Page 16 of Bought By the Bratva

“But…,” Nadia started saying. Lifting my hand, I silenced her.

“This isn’t optional,” I reiterated.

She blinked, seemingly confused. Nodding, she replied softly. “Okay, that sounds nice.”

“Good,” I replied, dismissing her. I watched as she walked back to her desk. I was looking forward to seducing her, to showing her how things were done. With the date set, I was able to return to my work. I sent the needed emails and made a couple of calls.

Hearing my cell phone ring, I stood up and pulled it out of my pants pocket. Glancing at the screen, I saw Alexandr was calling. I didn’t hesitate to answer, feeling sure he wanted an update. “Hey brother, I have nothing to report yet, sorry,” I said before he could ask.

I heard him chuckle before replying in a light tone. “No, that’s now why I’m calling, but thanks. I'm just letting you know I’ll be out of the country for a bit. There is a man I have to see about business in Moscow. It should take longer than a week. Let me know if anything comes up or you need assistance, but Tasha will also do what she can if required.”

“Oh,” I replied, taken back. I wasn’t used to Alexandr updating me on his business.

“I’m letting you know as Anton will be taking the lead for the time. But Tasha will try and keep things in line. If there is an issue, let me know. Okay? Don’t hesitate to call,” he added.

“No worries, we got this; keep safe and try to enjoy the trip,” I added confidently.

“Yes, thank you,” he replied and hung up. It was strange for him to give me so much detail on his plans. But I felt sure he just wanted me to know I could contact him. Anton might stumble onto things if he started snooping. Which was very possible with him at the helm.

Before I knew it the day had passed. Nadia knocked and smiled as she popped her head around my door. “I think it’s time to leave if you still want to go out,” she said.

Nodding, I got up and walked over. “Sorry, I lost track of time. Thanks for letting me know.”

Pulling my office door closed behind us, we headed home. After a quick shower and changing clothing, I waited for her downstairs. I had made arrangements to isolate the back part of the restaurant so we would have enough space and time for ourselves.

Nadia was a vision to behold as she descended the stairs. My heart started racing as she came towards me. Her pale-rose-colored dress hugged her figure with precision. She had pinned her reddish-brown hair up on the sides with a couple of curls hanging down her face.

It looked like Elizaveta Boyarskaya had stepped out of a portrait or a movie. I had seen a couple of her movies. She was an honored Russian Actress and one of the most beautiful women.

My breath caught in my chest as she came to stand beside me. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Holding my arm out, I waited patiently for her to place her hand on it. Nadia smiled softly. Her bright green eyes sparkled.

All the way to the car, I kept glancing at her. I felt sure if I blinked, she would disappear, and I didn’t want that. Opening the car door, I assisted her in. She deserved to be treated like a lady once in a while. Rounding the car to my side, excitement bubbled up in me.

“So,” I said as the driver took a left head headed to town. “How are you finding the work?”

Nadia smiled warmly at me. Her voice sounded sweeter than usual. I wondered if it was just because my adrenalin was rushing.

“To my surprise, I am actually enjoying it. I love sorting everything and putting them in their correct place. It gives me a strange sense of accomplishment. Not sure why, though.”

Her answer and the sincerity in her tone made me glad. We had barely left the house and gone about six blocks when I noticed the traffic piling up. Checking my watch, I was glad we left earlier, as it appeared we were going to have some delays.

Opening the bar panel, I grabbed a bottle of champagne. It had been chilled and placed in just before we left. Handing her a glass, I smiled as I spoke. “I promised you a celebration, and we don’t need to wait until we reach our destination.”

Nadia tilted the glass sideways, beaming back at me. “It sounds lovely,” she whispered.

Popping the cap, I poured her glass half full. “You are something else, you know that?” I added, picking up my glass. I had barely poured mine and placed the bottle back snugly into the holder when the car swerved sharply.

“Hey,” I huffed at my driver. “What’s going on?”

“Sorry, boss. A car just pulled out of nowhere and almost hit us. I had to turn down a side street,” he replied, looking in the rearview mirror.

Looking back, I noticed two cars seemingly following close behind. Shaking my head, I felt sure I was imagining things. The roads were busier than normal, but there was no indication that someone was coming for us.

Turning my attention back to Nadia, I continued our conversation. “Anyone giving you a hard time at the office?” Shifting closer, I softly stroked her fingers.

“No,” she replied, glancing at the glass in her lap. “Everything is great. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity.”

“Are you having issues with the work,” I added softly. I didn’t want to sound intrusive. I wanted to help her. “I haven’t even asked if you have ever worked as a secretary.”

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