Page 41 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

"Please, please, please," she chants, eyes locked on her chosen champion.

The checkered flag waves. Blue crosses first.

Natalia explodes into motion, jumping and spinning. "We won! Denis, we won!"

Her laughter rings out, pure and uninhibited. I can't help but join in, her happiness filling me with a warmth I haven't felt in years.

"You're a natural," I tell her, pulling her close. "Maybe I should bring you to all my races for luck."

She grins up at me, eyes sparkling. "Does this mean I get my wish?"

I cup her face, thumb tracing her cheek. "Anything you want. The world is yours."

***

As the crowd's roar begins to subside, I lead Natalia away from the track, finding a quieter spot near the paddocks. Her cheeks are still flushed with excitement, her curvy frame practically vibrating with leftover adrenaline.

"Well, well," I tease, pulling her close. "Who knew my innocent little wife had such a taste for gambling?"

Natalia's chocolate brown eyes sparkle with mischief. "Are you calling me a bad girl, Mr. Zolotov?"

I can't help but chuckle, my fingers tracing the curve of her waist. "Maybe. What would you do if I was?"

She leans in, her warmth intoxicating. "I'd say you're a terrible influence."

"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow, enjoying our banter. "And here I thought I was being a perfect gentleman, indulging your wild side."

Natalia laughs, the sound sending a thrill through me. "Wild side? It was one bet!"

"Ah, but it starts with one," I warn playfully. "Next thing you know, you'll be running your own underground casino."

She swats my chest but doesn't pull away. "You're ridiculous."

I gaze down at her, marveling at how natural this feels. The easy intimacy, the shared laughter. It's a far cry from our tense beginnings.

As the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the track, I feel a flutter of nervousness in my stomach. It's an unfamiliar sensation, one I'm not entirely comfortable with. But as I look at Natalia, her face glowing in the fading light, I know it's time.

"I have something for you," I say, my voice softer than usual. "A surprise."

Natalia's eyes widen with curiosity. "Another one? Denis, you didn't have to—"

I press a finger to her lips, silencing her protest. "I wanted to. It's… important to me that you have this."

Taking her hand, I lead her toward the car my heart racing in a way that has nothing to do with the day's excitement.

***

The car drops us off 5th Avenue and I guide Natalia through the commercial streets, her small hand warm in mine. The anticipation builds with each step, and I find myself stealing glances at her, drinking in her excitement. We turn a corner, and there it is—a sleek storefront with elegant window displays.

“Surprise,” I whisper in her ear, placing my hands on her shoulders until she’s standing right in front of the store.

"Denis, what is this?" Natalia asks, her brow furrowing in confusion.

I take a deep breath, suddenly feeling exposed. "It's yours," I say softly. "Happy birthday, Natalia."

Her eyes widen, darting between me and the shop. "Mine? But… I don't understand."

"It's a space for a clothing store," I explain, watching her face carefully. "The footfall here is the highest in all of New York. Just think of all the clients you could get from them simply walking in, Nat. And I’ve set up a whole account for you with enough to keep this place running for a year—supplies, salaries, electricity included.”

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