Page 35 of Kidnapped Bratva Virgin

Our arrangement stood for Raven’s Peak. I didn’t go back on my word. Ava will receive a percentage as operations get underway, and we are almost there, clearing the way for mining permits and other bullshit had been a problem until they realized who I was. Mysteriously, all the permits required began to come through very quickly.

Sentimental feelings are what made me lose my head in the first place, and for a moment I got lost in them. I blink, removing the glaze of nostalgia from my eyes, clearing my throat.

“Are you okay?” Cara comforts as I stare at her coldly, because in reality she could never replace Ava, but she does try.

“I’m fine. Nothing to worry about,” I reply, not caring if I’ve convinced her or not. “Look, the entrée is on the way.” I redirect Cara to the food arriving, and to my relief the song gently fades away. It’s five-star quality as usual, and thecompany at the table is respectable, and I know every man at the table inside and out. Most of them are stuffy rich people with hidden—sometimes open motives. They’re wrapped up in their own worlds of politics, deceit, money, and private trivial dramas, and the one person who gave me enough strength to stomach it was Ava.

With her sweet candor and innocent view of the world, she somehow was able to help me coax enjoyment out of these events.

“Why is caviar such a delicacy? Isn’t it just fish eggs?”

Amused, attending a business expo event together, I’d laughed, but other associates had given Ava a dressing down for not knowing what it was.

“Yes. It’s a delicacy, because it’s rare. Like you.”I kissed the place behind her ear, finding out it was a spot that got her hot, knowing she would be squirming at the table until we got home that night.

“I do like it, it’s different, but it’s not as filling as a hot pastrami sandwich hear Broadway.”

“No. It’s not.”And it was those types of statements that reminded me of a real, normal life in Chicago. She wasn’t from the sheltered high-flying life that I lived, and that’s why she was refreshing to be around. She gave me the opportunity to see life with color. I stand up for a minute wanting to stretch my legs and to get a grip on my mind.

Other men at the table have the same idea after the entrée, taking the opportunity to mingle with other guests at the neighboring tables. Cara stands with me, her eyes longingly wanting to connect with mine, but Ava stole that romantic part of me, and I don’t necessarily want it back. My answer is a cool smile as she slides her hand around my waist. I stare at herfor a moment, wondering how long she’s been brainwashed into acting in certain ways in order to have what she wants.

Not Ava. She had principles that she was willing to fight for. Or that’s what she had me believe in the beginning, and she wasn’t afraid to fight me over things. Cara only ever agreed with my plans.“If that’s what you think is best,”is always her response, and I’m sick to death of it.

Ava. Ava. Ava. Apparently, I wasn’t enough for her, and she wanted more than I could give. I slide Cara’s arm out from around my waist as she lays her head on my shoulder. She’s getting too close, and that’s not something I’m going to allow.

“Honestly, sometimes, I don’t know what you want,” Cara says in a quiet voice, but I remain stoic. Silent.

Taking a seat again, Cara’s ashen face reveals a flash of sadness, but she has her own personal motivation for her jewelry and accessories line, wanting me to bolster it through my connections to the Chicago media outlets. Her father might know them, but he doesn’t have the same relationship with them as I do. Marrying me is merely a beneficial power play, and one her father is aware of. If she ever wants the relationship to end, all she has to do is say the word. I don’t give a fuck.

The main course arrives as the event begins, the founder arriving on stage as they explain the auction process and bring out the board to keep a tally of the profits being raised. I know for a fact all the profits aren’t going to where they say they are. A third of them are being skimmed by the Bratva and coming right back into our pockets. Hence, why I donate a large amount only to receive it back double. It has the added benefit of giving me a “good name” in philanthropy circles, as well as the access to who I can corrupt and do business with in the future.

It’s the way of the Bratva. During the main course any thoughts of Ava thin out, and Viktor, who’s seated to the left of me whispers in my ear.

“Don’t forget we have an early flight out to L.A. tomorrow.”

“Ah, I forgot; I’ve been buried under paperwork at my desk lately.”

“Yes. I know, because I’m the one doing the burying,” he quips, cocking an eyebrow at me. Smirking, I clap him on the back.

“That’s right. I hate you. Remind me to deduct it from your wages,” I say to him sarcastically, noting Cara’s found somebody else at the table to engage with. Good. It takes the pressure off me entertaining her.

“I’m going to need a raise after our meeting tomorrow with Anatoly Petrov. He’s going to be a huge credit to our business, you understand, right?”

“I do indeed. Petrov Energy could be another solid investment for Raven’s Peak. I trust Anatoly enough to consider giving him a stake in the property. Especially if he can do what he claims he can.”

“Yes. And that’s the part we want to confirm. Can he do what he claims? Interesting enough, right?” Viktor proposes.

“Yes. L.A. here we come.”

Chapter Nineteen - Ava

“That’s it. One more arm to go and then you can eat breakfast.” I don’t know why I brushed Ethan’s hair given I’m just going to pull the Sonic the Hedgehog windbreaker over his head, only to have to recomb it, but I’ve got one sole objective for the morning and that’s getting Ethan to sit up at the table and eat.

“Mommy.Stay. Mommy! I want to go to the park,” Ethan moans as I smile at the growing boy, his legs strong and sturdy, his perfect face stuck in a manipulative pout. He’s the spitting image of Dimitri with sprinkles of me included. He’s got the same penetrating eyes as Dimitri, his cheekbones, and my nose and lips. His physical body is all Dimitri, and it’s obvious, he’s going to be tall. He’s already above average height for his age, and if he keeps on growing, I’m going to need a bigger apartment for him to run around in. The kid has too much energy, and I can’t keep up.

“Hey,” I tell him as I hit the mark, sliding the windbreaker down, his sandy blond mohawk flattening some. I spike it back up, kissing the boy’s head. “You can go to the park today with Emily.”

Emily has been a godsend in my life and since I’ve moved to L.A. I don’t know what I would do without her. The pace of life here is frenetic, and L.A. traffic is disgusting, but it’s home for us. For now. “Emily! She’s coming today?”

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