Page 20 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

My mind was racing, piecing together the implications of what Pippa had witnessed. This wasn't just some petty drug deal gone wrong. No, this reeked of a larger operation because had it been an innocent exchange, Tony wouldn’t have come after Pippa with the intention to kill. Whatever he was up to, whoever he was involved with, could potentially threaten the Vadims' interests—and now, Pippa's safety.

I glanced at Pippa, her curvaceous form huddled in the passenger seat, and made a silent vow. Whoever was behind this would pay dearly for hurting her. The Unholy Trinity didn't take kindly to threats, and I'd show them exactly why I was the muscle of our operation.

"You did good, Sweetheart," I said, my voice low and reassuring. "Real good. We'll figure this out."

"Abe?" Pippa's voice was small, uncertain. "What's going to happen now?"

I reached over and took her hand. She flinched and moved it away. I felt a stab in my heart, but what was I thinking? She couldn’t just forget the damage I caused, the life I took.

Instead of dwelling on what felt like rejection, I cleared my throat and looked straight ahead, giving her an answer. "Now, we keep you safe.”

“No.” She spoke with such fierceness, that I almost forgot she was just stabbed. “What will you do to protect the Vadims? They could be in trouble, Abe. You must get to the bottom of this.”

I kept my eyes on her, realizing in that moment that she was truly something special. Even after taking a knife to the shoulder, she cared first for the Vadims.

“You’re right. Now,” I told her quietly. “I call my brothers.”

I pulled out my phone, my fingers flying over the screen as I dialed. The call connected after two rings, and I wasted no time.

"Ivan, Vlad, conference now," I barked, putting the call on speaker. "We've got a situation."

"What's going on, Abe?" Ivan's voice crackled through, concern evident.

I glanced at Pippa, who was watching me like a hawk. "Vlad Vadim’s most trusted employee witnessed something she shouldn't have. A guy called Tony’s involved with an unknown player. I need you two to dig deep and find out who this stranger is. Dark hair, scar on his left cheek. Bald. They were talking of the Vadims and exchanged a package. I killed Tony."

"Christ," Vlad muttered. "How bad is it?"

"Bad enough," I growled. "Pippa's been stabbed. Minor, but it could've been worse. The other guy ran off. I want everything you can find on this guy, and something tells me it could be those Italians—the Pietros. With Ivan Vadim no longerlooking after operations, they might consider the casino as their personal playground for vengeance."

“That’s a good lead,” my brother Vlad said.

“We’ve been hearing whispers of them being all up in our business over the past few weeks,” Ivan said.

"Let’s start there" I reiterated and ended the call.

"Your brother’s called Vlad too?” Pippa asked when I ended the call.

“You don’t miss a thing, do you?” I grinned, realizing just how sharp she was.

***

Five minutes later, I guided Pippa into the safehouse, my hand hovering at the small of her back. Even now, I could feel the slight tremor in her body. Once inside, I flicked on the lights and led her to the living room.

"Sit," I instructed, gesturing to the plush sofa. "I'll grab the first aid kit."

When I returned, Pippa was perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes darting around the room. I knelt before her, setting the kit on the coffee table.

"I need to take a look at that shoulder," I said, my voice softer than usual. "Is it okay if I…?"

She nodded, biting her lower lip. I gently peeled back her blouse, revealing the angry red gash. My jaw clenched at the sight, but I forced my hands to remain steady.

"It's not too deep," I murmured, cleaning the wound with practiced efficiency. "You won't need stitches."

As I worked, I found myself hyper-aware of Pippa's every breath, every slight movement. Her skin was soft under my calloused fingers, warm.

"You're good at this," Pippa said quietly, breaking the silence.

I chuckled. "Occupational hazard. You pick up a few things in my line of work."

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