Page 39 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

"That tickles," I say, running my fingers through his damp hair.

He chuckles, rolling to the side and pulling me with him. I snuggle into his chest, feeling safe and content in his arms.

"Was it worth the wait?" I ask teasingly, tracing patterns on his skin.

Denis tilts my chin up, his gray eyes soft with affection. "Every second," he murmurs, kissing me tenderly.

As we drift off to sleep, tangled in each other's arms, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed. This man, one I swore I’d keep at arm’s length, is now one I can’t keep my hands off. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Chapter 16 - Denis

I pace the length of my study, fingers drumming against my thigh as I contemplate the perfect surprise for Natalia's birthday. It’s just around the corner and I want to make itspecial.

My eyes flick to the safe behind my desk. Inside lies a deed that I hope brings the brightest smile to her face.

Yet, it doesn’t feel enough. It can never be enough.

I want to wrap her in silk and diamonds, to whisk her away to Istanbul, to buy her a boat and a ranch and a horse if she wants a goddamn horse. I want to keep her safe, strong, and alive. Most of all, the urge to keep her close, to protect her from anyone who might harm her, thrums through my veins like a constant undercurrent.

A knock at the door interrupts my musings. Before I can respond, it bursts open, and Natalia bounces in, all golden curls and mischievous energy.

"Denis!" she exclaims, her chocolate eyes sparkling. "I hope you're not busy because I'm kidnapping you for the day."

I raise an eyebrow, amused despite myself. "Oh? And what makes you think I'll go along with this plan when it’s your special day and I’m the one intent on spoiling you today?"

She grins, undeterred. "Because it's my birthday, and you’ve already done so much for me. I got the flowers and the necklace,” she gives me a soft smile. “Thank you. Oh,” and she claps her hands. “This dress!” She twirls, her curvy figure accentuated by the sundress she's wearing.

“It looks lovely on you,” I concede.

"You’ve got good taste. Now, let’s go. It's my turn to surprise you for once."

I can't help the chuckle that escapes me. "Is that so?"

Natalia nods emphatically. "Absolutely. You're always doing things for me. Let me do something for you today."

Her stubbornness is endearing, and I find myself torn between my carefully laid plans and the infectious excitement radiating from her. A larger part of me bristles at the idea of relinquishing control, but the sight of her hopeful expression weakens my resolve.

"Come on," she wheedles, taking my hand. "Don't you trust me? It’ll be fun, I swear."

I gaze down at her, drinking in the warmth of her touch and the light in her eyes. "Of course I trust you," I murmur, meaning it more than she could ever know.

Her answering smile is brighter than the sun, and I know I'm powerless to resist. Whatever she has planned, I'll go along with it just to see her happy. My surprise can wait—for now.

"Alright, Firecracker," I concede with my hands raised in the air. "Lead the way. But if this turns out to be a knitting circle or a book club, I'm staging a mutiny."

Natalia's laughter fills the air, a sound that never fails to warm my heart. "Oh, please. Give me some credit, Denis. I’m reserving that for when we’re old and retired."

That image, of us old together, suddenly makes me feel like my entire life was leading up to this very moment.

***

An hour later, our convoy is pulling into a parking lot, and the thunderous roar of engines fills the air. My eyes widen in surprise as we exit the car and walk forward a little, giving me a spot to take in the scene before us. A racetrack stretches out, sleek cars lined up at the starting line, their engines revving impatiently.

"A car race?" I can't keep the excitement from my voice.

“I know you enjoy these,” she says with a simple shrug, leading us forward through the crowd, right toward the VIP section.

"How did you know?" I ask, still in mild shock.

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