Page 39 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

As she headed for the door, I found myself already missing her presence. "Same time next week?" I called out, only half-joking.

Pippa turned back, her green eyes twinkling with mischief. "Let's hope not, Mr. Ustinov. I might have to start charging you for these services.”

Chapter 15 - Pippa

My heart pounded as I stepped through the glass doors of the Casino. It had been two weeks since I stepped foot through these doors, but the moment I heard the cacophony of slot machines and excited chatter, I immediately felt like I was back in my element. I smoothed down my pencil skirt, lifted my head up high, and walked into my playground.

However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the usual buzz of excitement that accompanied a night of high-stakes gambling was overshadowed by the increased security presence—hulking men in tailored suits positioned strategically around the room, their eyes constantly scanning for threats.

I nodded at one of the guards, a mountain of a man with a scar running down his left cheek. He returned the gesture, his face impassive.

It was unnerving, knowing that Abe and Vlad had all these men placed around the casino for my safety. Abe knew how bored I was getting at home, getting all listless and dull, and so decided my mental health mattered too.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t ungrateful. I truly was. But did we really needthree dozen mentracking my every move?

I shook my head and weaved through the throng of patrons. When I crossed the blackjack table, Pete looked up and waved. “Pippa!” he yelled. “So good to have you back!”

I walked backward and gave him a small wave. “Good to see you, Pete!”

Behind me, a bartender tapped me on my shoulder. “Good to see you, miss!” he said, smiling from ear to ear. “The bar’s been a mess with its stocking system since you left.”

I rubbed my hands together in glee, the adrenaline to fix all these problems already running through my veins. “Don’t you worry, Matt. It’s all going to be sorted out today.”

I was back.

***

After fixing the stocking system that someone had messed up, I approached the high-roller area to check in on the numbers to date when a familiar voice suddenly drawled from behind me, "Enjoying the view, Ms. Burrows?"

I whirled around, my heart leaping into my throat. There stood Abe, looking infuriatingly handsome in a tailored black suit, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"Jesus, Abe!" I hissed, pressing a hand to my chest. "Do you always have to sneak up on people like that?"

He chuckled with amusement. "Only the ones I like keeping on their toes."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't stop the flush creeping up my neck. "Well, consider me thoroughly on my toes. Happy now?"

"Ecstatic," he replied, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my skin tingle. "You look lovely tonight, Pippa. Happy.”

I smoothed down my pencil skirt, suddenly self-conscious. "I'm here to work, not fishing for compliments."

"Can't it be both?" Abe asked, stepping closer. His presence was overwhelming, a mix of cologne and raw masculinity that made my head spin.

"Don't you have some important Unholy business to attend to?" I snapped, trying to regain my composure.

He shrugged, it was a casual gesture that somehow managed to highlight the breadth of his shoulders. "Nothing more important than ensuring the safety of my employees."

I snorted, unable to help myself. "Right, because I'm in such danger surrounded by slot machines and poker tables."

Abe's expression darkened slightly, reminding me of the very real threats that necessitated this increased security. "You'd be surprised, Pippa. The most dangerous predators often hide in plain sight. Remember Tony?"

Suddenly, my joy disappeared and I saw danger everywhere.Mission accomplished, I guess?

He gave some parting advice on staying safe, before sauntering away.

***

The next day passed in a blur of numbers, conversations, and keeping an eye on everything happening in the casino. The security presence didn't deter the high-rollers or the regulars, but it did create an air of tension that crackled beneath the surface.

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