I noticed the bottom of the dress first. As my gaze followed the red fabric up, I felt my breath catching. My eyes wandered up and down her perfect body. I suddenly felt grateful that I laid my claim on her when I did. I knew that the feeling of relief wasn’t right, but I couldn’t help myself.

Stepping back to the door, I opened it as she approached. I was speechless. Never in my life had I seen such a beauty, and she was mine. Grinning, I sprinted past her and shoved the valet out of the way, holding the car door open. I watched her intently as she moved. We were only going to see our operations, but she was surely a perfect match for me.

She was the queen of these Bratva operations, and it showed. Her movements were graceful, and her smile wasperfect. She was astonishing. As she slid into the car, Mila gave me a slight glare.

I felt inspired and knew today would make a difference in how she saw me. I planned on starting at the factory. Then, moving to our shipping operations and ending with one of our gambling houses. By the time we got to the gambling house, I knew it would be later.

This would be the perfect time at the casino before it got busy. But it would also be lit up for the evening. Mila sat quietly, looking out the window as I drove. I wondered what she was thinking. Deciding not to upset her in any way, I didn’t ask.

Pulling into the parking area, I spoke softly. “This is our factory operations; here, we sort and pack orders for shipment to clients.”

Mila nodded and gave me a small smile as we got out. We entered the large building through the receiving doors. Mila greeted everyone we passed. Anton and Abram met us in the office. Abram greeted Mila eagerly. “Hi, how are you?”

“Good, thanks, and you?” Mila responded as he pulled her into a light hug.

Anton nodded, grumbling under his breath. Mila ignored his abruptness towards her and greeted him in a friendly tone. “Hi, Anton.”

Walking around the desk, I went to his side to check on the papers he was holding up. “These just require a signature,” he mumbled.

Abram stood with Mila at the large window. They were looking down on the factory floor. They were chatting about what was done and where. I signed the papers and returned toher side quickly. “Want to have a walk-through?” I inquired as I placed my hand around her middle.

Mila nodded as she stepped out of my arms, and out the door. Abram walked with us, explaining the operations as we went. The workers greeted us cheerily as we moved through. I stopped twice to talk to two workers who were having personal issues. I noticed her watching me intently as we went.

There were guards at the three entrance doors. Mila stopped at one of the doors to speak to them. I was intrigued to see her interact with most of the people. She greeted them openly as she spoke. “Hi guys, how are you doing? You enjoy the job?”

They smiled back at her and nodded. “Yes, ma’am,” the one said, holding out his hand. After they shook, we returned to the floor.

The area we moved through had long tables. Some had guns spread out with large crates on the ends. The workers were checking the weapons for flaws. They were removing and replacing parts as needed.

I wasn’t sure how much I actually wanted to share with her. Yet, I hoped that the more she learned about me, the easier things would become. I had to show her that I trusted her fully.

A couple of meters ahead, the tables were fitted with scales. The men and women working here were making up baggies for distribution. To the side sat an elderly lady with a clipboard. She was keeping control of the amounts packed and shipped.

On the other side, a woman was seated at a small table. She was reading through a file. Mila strolled over and sat down across from her. “Hi, there,” she said.

The woman looked at her, smiling. “Good afternoon, miss,” she said before glancing at me. I nodded and returned her smile.

Mila caught this interaction and glared at me before talking to the woman again. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, miss,” the woman replied in a friendly manner. “Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering. I noticed you sitting here alone.”

“I am just resting a bit, miss; the boss doesn’t care if we do. He encourages us to rest regularly. He cares well for us. Some days are harder, and others more fun.”

I noticed Mila considering her words. She reached across the table and squeezed the worker’s hands before getting up. “Nice to meet you,” Mila said before walking on.

As we headed to the last section, I wondered what was going on. She appeared more interested in the workers than the operations.

From there, we headed out to the warehouse at the docks. We ran our shipments from there. Abram also met us there as it was part of his responsibilities. Once we were done there, night had started settling in.

As we pulled out to the docks, Mila spoke softly. “Where does Tasha work?”

“She operates from the casino we are heading to.” Glancing at Mila, I was glad she and Tasha seemed to have made friends.

Soon, I could see the casino coming into view. We owned a couple, but this one was our main casino. “Akim also works from here,” I added as we pulled into the parking area. The placewas lit up as I had anticipated. Looking at Mila, I could see she was surprised. “It’s our pride this one,” I said, getting out.

We stood for a moment as I allowed her to take it all in. We headed up the half-round stairs that led to the main entrance. To each side was a fountain surrounded by rainbow flowerbeds. The lighting lit up the entire parking area and everything around it.