Page 20 of Bought By the Bratva

Our lips glided over each other as we got lost in the kiss. I felt her fingers sliding around my side as she pulled me closer. Taking hold of her ass, I squeezed gently. She was the sweetest forbidden fruit I had ever tasted, and I wanted more.

Nadia gasped, parting her lips slightly. Taking advantage of this, I slipped my tongue into her mouth. Taking hold of her neck, I leaned her back as my kiss grew in intensity. It felt like she was the only source of life, and I had to have her.

I felt her hands drifting to my waist and slowly making their way to the front of my jeans. Pulling back to catch mybreath, I knew I had to stop. Nadia looked at me, stunned for a second, as I grabbed her hands. Then, as if she had come to the same conclusion, she lightly pushed me back and headed for the bathroom.

We had no right to do this. I had no right even if she was playing the same game. I felt guilt crawling in as my mind cleared. I was vulnerable and thankful. But this couldn’t happen.

Yet, I wanted her. She had taken care of me. She could have left me to bleed out. Maybe she was feeling the same way? No, I couldn’t think this way. I was a Dubow and we knew her reason for being here.

Pulling out the kitchen chair, I sat down. My shoulder felt like it was on fire. Looking at it, I noticed the blood seeping through the bandage. I have opened the wound. Looking up, I saw Nadia rushing back with the half-empty medical kit.

Sighing, I reminded myself not to be so reckless. I was still weak and vulnerable. As she worked at cleaning my shoulder and stopping the bleeding, I found it hard to believe that she could hurt me. She was so gentle and kind. Seeing her as part of the enemy was becoming harder to do.

Once I felt sure the wound would hold, I started looking for my phone. Heading back outside, I found it in some bushes by the steps where I had collapsed. I called my guards to come and fetch us and hoped the family hadn’t been looking for us.

At home, I called my doctor to come and remove the bullet. I had to keep this incident under wraps for a while longer. The family couldn’t know what was happening. They would blame her family. Yet, I wasn’t sure it was them.

I had to create a cover. Once the doctor left, I picked up my phone and called the only person I could depend on.

“Tasha,” I said as she answered. “I’m staying home this week; can I ask you to forward all my emails and calls to my home office?”

“Why, what’s wrong?” she whispered.

Laughing, I pretended that all was fine. “Nothing, I just need some time with Nadia,” I replied.

“Okay, if, you’re sure.” She questioned. I could hear a hint of suspicion in her tone, but knew she wouldn’t just show up. My brothers on the other hand would.

“Yeah, thanks, I’ll see you next week. Love you, sis,” I added before hanging up. It would be a day or two, then I could return. But I wanted to be sure the wound was concealable before seeing my family again.

Chapter 12 - Nadia

I had mixed feelings as I got ready for our dinner. First, I couldn’t decide what to wear, then I battled getting my hair to fall into place and for some odd reason, I felt nervous. In a short time, we had been through a lot.

I had a mission, a job to do. I knew who he was and his family. I couldn’t allow my feelings to cloud my judgment. Yet, I had never felt this way before and it was messing with my harmony. He was so kind and understanding as well.

But since the shooting, Abram appeared broody. At times even slightly angry and I had no idea why. I hoped he didn’t think it was my cousin’s. They would never put me in danger no matter what happened. I just couldn’t tell him that.

It was unlike the man I had gotten to know. He had never appeared moody. I felt sure something was bothering him. Standing up from the vanity, I turned and inspected my look. Yes, I was sure I was done.

Heading down, I found Abram waiting for me. “Sorry I took so long,” I said softly as he walked to the door.

“No problem,” he replied over his shoulder, not even stopping. I followed him out to the car, where one of the guards was waiting. He didn’t even bother to open my door, the guard did. Something was definitely wrong.

I got in and thanked the guard. The drive to the restaurant was quick and silent. I felt like an intruder suddenly and didn’t appreciate it. But I would get to the bottom of it. As we sat down, he ordered a bottle of semi-sweet red wine, my favorite.

“Abram,” I said softly as the waiter left. He sat staring at me but didn’t reply. The waiter returned. He opened the bottle, poured some into a glass, and held it out. Abram rolled the wine before tasting it. He nodded before the waiter poured a glass for me as well.

Taking a sip, I tried again. “Abram, talk to me. What is bothering you?”

He sipped some wine and placed the glass down. Looking deep into my eyes, he spoke calmly.

“Tell me more about your cousins. You said no one ever took a bullet for you, and you weren’t sure they ever would. What’s your relationship like with them then?”

Caught off guard by his question, I tried to play it off. “Well…,” I replied, trying to formulate my thoughts. “I only meant that it wasn’t something people generally do for others.”

The waiter returned, asking if we were ready to order. I was glad for the distraction. Abram ordered a meat platter for two and a sweet platter for dessert. The waiter nodded and left.

Abram leaned closer as I spoke. I could see he was listening intently to me. It felt more like he was hanging on every word. Shifting in my chair, I glanced down at my glass. No one has ever truly listened when I spoke. It felt good to be heard.

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