Page 51 of Paid for By the Bratva

"For the whole weekend." I kiss his cheek and push open the car door.

We climb out of the vehicle and are greeted by the captain, who welcomes us aboard. Dima shakes the man's hand, glancing around the teak deck and gleaming fixtures in obvious awe.

Once the captain explains the rules and amenities and introduces us to the staff, Dima pops open a bottle of champagne and pours me a glass. "You have to tell me what's going on. How did you pull this off?"

"I had help," I admit. "Sofia and Natalia helped me plan out every last detail, and you owe them a big thank you. I wanted to do something special for you. A weekend at sea, just the two of us."

"You're incredible." He pulls me close, kissing me deeply. "Thank you,Zolotse."

"You're welcome." I smile up at him, heart full at being calleddarling.A first. "Now, are we ready to set sail for our adventure?"

"With you by my side, I'm ready for anything."

Dima's hand finds mine as we stand at the railing, watching the shoreline fade into the distance. The yacht glides through the waves, carrying us away from the chaos of normal life into our own private paradise.

***

The butler serves us fresh lobster, clams, and salad on the aft deck as the sun dips lower in the sky, staining the sea with vibrant shades of pink and orange.

The wind blows just right, and I’m high on life itself.

Dima lifts his glass. "To new adventures and beautiful sunsets. I’m so glad you did this. I just realized we never really have adventures together."

“You’re right,” I nod along, digging into my lobster. “And we’re so young.” Then, slyly, I look up at him and wink. “I mean,I’mso young.”

Dima’s eyes widen, and then he guffaws. “Watch yourself, Zolotov,” he warns playfully.

“Oh? So I’m a Zolotov now, am I?”

“Only when you misbehave.”

“Orlov,” I say, leaning over and giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Always an Orlov.”

He smiles, and the way his eyes crinkle in the bright sun melts my heart.

Next, Dima tries to pry open his lobster, but just then, the pliers fly out of his hand, clattering to the floor. Without a thought, I clamp my hands to my mouth, trying to hold back the laughter.

“You devil, you,” he laughs, sliding the plate over to me. I deshell the lobster for him and slide the plate back.

“What would you do without me?” I joke.

Suddenly, he turns serious, tilting his head just a little. “Nothing, Lara. I don’t know how I survived without you.”

The moment turns sweet and tender, and I put my cutlery down, swabbing at the sides of my mouth. “You didn’t ask why I did this, did you?”

“Why?” His voice comes out hoarse.

“Because I don’t know how I survived without you, Dima,” I admit with honesty. “You taught me to live for myself, gave me the confidence I so needed to navigate life, as well as the boardroom. With you, I feel like a different person altogether.”

His gaze softens, and he takes my hands in his, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. I did what any man should do for the woman he cares about. You were always capable, Lara. I only helped you see it for yourself." His words wash over me like a soothing balm, warming my heart more than any sunny day ever could.

We talk and laugh, savoring every bite of the delicious food and each other's company. By the time we finish dessert wine, evening has fallen, and the stars are emerging one by one in the velvet sky.

Dima pulls me to my feet, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Dance with me?"

I nestle against him, swaying gently to the soft music playing over the yacht's sound system. "This is perfect."

"You're perfect," he murmurs, lips brushing my temple. "Thank you for this gift. For always knowing exactly what I need."

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