Page 40 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

Natalia's eyes sparkle with mischief as she throws her head over her shoulder to look at me. "You’re not the only one who does a little digging. Now come on, we don't want to miss the start!"

I get lost in my head for a second, a slow warmth spreading through my chest. All this while, I was the one trying to see what she likes, hoping to do all that gives her joy. Never did I expect she’d do the same for me. To know she’s meeting me on the same level is the greatest gift she’s given me.Little does she know.

As we make our way to our prime seats with her small hand clasped in mine, the energy is electric. The air vibrates with sheer adrenaline, the scent of gasoline and rubber mingling with the collective excitement of the spectators.

"I never took you for being up for such a scene," I tease, pulling her close as we settle in to watch.

She shrugs, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Denis Zolotov. I'm full of surprises."

As the cars roar to life and shoot off the starting line, I find myself captivated not by the race, but by the woman beside me.

Natalia's eyes widen as she takes in the sleek machines zipping around the track. Her excitement is bloody infectious.

"Tell me about these cars, Denis," she says, leaning in close to be heard over the roar of engines. "What makes them so special?"

I grin, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "It's all about the engineering. These aren't just cars; they're finely tuned machines built for speed and precision." I point to a red blur streaking past. "See that one? It's got a V8 engine that can generate over 700 horsepower. The aerodynamics are designed to keep it glued to the track at insane speeds."

Natalia listens intently, her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's like a whole different world," she muses, her eyes following the cars. "I knew you liked cars, but had no idea you knew so much about them."

I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "There's a lot you don't know about me, too, Sweetheart."

As we watch, an idea forms in my mind. "Want to make this more interesting?" I ask, a mischievous glint in my eye.

Natalia cocks her head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"How about a little wager?" I suggest, nodding toward the track. "Pick a car, any car. If it wins, I'll grant you any wish your heart desires."

“Anything?” she tilts her head.

“Anything,” I nod. “But,” I pretend to look worried. “Don’t go asking for the moon now.”

She laughs and pats by arm playfully. “I was thinking more along the lines of a vacation to Italy.”

“You’re on,” I laugh. “And if you lose?”

“Then you pick a vacation spot,” she says rapidly, without skipping a beat.

“Hawaii,” I say, without skipping a beat.

A slow grin spreads across her face, and I see that familiar spark of mischief in her eyes. "Alright, you're on," she says, scanning the track. "I choose… that one. The blue one with the silver stripes."

I can't help but smile at her choice. "Good eye," I murmur, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I’m going with the red. Now, let's see if lady luck is on your side today."

The engines roar to life for the last round, vibrating through my chest. Natalia's eyes widen, her body tensing against mine. The flag drops. They're off.

"Go, go, go!" Natalia shouts, bouncing on her toes. Her excitement is contagious.

The blue car surges forward, weaving through the pack. Third place. Second.

"Come on, blue!" She's gripping my arm now, nails digging in.

A sharp turn. The lead car skids and my red loses two ranks. Blue seizes the moment, darting past.

"Yes!" Natalia's shriek pierces the air. "Did you see that, Denis?"

I nod, mesmerized by her joy. "I see it, Sweetheart."

The final lap. Blue's in front, but barely. Natalia's practically vibrating.

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