate entrances for staff versus patrons in the club are clever. Requiring fingerprint scans for entry and exits for both employees and club members could significantly bolster security and ensure we know exactly who is where and when. She has a knack for spotting vulnerabilities and shoring them up. It's a skill I lack and one that will prove invaluable as our empire expands. The sound of clapping startles me back to the present as the meeting comes to a close, leaving everyone to contemplate Lara's proposals.

The more I observe her unwavering confidence and strategic thinking, the more I realize just how valuable she is to our organization. Her brothers treated her like an ornament at first, but she's proven herself a true partner, and they start to ask her opinions on matters they’re in charge of.

As the meeting wraps up, triumph lights up Lara's face. She can tell her ideas were well received. Under the table, she playfully runs her foot along my leg. My pulse jumps at her brazen touch.

We make our excuses and head for the car.

***

As soon as the doors close, Lara is on me.

"Looks like someone's feeling bold today," I tease her, turning in her direction.

"I thought you liked that about me," she whispers, her fingers tracing a slow, teasing path up my leg.

“I do, amongst other things,” I chuckle. “You definitely got my attention today. You were brilliant in there.”

“Shh,” she whispers, taking my face in her hands and bringing her lips mere inches away from mine. “Less talking, more kissing.”

And who am I to deny her wish? My hands find their place on her waist, pulling her closer. My lips find hers, soft and smooth, and Lara’s fingers tangle in my hair, tugging slightly as she gets more ferocious.

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