Page 12 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

"Damn it," I mutter, rubbing my temples. "I need to change my approach."

I stand up, pacing the kitchen as I think. My instinct is to protect her, to keep her close, but that's clearly pushing her away. I need to find a balance between keeping her safe and respecting her autonomy.

"What if…" I pause, an idea forming. "What if I give her more freedom, but on my terms?"

Chapter 5 - Natalia

The cobblestones click beneath my heels as I hurry down the narrow street, my breath catching with each step. Something feels… off. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle. I try to shake away the paranoia, but it clings to me like a shadow.

I'm being ridiculous. It's just jitters from last night, that's all. My brothers’ constant worrying used to rub off on me, and clearly, Denis succeeded in doing the same.

I’m going to be fine. There are no enemies on my heels. The city hasn't fully woken up yet. That's why it's so quiet. So unnervingly quiet.

A cat yowls in the distance and I nearly jump out of my skin.Get it together, Natalia. You're a grown woman, not some skittish teenager.

But the feeling of being watched intensifies with each passing second. My heart thunders in my chest. Sweat beads on my forehead despite the early morning chill.

I can't take it anymore. I need to see for myself. Time to face whatever—or whoever—is out there.

I whirl around, scanning the shadows between buildings, searching for any hint of movement. "Hello?" I call out, hating how my voice wavers. "Is someone there?"

For a long moment, nothing. Then a figure steps out of the darkness.

My jaw drops. "Denis?"

He emerges fully into view, tall and imposing. He looks guilty as he takes a step forward with his hands raised in appeasement.

"Are you stalking me?" my voice comes out a notch higher than I wanted.Of courseit would be him!

He doesn't answer immediately, just keeps staring at me with that inscrutable expression. I fidget under his gaze, suddenly very aware of how my curvy figure must look in the snug jacket I threw on for my early morning excursion.

"I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m stalking you, Natalia," he finally says, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. "It's simply not safe for you to be out alone at this hour."

I bristle at his words, my stubborn streak flaring to life. "So we’re at it again, are we? You’re just the same as my brothers! I should have known better than to expect you’d give me some space."

I tap my foot impatiently, waiting for Denis to explain himself. His eyes lock onto mine, and I feel a strange flutter in my stomach.

"I got your note and was worried about you," he says, his tone maddeningly calm. "There are… elements in this city that would love to get their hands on the sister of Nikolai Orlov. On…” His voice fades off before he finishes his sentence in a near-whisper. “…My wife.”

To hear him call me his wife in that tone makes my hands clammy. Denis takes a step closer, and I instinctively back up, my spine hitting the cold stone wall behind me.

"Our enemies are powerful, ruthless. They wouldn't hesitate to use you to get to us.”

His proximity is unsettling, and I struggle to maintain an even tone. "So what, I'm supposed to never leave the house without an army of bodyguards? I knew it!” I throw my hands in the air, not waiting for him to reply, anger brimming in my veins. “I knew there would be no freedom for me in this marriage. My brothers tried to convince me otherwise, but I should have known better.”

"You can have all the freedom in the world, Nat," he says softly. "In case you didn’t notice, I didn’t bring any bodyguards. I decided to give you some privacy and came instead.”

I laugh sarcastically, but it comes out more nervous than I intended.

Denis sighs, running a hand through his black hair. "Whether you like it or not, you're part of this world. You can't just ignore the dangers."

His words hit a nerve, and I feel my resolve weakening. But I'm not ready to give in just yet. "I have a personal life, Denis. Aspirations I can't let be ruined by any interference.”

Something flickers in his eyes—understanding, maybe? But his voice remains firm. "Having dreams doesn't mean you have to be reckless. There are ways to pursue what you want while staying safe."

I bite my lip, conflicted. Part of me wants to trust him, but another part screams to maintain my independence.

Denis steps forward, his hands wrung together in front of him in a picture of genuineness. "I promise to protect you without interfering in your plans," he says. "Your safety is my priority, but I won’t interfere where I’m not wanted, Natalia. Please, let me help you."

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