Page 47 of Paid for By the Bratva

"Of course I do," I reply without hesitation.

"Are you sure you want that?" he asks, his voice laced with uncertainty. "It's a dangerous world, and I don't want to drag you down with me."

"Whether I want it or not, we're in this together," I remind him, my resolve unwavering. "And if there's even a chance that I can help make things better for you, for your family—then I have to try."

He smiles faintly, his eyes holding mine as the last of the antiseptic is applied. "Thank you, Lara," he says softly, his words sending a shiver down my spine. "Perhaps it won’t be such a bad idea to talk about what goes on in our everyday operations. But mind you," he chuckles. “You have to promise not to be shocked.”

I nod and gently reach out to caress his cheek. “I won’t be shocked,” I whisper. “Nor will I judge.”

Dima's gaze softens at my touch, an unspoken gratitude passing between us as he leans into my hand. “That, Lara,” he whispers. “Is the kindest thing you could have said.”

"However," he continues, his tone firm, "if at any point you feel overwhelmed or in danger, I want you to promise me that you'll tell me right away. Your safety is more important than anything else."

"Promise," I agree without hesitation, knowing how much it means to him.

I smile and stand back, all done now. Dima rises to look in the mirror before turning to me to take me into his arms, gushing a sweet thank you into my ear. I lean into his hug, my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, which is still racing from all that adrenaline.

"Maybe we should get some rest," I suggest tentatively, unwilling to relinquish the comfort of Dima's arms but knowing that he must be exhausted from the day's events. "We can continue this tomorrow."

Dima hesitates for a moment before nodding his agreement. "That sounds like a good idea." We walk out of the bathroom to my bedroom, and he continues to walk toward the door but I catch his hand, gently urging him back toward me.

"Stay," I whisper, my cheeks warming at the boldness of my request. "Just for tonight. We could both use the company, and it's late anyway."

He studies me for a moment, as if searching for any hint of insincerity. Seemingly satisfied by what he finds, his features soften into a gentle smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Alright," he agrees. I lead him to the bed and fluff up some pillows despite his protests, and soon, he’s reclining back against the plush cushions. I climb in from the other end. Our fingers remain entwined as we settle into a deep sleep.

A few hours later, I wake to see the last of the moonlight casting a soft glow through the curtains. Our breaths mingle, warm and steady, as I feel Dima stir and his strong arm wrap around me, pulling me even nearer. The sensation of his skin against mine sends a shiver down my spine, but not from fear or apprehension. No, this is something different entirely—a connection that transcends mere physicality.

I fall back into a deep, peaceful sleep, leaving only the gentle hum of the air conditioning to fill the room. The world outside fades away, replaced by a serenity that seems almost unreal in its stillness. I’ve never felt more at peace.

Chapter 16 - Dima

I sit at the conference table, impatiently drumming my fingers, waiting for the alliance meeting to start.

The double doors fly open, and my breath catches in my throat. Lara saunters in, wearing a black pantsuit with a plunging neckline that reveals just enough cleavage to drive me wild. Her raven hair cascades over her shoulders in loose curls. She looks like a femme fatale, beautiful and dangerous all at once.

Lara glances my way, and her ruby-red lips curl into a knowing smile. I bow my head just slightly at her in appreciation. I can't tear my eyes off of her. Since when did she start dressing like this?

"Sorry I'm late," she announces, her voice carrying through the room. "I was tied up with some important business."

She moves effortlessly through the crowd, engaging in conversation and eliciting laughter from those around her.

I can feel the eyes of the others following her every move, just as captivated as I am. When she finally takes the seat beside me, I catch a whiff of her intoxicating scent—a mix of jasmine and something uniquely Lara.

"Missed me?" she asks with a playful smirk, leaning in just close enough for me to feel the warmth of her breath on my cheek.

"Of course," I reply, keeping my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest. "A meeting without you is like vodka without ice."

Lara laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She leans back in her chair, crossing her legs and giving me a quick wink before turning her attention to the matters at hand.

"Nice of you to finally join us, little sister," Abram says sarcastically.

Lara rolls her eyes. "Oh please, don't pretend you two are paragons of punctuality. How many meetings have you strolled into halfway through?"

Vladimir scowls but doesn't argue. He knows she's right.

"I was busy finalizing paperwork for Dima’s new club," Lara continues breezily. "You know, actual business matters, not just showing up to hear the minutes."

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