Page 2 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

He sat down across from me, clasping his hands together. "I've been thinking about the future of the casino, and I've decided it's time for me to step back and focus on some new ventures."

My heart skipped a beat. For a brief moment, I felt nervous, almost afraid.

While the casino worked under legal licenses, I was aware of Vlad’s other illegal dealings. I had initially joined this company completely unaware, but over the years, there were signs and paper trails that showed up. For a while, I pretended not to know, but after Vlad got married to Mariana, she became involved, and with the keen eye she had, she figured out I knew more than I let on. They both sat me down and told me all they could about being the Bratva. I was free to leave, they said, if the situation made me uncomfortable. But there never was any reason.

However, trouble sometimes arrived at our door, and Vlad handled it quietly. As his direct under-command, I worried about what would happen if such a situation arose again. How would I have handled it?

My voice betrayed my fear. "I’m prepared to do what it takes, Vlad,” I said quietly. “But…what does that mean for us? For the casino?"

Vlad leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine. "Pippa, you've been an invaluable asset to this company. I have no doubt that you can handle the challenges ahead. I want you to take on more responsibility, to be my eyes and ears when I'm not around."

I nodded, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through me. "I'm honored, Vlad. I won't let you down. I'm ready to prove myself."

He smiled, the warmth returning to his eyes. "I know you won't, Pippa. You've always been a hard worker, and I have complete faith in your abilities.”

I nodded, overwhelmed by his faith in me. My eyes wandered to the picture on my desk of us on my birthday last year—Vlad, Mariana, and their daughter. For them, I would work harder than ever to ensure the success of the casino, and to make Vlad and Mariana proud.

Thinking the conversation was done with, I reached for some papers subconsciously to get started on work when Vlad cleared his throat.

"Pippa, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you," he said.

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Of course, Vlad. What is it?"

He took a deep breath as if steeling himself for my reaction. “There will be some changes, and I know you'll handle them with grace and professionalism. However, I've decided to bring in someone I trust to oversee the casino operations in my absence. This whole operation would require a little more than your capable hands, given our other dealings.”

A mix of emotions washed over me—surprise, curiosity, and a hint of apprehension. I had always been Vlad's right-hand woman, and the thought of someone else stepping into that role was unsettling. But I was also touched that Vlad cared to ensure I wasn’t thrown into the deep end. And besides, I trusted Vlad's judgment and knew he would never bring in someone who couldn't handle the job.

"I see," I said, keeping my voice calm and even. "And who might this person be?"

“A trusted man who does odd jobs for our family. He’s good. And he’s waiting in my office as we speak. I’d like to make introductions straight away.”

"Of course, Vlad," I said, standing up immediately. "I appreciate your trust in me."

He patted my shoulder affectionately as I joined his side. "You've earned it, Pippa. I couldn't ask for a better person to have by my side during this transition."

With that, we left my office and headed to his.

***

Vlad swung the door open, motioning at me to enter first. I strode in and saw a man sitting on a chair. Rather, I saw the broadest shoulders I’d ever seen.

Vlad shut the door behind me, and the man turned in his seat. The first thing I noticed was his piercing gaze. His eyes glued right onto me, all blue-grey and dazzling. For a brief second, my breath hitched in my throat as I took in the sight of him. Tall, his one arm placed casually across the backrest of the chair. His dark brown hair was styled to perfection, not a single strand out of place, and his beard, cut close to the skin, was shaped to accentuate every sharp angle in that strong jawline.

He looked like he was straight out of a magazine cover or something.

“Abrahim,” Vlad said from behind. His voice jerked me into the present because I swear I’d forgotten he was even in the room.

Abrahim gave a single nod of acknowledgment, his eyes never straying away from my face, and I felt the heat creep down my neck. I blinked, forcing myself to look to my side, to where Vlad stood.

Vlad led me toward the chair beside Abrahim and took his seat across the table. It took everything in me to not look toward the handsome stranger sitting beside me. But, my eyes flickered to his arm. His shirt was rolled up to his elbows, and through that tattooed skin, I could see every strong vein. It was clear he worked outhard.

“I thought it would be wise for you both to meet each other,” Vlad explained, leaning forward. I looked at my boss, not trusting myself to stare at Abrahim. “Pippa Burrows has worked with us for a long time now, and I think it would be good for you to be in contact with her while you run this place. She knows it like the back of her hand. Pippa, Abrahim Ustinov is an excellent resource to have around here.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw his scrutinizing gaze lingering on me, his lips quirking up in a half-smirk that made my pulse quicken. "Pleasure to meet you, Pippa." His voice was low and smooth, sending shivers down my spine. I managed to look at him and push out a polite smile, trying to push down the unexpected flutter in my stomach.

"Likewise," I replied, trying to keep my tone professional despite the intense heat that seemed to radiate from him. It was as if his mere presence demanded attention and commanded the space around him.

What he said next stumped me. “I’m sure Ms. Burrows is very good at her job, but I don’t think I’ll be needing much assistance around here, will I Vlad? I know this place inside out.” He gave Vlad a grin.

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