Page 9 of Accidentally Knocked Up By the Bratva

"Nothing, Brother," he replies casually, though the glint in his eyes tells me otherwise. "I just didn't know you were into so into art now."

I shoot him a warning look, trying to keep my tone light. "I’ve always liked art, Vladimir. I'm simply expanding my horizons."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Expanding your horizons or expanding your interests in Zara?"

I freeze, the accusation hitting me like a physical blow. "What do you mean?"

Vladimir shrugs, his gaze piercing through me. "I mean, don't play dumb, Abram. I saw the way you were looking at her. The way you were hanging onto her every word."

My jaw tightens at his implication. Vladimir has always been too perceptive for his own good. "You're reading too much into it. Zara is a professional, and I respect her expertise."

"Uh-huh," Vladimir says, unconvinced. "Just be careful, Brother. You know how these things can get messy. Does she know what you do for… a living? I doubt she dreamt of someday romancing it up with a guy in the Bratva.”

I grit my teeth at his words, the reminder of my dangerous world clashing with the image of Zara's innocence in my mind. "She doesn't need to know that side of me," I answer sharply. “And besides, it’s strictly professional. Anything else is just fun and games. She is a beautiful woman. It’d be a waste not to have a little fun while we’re at it, isn’t it now?”

“If you say so,” Vladimir says after a pause. “But you know how these things go. You let someone in, and suddenly they're a liability."

I resist the urge to snap back a retort, knowing Vladimir means well, but his concerns are unwarranted. Zara is different. She's innocent, untainted by the darkness that surrounds me. And I intend to keep it that way.

"I appreciate your concern, Brother," I say, my voice calm but firm. "But there's nothing to worry about. This is business and harmless fun, nothing more."

Vladimir studies me for a moment before nodding, apparently satisfied with my answer. "All right, just be careful. I'll see myself out."

Vladimir leaves, and I find myself standing there, mentally berating myself for reducing her toharmless fun.But what other choice did I have? I haven’t been able to make sense of how I feel about her.

She’s the last person I think of before I sleep and the first I think to call when I wake. My days are brighter with her in them; my time flows faster when she’s near me. I feel like I’m one step closer to conquering a summit when she lets slip a small detail about her private life.

Zara is all I think of, to the point of obsession.

And that’s not something I can confess.

Chapter 4 - Zara

We hang the final painting and step back. The living room is transformed, each piece perfectly in sync. The house is complete.

"We did it!" I turn to Abram, grinning.

His gray eyes soften with a smile. "And a terrific job at that. Come here."

Before I can react, he pulls me into a bear hug. My heart races as I sink into his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of leather and spice. For a brief, stolen moment, I imagine what it would be like if this meant something more.If he wasn’t my client.

Reality hits—I realize this is the end. Our two months of work, the stolen glances, the accidental touches that left my heart racing—over.

I pull away—not because I’m flustered, but because I need to take control. "I should go. It’s late."

"Nonsense," Abram’s deep voice sends a shiver through me. "Stay for dinner. We should toast to our success."

I know exactly what he’s doing. There’s something more between us, and we both feel it. And I truly ought to run from that. I meet his gaze steadily. "I don’t know..."

"Please, Zara." His gaze softens. "Let me thank you properly. After all, we're friends."

Friends. The word hangs between us like a challenge. I could say no, but why should I? I’ve worked hard, kept my professional boundaries intact, and I trust myself to navigate this.

“Just dinner?” I ask, though I already know the answer. One last moment. I see no reason to say no if I’ll allow it on my terms.

Abram's lips twitch. "And maybe some wine."

“Wouldn’t be a complete meal without it,” I reply, smiling.

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