Page 4 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

Vlad's voice crackled through the phone, his tone shifting from business to something more personal. "Abe, I can't stress enough how important Pippa is to us. She's not just an employee; she's family."

I felt the weight of his words settle on my shoulders. "I get it, Vlad. I'll keep her safe, no matter what,” my voice came out hoarser than it should have. The responsibility was clear, and I wasn't about to let the Vadims down.

"Good," Vlad replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "She's been through enough. We owe her this much."

Vlad cut the call and I found myself pondering over his words. What was it that she’s been through? I couldn’t help but allow my curiosity to fester.

I straightened my tailored jacket, fingers brushing over the tattoos peeking out from my sleeves. To most, I looked like trouble—all ink and issues. But the Vadims had seen beyond that and recognized my potential. Now, at 44, my brothers and I were their most trusted enforcers. Their loyalty had earned my own a hundred times over.

My gaze drifted across the casino, taking in the flashing lights and cacophony of slot machines. Amid the chaos, onefigure stood out—calm, poised, and utterly in control of her domain. Pippa. The woman I was tasked with protecting, though she had no idea.

I felt a familiar spark of intrigue as I watched her deftly handle a situation with a drunk customer. With a confident stride, I made my way toward her. Time to ruffle some feathers and see what was hiding beneath that cool exterior.

***

I inhaled deeply, the scent of expensive perfume and whiskey mingling in the air. This was my element—the pulsing heart of the Vadim empire.

My mind was on a single track leading to Pippa.

"Time to see what you're made of, little firecracker," I muttered to myself, weaving through the throng of gamblers toward her. “What secrets are you hiding? What is it that you’ve been through now, hmm?”

This job just got a whole lot more interesting, and I was ready to play.

I had my eyes on her the whole time I walked. She was leaning over the bar, going over something on the computer. Her light brown curls framed her face as she bent over her work. Even from a distance, I could see the intensity in her sparkling green eyes, laser-focused on the task at hand.

"Damn," I muttered under my breath, admiring the way she commanded her space. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, her movements precise and efficient. She exuded an air of quiet authority that was impossible to ignore.

I couldn't help but recall our last encounter. The memory of her disguised annoyance sent a jolt of electricity through me. Despite her true feelings, she kept on a prim exterior.

Not to mention, there was an undeniable spark between us. The way her eyes had flashed when I'd pushed her buttons… it was intoxicating and I wanted more.

"You're playing with fire, Abe," I reminded myself, but I couldn't resist the pull.

I watched as her blouse rode down, giving me a peek of her cleavage. I looked away but looked back when she straightened up, smoothing down her skirt with one hand while the other adjusted her blouse. The red of her lipstick caught the light, drawing my attention to her full lips. Something about her had me hooked. She got straight back to work.

"Time to stir things up a bit," I grinned, making my way toward her. This was going to be fun.

I ran a hand through my dark hair, acutely aware of the tattoos peeking out from beneath my rolled-up sleeves. The silver glint of my piercings caught the casino's neon lights as I moved. I knew the image I presented—an unpredictable man. Most people took one look at me and made their assumptions.

I knew Pippa had made hers too.

I smirked, imagining how she saw me. Probably as some overgrown delinquent playing at being a businessman. Her disapproving glances only fueled my desire to prove her wrong.

My eyes never left Pippa as I approached, drinking in the sight of her curved figure.

The air crackled with tension as I drew nearer. I could almost taste the anticipation on my tongue. My intentions were clear—to rattle that composed exterior and see the fire I knewlurked beneath. As I closed the distance, I saw her stiffen slightly, no doubt sensing my presence.

"Evening, Ms. Burrows," I drawled, leaning against the bar with casual confidence. "Busy night?"

Pippa's green eyes flicked up to meet mine, a flash of annoyance crossing her features before she schooled them into professional neutrality. "Abrahim," she replied, her tone clipped. "Can I help you with something?"

I grinned, enjoying the way she bristled at my presence. "Just checking in on my favorite employee. Making sure everything's running smoothly."

"Everything's fine," she said, her fingers flying over her keyboard. "As you can see, I'm quite busy."

"Oh, I can see that," I replied, my eyes deliberately roaming over her curvaceous figure. "But surely you can spare a moment for your boss?"

Pippa's jaw clenched, and I could practically hear her teeth grinding. "You're not my boss, Abrahim. Mr. Vadim is."

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