Page 45 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

"Abe," she gasped, throwing her head back. "I'm close. I'm going to—”

"Cum with me, Pippa," I commanded, dying for my own release. "Together."

Our cries mingled as we climaxed, Pippa’s muscles milking me clean. I watched as I spilled into her, how her eyes closed shut, how her breaths came in short, raspy bursts, and then at the peak of my own, I saw little slivers of light in my line of sight. This feeling was the highest high I’ve ever felt and we clung to each other as waves of pleasure washed over us.

As we came down from our high, Pippa still seated on my lap, I felt a grave loss which is when a startling realization hit me. This wasn't just lust or a fleeting attraction. I was addicted to her—to her touch, her taste, the way she made me feel. Now that I’d fucked her, not fucking her felt like space.

The thought both thrilled and terrified me. I'd never felt this way about anyone before. The urge to protect her, to keep her safe, and most importantly, by my side, was overwhelming.

But with that desire came fear. Fear of the dangers that surrounded us, of the enemies who had her on their radar. Could I keep her safe?

As Pippa nuzzled into my neck, sighing contentedly, I felt like bringing her back to work was the dumbest fucking idea. What if something happened to her when I wasn’t watching?

God. I needed to find that stranger Pippa saw and find him now. Gently, I helped Pippa off me, and by the time she picked up her clothes off the floor, I was already half-dressed.

As I buttoned up my shirt with rapid movements, my mind remained fixated on the stranger. The threat loomed large, casting a shadow over the afterglow of our encounter. I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up inside me. How dare anyone threaten what was mine?

I glanced at Pippa, her curves shifting beneath her blouse as she smoothed it down. The need to keep her safe consumed me, driving every thought, every action. My fingers reached for my phone, to set plans in motion.

"Abe?" Pippa's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "You look like you're about to punch a wall."

I forced a smile, trying to mask my tension. "Just thinking, Doll."

She stepped closer, her eyes searching my face. "Bullshit. I know that look. What's got you so wound up?"

I hesitated, torn between my instinct to shield her and the raw honesty she seemed to pull from me. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

"Try again," she said, her tone both soft and unyielding. "I'm not some fragile flower, Abe. Talk to me."

Her compassion, wrapped in that fierce determination, hit me like a punch to the gut. I ran a hand through my hair, sighing. "I can’t help but feel worried that we haven’t caught him yet."

There was no need to explain who thehimin question was.

Pippa planted her hands on her hips, her curvy figure accentuated by the stance. "Abrahim Ustinov, are you seriously working yourself into a frenzy over this?"

I bristled at her tone, my pride stinging. "This isn't a joke, Pippa. Your safety—"

"Is in the hands of one of the most dangerous men in the city." She cut me off, her voice softening. "You. The big, bad Bratva enforcer who's got half the underworld quaking in their boots."

Didn’t she understand, it wasn’t enough?

She stepped closer, reaching up to cup my face. The gentle touch sent a jolt of peace through me. "I'm serious, Abe. I know you'll keep me safe. But you can't let this consume you."

I wanted to argue, to tell her she didn't understand the depths of the danger. "It's not that simple," I muttered, leaning into her touch despite myself.

"Maybe not," she conceded, her thumb tracing my jawline. "But I trust you. And I need you present. Trust your brothers, your team, to do their jobs. You can’t handle everything yourself. You’re here, looking over the casino and me. You have to take care of what’s happening outside or you’ll stretch yourself thin."

Her words hit home, and I felt a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. This fiery, compassionate woman had a way of cutting through my defenses like no one else. "When did you get so wise?"

Pippa grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I've always been wise. You're just finally starting to notice."

Pippa's eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "You know what? We need to get out of here. Change of scenery, stat." She tugged at my hand, her enthusiasm infectious.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Oh? And where exactly are you planning to drag me, Pip?"

"Somewhere we can forget all about the lives we live today," she declared, her chin tilted in that stubborn way I was quickly coming to adore. "No phones, no business, no brooding. Just you, me, and maybe some good conversation to take us back to the basics."

I chuckled, taking her hand in mine. "Careful now, you're starting to sound like you actually enjoy my company."

---