Page 53 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

I take a deep breath, my mind racing as I weigh my options. Natalia's safety is paramount, but her happiness… her trust in me… that's equally vital. I can't lose her over this.

If I don’t change something, it’s going to cause a major rift between us. Perhaps, for now, I could reduce the number of guards just so she feels less stifled. I can’t pull them all out, that’s still too dangerous, but perhaps one or two well-placed guards are all I really need and it’ll be enough for her to feel like I don’t always have eyes on her.

We’re going to have to bea lot morediscreet when it comes to her security.

Chapter 21 - Natalia

I can't stop thinking about Denis as I sit behind the counter of my store. It’s been three nights since I argued with him over the guards, and something between us just hasn’t been the same.

The bell above the door chimes, but it's just the wind. No customers today.

My thoughts go back tous.I trace the wood grain of the countertop, remembering how Denis's strong hands felt against my skin. God, I miss him. Even after our fight, I ache for his touch, his voice, his presence.

"You're being ridiculous, Natalia," I mutter to myself. "He's probably not even thinking about you."

But I know that's not true. Denis is obsessive, protective. He's always thinking about me.

I stand up and stretch, my curves straining against my sweater. As I move to the window, something feels… off. Different.

That's when I realize what’s missing.

Denis's men, the ones who had been stationed to overlook my shop, have vanished. The café opposite looks naked without their hulking figures scattered across the chairs.

I think back to yesterday morning when he’d told me that he’s easing off the guards. I’d given him a thin-lipped smile, as though to say it’s the least he could do. After all, it was difficult to thank him for something he shouldn’t have done in the first place.

But, this distance between us is beyond the whole guard matter. It’s about our visions not aligning withmybusiness. Even now, Denis is against an outside investor, while I feel like it’s the best thing to happen to my career.

I sink back into my chair, my fingers tracing the edge of the counter as I mull over my harsh words to Denis. "You're suffocating me," I'd spat at him, my temper flaring hot and quick like always. But now, in the quiet of my empty shop, I can't help but wonder if I was too hard on him.

"He's just trying to protect you, you stubborn girl," I mutter to myself.

I picture Denis's face, that jaw clenched with worry whenever I step out alone. It's overwhelming sometimes, but… sweet too, in its own intense way.

"Ugh, when did you get so soft, Natalia?" I groan, dropping my head into my hands. But I can't deny the warmth spreading in my chest as I think about Denis's thoughtful gestures—the little gifts he leaves, the way he remembers every detail I tell him.

I straighten up, eyeing the business card of the investor's representative on my desk. The promise of expanding my shop tempts me, but Denis's warnings echo in my mind.

"Okay, let's think this through," I say aloud, tapping my fingers on the counter. "Pro: More money for the business. Con: Potential mob connections that could get me killed."

I chew my lip, weighing my options. Finally, I reach for my phone. Denis’s anxieties stem from his world, and sometimes, it seeps into my consciousness.

But, there’s no reason I should be afraid. My business is going viral online, I’m unable to keep up with orders and it’s time to get an investor. Maybe, I could just have one meeting without Denis finding out, and I’ll hold it here. In the store. If the investor tries anything, those big glass windows will ensure someone outside notices and comes to my rescue.

It’s going to betotallyokay. And once it’s a success, Denis and I will patch things up.

"Hello? Yes, this is Natalia Orlov. I'd like to schedule a meeting to discuss the further steps for investing in my brand… at my shop, if that's alright. Yes, tomorrow works perfectly."

As I hang up, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbles in my stomach. "There," I announce to my empty store. "A compromise. Meeting here, where it's safe. Denis can't argue with that, right?"

***

The next afternoon, the bell above the door chimes, and I straighten my blouse, plastering on my brightest smile. "Welcome to Natalia's!" I chirp, my voice a touch higher than usual.

The tall man strides in with confidence. He's tall and impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that practically screams money. "Ms. Orlov, a pleasure," he says, his handshake firm. “Sergei Petrov.”

"Please, have a seat," I gesture to the cozy armchair I've set up. "Can I offer you some tea?"

As I pour, I feel a flutter of excitement. This could be it—the big break my little boutique needs.

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