Page 29 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

But as I zipped up my bag, that same traitorous thought wormed its way into my mind. Was it really just a job to him? The way he'd touched me, looked at me… it felt like more.

I shook my head, dispelling the dangerous notion. This was Abrahim Ustinov—notorious player, known for his charm and his brutality in equal measure. I couldn't afford to read too much into his actions.

Taking a deep breath, I cast one last look around my apartment. It felt like I was leaving more than just a space behind.

"It's temporary," I reminded myself firmly. "Just until this blows over."

With that, I squared my shoulders and headed for the door, trying to ignore the feeling that I was walking into something I wasn't prepared for.

***

I stepped out of my apartment building, the weight of my packed bag suddenly feeling much heavier than it should. Abe'seyes locked onto me immediately, his posture straightening as I approached. Without a word, he held out his hand for my bag, our fingers brushing as he took it. A jolt of electricity shot through me at the contact, and I quickly pulled my hand away.

"All set?" Abe asked, his voice low and rough.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The air between us felt thick with unspoken words and lingering tension from our earlier… encounter. Abe's piercing gaze roamed over me as if checking for any sign of distress.

"You okay, Pippa?" he prodded, a hint of concern creeping into his tone.

I forced a smile, aiming for nonchalance. "Just peachy. Nothing like an impromptu sleepover to spice up a girl's week, right?"

Abe's lips twitched, amusement briefly lightening his features. "That's one way to look at it. Come on, let's get you settled."

As we drove through the city, my mind raced with possibilities of what awaited me. I'd never been to Abe's home before, and my imagination conjured images of a stark, minimalist space—all sleek lines and cold surfaces, much like the man himself.

He looked like a lone wolf. All mysterious and dark. I expected his space to be the same.

"So, what's the house rules?" I asked, aiming for a light tone. "No shoes on the furniture? No touching the priceless art?"

Abe chuckled, the sound sending an unexpected warmth through me. "No rules, Pippa.Mi casa es su casa, as they say."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? I find that hard to believe. The great Abrahim Ustinov, letting some poor thing run wild in his domain?"

His grip tightened on the steering wheel, jaw clenching slightly. "You're not some 'poor thing,' Pippa. You're…" he trailed off, leaving me hanging on his unfinished thought.

I’m what?I wanted to ask, but I remained quiet. Something told me he himself didn’t have an answer to that quite as yet. And if he did, he wasn’t going to give it to me.

***

As we pulled up to Abe's house, my jaw dropped. This wasn't the austere fortress I'd imagined. Instead, a charming craftsman-style home stood before me, its warm brick exterior and inviting porch so different from what I’d conjured in my mind.

"This is… yours?" I stammered, unable to hide my surprise.

Abe's lips quirked into a smirk. "Disappointed it's not a vampire's lair?"

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Just surprised, that's all."

As we stepped inside, the cozy interior enveloped me. Rich hardwood floors, plush area rugs, and walls adorned with what looked like family photos created an atmosphere that was decidedly… homey.

"Abe! You're finally home!" a cheerful voice called out, and I turned to see a tall man with shaggy light blonde hair andidentical eyes as Abe striding toward us. It didn’t take me long to put two and two together.

A member of The Unholy Trinity.I suddenly found myself nervous in their domain.

"And you must be Pippa," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Ivan, Abrahim’s older brother. He called ahead and mentioned you’d be our guest for the unforeseeable future."

I shook his hand and tried not to let my nervousness show. "Nice to meet you, Ivan."

A petite blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman with a radiant smile and the most gorgeous square face appeared beside him. "I'm Adley, Ivan's wife. Welcome to our home, Pippa. And please, you’re welcome here for however long is needed."

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