Page 3 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

I jerked my head toward him, eyes widening. Had he truly just said that? This man oozed arrogance.

Vlad cleared his throat, sensing the brewing storm in the room. “Now, Now, Abe. Things have changed since you were here last. There’s always a question or two that could pop up and Pippa here is the right person to help you with that. I trust you will both find a way to work together smoothly—andtogether,you can take this casino to new heights."

I swallowed hard, my anger still simmering beneath the surface. But I knew Vlad was right. As much as I hated to admit it, Abrahim and I would have to find a way to work together if we wanted to succeed.

"Of course, Vlad," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm sure Mr. Ustinov and I will find a way to… cooperate."

But even as the words left my mouth, I couldn't shake the feeling that this man was going to be a thorn in my side.

Abrahim smirked, his eyes glinting with something that looked almost like amusement. "I look forward to it, Miss Burrows."

I plastered on a smile, determined not to let my annoyance show while Vlad still sat across us.

As Vlad and Abrahim continued to discuss the details of the transition, I found myself studying the newcomer, trying to get a read on him. But the whole time, I found myself distracted by the thought that those good looks were a waste on a man this arrogant.

I shook myself mentally, pushing aside the unwelcome attraction. I had worked too hard to let myself be distracted by a pretty face and a cocky attitude. I was here to do a job, and I would do it well, no matter who I had to work with.

As the meeting drew to a close, Vlad stood up and shook Abrahim's hand. "I'll leave you two to get acquainted. Pippa, please show Abe around the casino and bring him up to speed on our operations."

I nodded, my stomach twisting at the thought of spending more time alone with this infuriating man. "Of course, Vlad. I'll make sure he's well-informed."

Abrahim's lips quirked into a smirk as he turned to face me. "Lead the way, Miss Burrows. I'm sure you'll be an excellent guide."

Abrahim's gaze swept across me, as though he was sizing me up, assessing if I was as capable as Vlad led him to believe I was. A smirk played at the corners of his lips, and I had the sudden urge to wipe it off his face.

As we stepped out of Vlad's office, I could feel the tension crackling between us like electricity. I tried to focus on the taskat hand, pointing out the various features of the casino and explaining our day-to-day operations. But every time I glanced at Abrahim, I found him watching me with that same intense gaze, his eyes roaming over my curves in a way that made my skin prickle with heat.

"Impressive," he murmured, but there was a hint of something else in his voice, something that sounded almost like mockery. "And what do you think of the Vadims' other business ventures?"

I paused, my heart skipping a beat. "I'm not sure what you mean, Mr. Ustinov. My role is strictly in the legal side of things."

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Of course, of course. How silly of me to assume otherwise. And please, call me Abe.”

I bristled at his tone of familiarity after he tried to put me down, my temper flaring. “For now, I could manage Abrahim,” I retorted.

“How mighty kind of you,” he drawled, a bite to his tone. I ignored him and pointed ahead. “Come,” I said. “We’ve got a lot of ground to cover.”

By now, I’d realized it was best to keep things professional.

Chapter 2 - Abe

"Everything's under control, Vlad. You worry too much," I said, leaning against the cool marble pillar in a quiet corner of the casino. The familiar weight of my phone pressed against my ear as I surveyed the bustling floor. "Nothing's getting past me."

As I did my job, I couldn’t help but reflect on my long history with the Vadims. They had taken a chance on me and my brothers when we had nothing, giving us purpose, power. They had made us The Unholy Trinity to be feared. More than that, they had become family.

“I know I can count on you, Abe,” Vlad said through the phone. “But I need to know if there’s any trouble at the first hint of it.”

I had tried to placate him multiple times already. Something told me he had trouble letting go of the reins. He had been calling every few hours. “I will, as I said. Now, there’s a ton I need to get a hang of around here. Should we chat later?”

I was about to end the call when Vlad cleared his throat. I pushed the phone closer to my ear. The confident Vlad seemed unsure at that moment. “There’s one more thing, Abe,” he said hesitantly. “Um, I need you to keep a close eye on Pippa.”

“On Pippa?” I frowned, confused by this turn of events. “We don’t trust her?”

“No,” he said, rather quickly. “Nothing like that. Pippa is aware of who we are but is innocent regarding our world. We have to make sure she stays safe.”

Pippa. The name rang in my head as I scanned the casino floor, searching for her familiar figure. Vlad’s request wasunexpected, but I was used to following orders without much question.

I finally spotted her, the prim and proper Pippa, talking to a group of guests near the roulette tables, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Her light brown hair cascaded in curls around her shoulders, and the red lipstick she wore stood out in stark contrast to her pale skin. Like yesterday, she was dressed impeccably in a fitted pencil skirt and a deep blue satin blouse that highlighted the dangerous curves beneath. Just the sight of her untethered me for a moment.

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