Page 7 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

That was it. The condescension in his tone, the patronizing pet name—it all pushed me over the edge. I felt my cheeks flush with anger as I stood up abruptly, my chair rolling back with a sharp screech.

"Listen here," I snarled, jabbing a finger at his chest. "I don't give a damn how much 'experience' you think you have. This is my job, and I do it well. Your unsolicited advice isn't welcome, and neither is your caveman attitude."

Abrahim's eyebrows shot up, surprise flickering across his face before settling into an intrigued expression. He straightened up, towering over me, but I refused to back down. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of adrenaline and defiance coursing through me.

"Well, well," he drawled, a hint of respect creeping into his voice. "Looks like the kitten's got claws after all."

I glared up at him, my eyes meeting his steel-blue gaze. "I'm not some timid little girl you can intimidate or charm, Abe. I've worked damn hard to get where I am, and I won't let you or anyone else undermine that."

A slow smile spread across his face, transforming his features from merely handsome to devastatingly attractive. "I can see that," he murmured, his eyes roaming over my face with newfound interest. "You're full of surprises, aren't you, Pippa?"

The tension between us crackled like electricity, and I suddenly became acutely aware of how close we were standing. I could feel the heat radiating from his body.

"I'm not here to surprise you," I retorted, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I'm here to do my job, which I'd appreciate if you'd let me get back to."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "And what if I'm not ready to let you go just yet?"

My breath caught in my throat. The look in his eyes had shifted from amusement to something darker, more intense. I felt my pulse quicken, a flush creeping up my neck.

Abrahim’s gaze dropped to my lips, and I found myself frozen in place. He inched closer, close enough that I could feel his breath on my skin. My mind raced, a jumble of conflicting thoughts and desires.

I stood perfectly still, my heart hammering so loudly I was sure he could hear it. Part of me wanted to push him away, to maintain the professional distance I'd always insisted on. But another part, a part I'd been trying to ignore, wanted to close that final gap between us.

His lips parted into the smallest smile.

Suddenly, a cold realization washed over me. This was Abrahim Ustinov, and from what I’ve seen, clearly a notorious playboy. The man who flirted with every woman in sight, who treated the casino like his personal hunting ground. He wasn't interested in me; he was just playing another one of his games.

I planted my hands firmly on his chest and shoved him back. "Nice try, Ustinov," I snapped, my voice laced with venom. "But I'm not one of your simpering fangirls. Keep your games for someone who cares."

His eyebrows shot up, surprise flashing across his face. "Pippa, I—”

"Save it," I cut him off, straightening my blouse. "I don't know what you think you're doing, but I'm not interested in being another notch on your bedpost. This is my workplace, and I expect to be treated with respect."

I grabbed my tablet from the desk, clutching it to my chest like a shield. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have actual work to do. Unlike some people."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and strode away, my heels clicking against the polished floor, I couldn't help but steal a glance over my shoulder. Abrahim stood in the doorway of my office, his imposing figure filling the frame. His blue-gray eyes, usually dancing with arrogance, now held a look I'd never seen before.

Surprise. Admiration, even.

For a split second, our gazes locked. The corner of his mouth twitched, almost like he was fighting back a smile. Not his usual smirk, but something… different. It sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I quickly turned away, focusing on the path ahead. But I could feel his eyes on me, following my every step. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what I'd just seen.

My cheeks burned with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, but I held my head high as I strode down the hallway. My mind raced, replaying the scene over and over.

How dare he? Did he think I was that easily manipulated? That desperate for attention? I may not be one of the slim, giggling women he usually pursued, but that didn't mean I was going to fall at his feet just because he deigned to show interest.

As I rounded the corner, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. This wasn't over, I knew. Abrahim Ustinovwasn't the type to back down easily. But neither was I. Whatever game he was playing, I refused to be a pawn in it.

Chapter 4 - Abe

I stormed into our family estate, slamming the heavy oak door behind me. The almost-kiss with Pippa played on repeat in my mind, her soft curves and bottle-green eyes haunting me. Fuck. What was wrong with me? I ran a hand through my hair, messing up the usually perfect style.

She thought I was toying with her, and god damn it, in that moment, I swear I wanted to kiss her.

Needless to say, I was reeling from how I learned I wanted her. Over the years, I’d been with plenty of women—all of them were as casual as casual can be. Pippa wasn’t the wham-bam-thank you ma’am kind of girl. Of that, I was sure.

So, why the hell did I have to go stir shit up? On one hand, I was disappointed that she couldn’t see what my intentions were. On the other? I was glad we didn’t end up opening a can of worms I might not be able to pack back in.

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