Page 30 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

“It's in the backyard,” he says with a grin. “I have a helipad out there.”

“What?” I ask, surprised. I hadn't completely explored the grounds, but I would think I would have noticed something thatsignificant. It makes me realize how rarely I go outside to soak up some sunshine and truly notice things. He offers me his arm, and I accept it. He guides me out and around the back, where, to my astonishment, a helicopter is waiting for us. He helps me inside and climbs in beside me. He buckles me in and hands me a headset to wear. Once he's secured, he signals to the pilot, who starts the helicopter. I grip his hand tightly as the helicopter ascends into the air, and then we're off. I relax a bit once I adjust to the motion.

It isn't a long flight, forty-five minutes at most, and we touch down outside a large building. The helicopter shuts down and Viktor helps me out after taking my headset off. I look around curiously. The building looks very fancy with lights guiding a pathway toward the front door. I take Viktor's arm. “What is this place?”

“La Porte Exclusive,” he says. “It's French for the exclusive door. It was the closest restaurant I could find.”

“What do you mean, the closest?” I ask. “The closest to what?”

“You'll see,” he says with a mysterious smile. “Come, first we dine.”

He escorts me to the hostess and gives his surname for the booking. We're led to a private booth, but no server brings us menus.

“How does this place work?” I ask.

“There's a set menu, something different every night. They'll bring us a three-course meal soon along with some wines to sample.” He smiles softly. “Then, afterward, we're going for a little lesson.”

“That sounds scary,” I say with a nervous smile.

“It isn't,” he says. “We're going to do the groundwork for a skydive.”

“We're going skydiving?” I ask in shock.

“Not tonight. You're in too beautiful a dress to skydive, but I want to do the groundwork so we can prepare you for a tandem jump in the next few days.” He reaches for my hand. “It'll do you some good.”

Before I can say anything, a server brings us a shrimp cocktail. The fanciest one I've ever seen. I pick up my fork and start to eat, even though I'm bursting with questions for Viktor. Is he insane? A skydive? What will that accomplish? I'm not going skydiving. I have never wanted to and don't think I ever will want to skydive.

Viktor looks at me and smiles. “You're worried.”

“I just don't understand your reasoning on this one. You're going to have to explain it to me.” I look at him expectantly.

“I had a horrid fear of heights. Like it paralyzed me. I couldn't even go up high-rise buildings without having an anxiety attack.”

“What's that got to do with me?” I ask.

“Well, I conquered my fear by learning to skydive, and once I realized it wasn't so scary, my fear went away. I'm hoping that a skydive will bring you a bit of comfort, a bit of courage, and help you heal, even if it's just a little. You can't tell me that you weren't affected by what happened to you. I'm not blind, and I'm not stupid. Don't blush.” I try to hide my face. “And don't hide. Your feelings are perfectly valid, but I want to do this for you.”

I swallow hard and look up at him. I can feel tears threatening to spill. “That's really sweet.”

“Thank you,” he says. “Although you might not be so grateful when we're hurtling through the open air.”

“I'm willing to give it a try, though,” I say.

After we finish our starters, we're served lemon-seasoned sea bass with garlic and onion rice and steamed vegetables. They bring the wine and three glasses: one rose, one merlot, and one sparking white. Viktor starts talking about the groundwork while we eat, and I find myself completely wrapped up in his instructions—so much so that I don't even notice when they bring out the chocolate volcano dessert.

I groan as I have a bite, and I'm finally distracted from him. “The food has been amazing.”

“I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself,” he says.

“So we're going to do this. For real?”

“For real,” he says. “Whenever you're ready.”

“After dessert,” I say with a grin.

We enjoy our food, and I follow Viktor out of the restaurant to an area where a man is waiting for us for our first lesson.

Chapter 15 - Viktor

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