Page 30 of Paid for By the Bratva

“Can you have a plan for us by next week?” Boris asks, breaking the silence.

Her brothers, now silent, exchange impressed looks. This was the chance Lara needed to prove herself.

“I can,” she replies confidently. “I’ll include plans for world-class dining, live entertainment, and upscale retail spaces, ensuring every guest has everything they need. The rental from retail spaces will help fund these improvements.”

Nikolai’s thoughtful gaze lingers. "Sounds ambitious, but I like it. It’s fresh, bold, and promising."

“Thank you,” Lara says triumphantly, taking her seat.

I grasp her hand under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She’s succeeded in proving her worth—to her brothers, to the alliance, and to herself.

As the meeting ends, I steal a glance at Lara. Her eyes shine with newfound confidence.

"Congratulations, Lara," I say softly. "You were incredible."

“Thank you, Dima,” she replies, her cheeks flushing. “I couldn’t have done it without your support.”

We walk to the car together in silence, her confidence evident in her stride. I glance at her, noting how her satin blouse clings to her curves, how her skirt fits perfectly.

She looks stunning, ready to conquer the world. A surge of possessive tenderness washes over me. This fierce, beautiful woman is mine, and together, we’ll build an enduring empire.

Once in the car, I put the key in, ready to start. But then, I feel a soft touch on my arm that sends a searing pleasure through me. I look up with a drawn breath to find her beautiful black eyes fixed on mine as they dance from one to another in rapid, quick motion.

We sit there like that, the air between us thickening with tension, until she finds the words. I don’t move away; I don’t say a word, not wanting her to pull back. Her touch burns into me, and I feel a groan forming in the back of my throat, wishing she’d slide it up, down my neck.

"Dima," she says quickly, her eyes darting away from mine. "I never thought I'd be able to stand up to my brothers like that."

I reach over and hold her chin, gently sliding my finger over it as I make her look at me again. “You should do it more often,” I whisper, staring intently at her as the color rushes to her cheeks. “It’s a good look on you,” I confess, knowing well she won’t know I’m talking about how pretty she looks right now.

"Thanks to you," she murmurs.

I can see the gratitude in her eyes, and it sends a shiver down my spine. There's something so raw and vulnerable about this moment—about the way she's opening herself up to me—and I can't deny that it stirs something deep within me.

"Anytime," I tell her, my voice barely more than a whisper.

As we sit there, side by side in the car, the silence stretches on—heavy with all the things we want to say but don't know how to express. I can feel the heat of her body next to mine, and it takes every ounce of self-control I possess not to reach out and touch her.

She reaches out, her fingers trembling as they take hold of mine. "No, really, Dima…I can't thank you enough. You have no idea how much this means to me."

I’m at a loss for words, itching to pull her close. I don’t move, because if I do, it won’t be something she’ll sanction, I fear.

Her eyes lock onto mine, searching for any trace of doubt but finding none. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself, and then suddenly, she's in my arms, hugging me tightly. I lower my nose to her neck, closing my eyes to smell the citrus on her. Her hair, soft and welcoming, itches to be grabbed so I can tilt her head back and nip at that neck. Her body presses against mine, igniting a spark that I fear I’ll be unable to control.

"Today was amazing," she whispers into my ear, her breath hot on my skin.

My body reacts instinctively, wanting to claim her. She pulls away and looks into my eyes. I can’t help but wonder, what if I kissed her? What would it be like to just pull her closer, feel her lips against mine? The thought, tempting and ravishing, stops me from thinking of anything else buther.

Just then, I notice her lips part, her breath coming out in short, small pants. “Dima,” she whispers my name, a word with such longing.

“Fuck,” I moan, knowing well what’s about to happen before it does. The next thing I know, her lips are on mine. I can't believe it.

I can’t resist any longer and clamp my hands through her hair, twisting her neck back, leaning into her. She, all soft and eager, responds with a moan of her own.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer, feeling her body press against mine. She tastes like coffee and chocolate, making me hungry for more. My tongue reaches for the slit of her lips, prepared to fight through, but she parts them for me without restraint, battling for more.

I close my eyes, and I see stars and streaks of light. I’m high on Lara, and like an addict wanting drugs, I’m not quite done yet.

"Is this really happening?" Lara murmurs between kisses, her fingers tangled in my hair.

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