Page 41 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

I downed my drink in one gulp, the burn of alcohol a welcome distraction from the ache in my chest.

Abe turned toward me with a surprised look on his face.

“I have work to do,” I pushed my way across him, ignoring his subtle protests. Time to focus on work and forget about Abe Ustinov and his infuriating charm. After all, I had a job to do, and I'd be damned if I let some schoolgirl crush get in the way of that.

***

I threw myself into work with a vengeance, determined to ignore the way my heart skipped every time Abe entered the room. Spreadsheets became my new best friends, and I buried myself in financial reports like they held the secrets to the universe.

"Pippa, I need those projections by—" Abe's deep voice cut through my concentration.

"On your desk in an hour," I interrupted, not bothering to look up from my computer screen. My fingers flew over the keyboard, the clacking of keys a soothing rhythm.

"Pippa, is everything—"

"If that's all, Abrahim, I have quite a bit to get through." My tone was clipped, professional to a fault.

I heard him sigh, and could almost feel the weight of his gaze on me. "Right. Carry on, then."

As his footsteps faded, I allowed myself a quick glance. Abe's broad shoulders were tense, his jaw clenched as he strode away. A small, petty part of me felt satisfied at his obvious frustration.

Days passed in a blur of numbers and charts. I was so focused on my work at the coffee shop that I didn't notice thecasino had quietened until a large hand landed on my shoulder, making me jump.

"Jesus, Abe!" I yelped, spinning on the high stool to face him. "You scared the hell out of me."

He loomed over me, his blue-gray eyes stormy. "We need to talk."

I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how alone we were. "I'm busy."

"It's 2 AM, Pippa. You've been 'busy' for three days and leave for work before I wake up and return after I get home." His voice softened slightly. "What's going on with you?"

I stood, needing to feel less vulnerable. "Nothing's 'going on.' I'm just doing my job."

Abe's eyes narrowed. "Bullshit. You've been avoiding me like I'm carrying the plague. Did I do something to piss you off?"

My resolve wavered under his intense gaze. How could I tell him the truth without sounding like a jealous teenager?

Well, I better get out with it, because otherwise I’d come across as being petty and I certainly didn’t want to gain an upper hand.

I took a deep breath, my pent-up emotions finally boiling over. "Fine, you want to know? I'm sick of watching you flirt with every woman who bats her eyelashes at you!" The words came out sharper than I intended, my voice trembling with anger. "That blonde at the bar? Real classy, Abe. Did you enjoy her fawning all over you?"

Abe's eyes widened for a moment before narrowing again, processing my outburst. To my surprise and irritation, a slow smile spread across his face. "Is that what this is about? You're jealous?"

His amusement only fueled my frustration. "Don't flatter yourself," I snapped, even as I felt a blush creeping up my neck. "I just think it's unprofessional. You're supposed to be running security, not hosting a dating show."

Abe's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He took a step closer, and I resisted the urge to back away. "Pippa, listen to me," he said, his voice low and intense. "That woman at the bar? She's a regular. I was being friendly, nothing more. Hell, she's happily married with three kids."

I blinked, caught off guard by his explanation. "But… you were laughing, and she touched your arm…"

"Because she was telling me about her kid's latest science fair disaster," Abe said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Christ, Pippa, do you really think I'd be interested in anyone else when you're around?"

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at him, my anger faltering as I processed what he'd just said. "What… what do you mean?"

Abe ran a hand through his dark hair, looking uncharacteristically flustered. "I mean, you're the only woman who's been occupying my thoughts lately. And it's driving me fucking crazy."

I felt my heart racing, unsure how to respond. Part of me wanted to believe him, while another part screamed that this was too good to be true. "But… you're always surrounded by beautiful women," I said weakly, hating how insecure I sounded.

"And none of them hold a candle to you," Abe said firmly, his blue-gray eyes boring into mine. "You're smart, fierce, and sexy as hell. Why would I want anyone else?"

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