Page 66 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

"Neither were any of us when we started," Denis counters, his voice hardening. "Natalia is intelligent, observant, and far stronger than you give her credit for. I learned that the hard way and would advise you gentlemen to not make the same mistake. If she has an idea, we should hear it. Besides, we’ll be there to help her, every step of the way."

I stare at Denis and give him a nod. In this moment, I truly feel like we're partners.

A surge of confidence through me. My shoulders straighten, and I stand a little taller, meeting the eyes of each person in the room. The atmosphere has shifted; where there was skepticism before, I now sense curiosity and grudging respect.

"Thank you, Denis," I say, my voice steady and clear. "Here's what I propose…"

I take a deep breath, grounding myself before launching into my plan. "We know the rival group is out for revenge, right? We also know that they’re hated by most in this city. So let's go hit them where they’re the weakest.”

I pause, gauging the room's reaction. My brothers lean forward, interest piqued. Denis nods encouragingly, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Hack their systems. Discover who they’ve hurt and threaten to expose them. Find out everyone they’ve burned. We garner support. Once the Sidorovs realize they have no allies and risk losing the few they have since we can expose them anytime, they won’t dare attack.”

"Put me forward as bait," I continue, the words flowing more easily now. "I’ll plan a show. Make sure every newspaper headlines it. Make sure the Sidorovs know where I am, when I am. We'll leak information about a supposed weakness in our defenses. When they take the bait, we'll be ready."

I walk to the center of the room, gesturing as I speak. "Picture this: a seemingly unguarded show. Inside, no security. But it's all a facade."

My hands move animatedly as I describe the scene. "Hidden cameras, silent alarms, and our best men lying in wait. When they strike, thinking they've hit the jackpot, we'll have them surrounded to deliver our message.”

I turn to face Denis, my eyes blazing with determination. "It's risky, yes. But it's unexpected. They won't see it coming because they've underestimated me—just like some of you have."

The silence that follows, I know, is a newfound respect for what I bring to the table.

The room erupts into a cacophony of voices, each family member trying to be heard over the others. My oldest brother, Abram, raises his hand, silencing the room.

"It's bold, Natalia," he says, his brow furrowed. "But are you prepared for the danger? This isn't a game."

I stand my ground, chin raised. "I'm aware of the risks, Alexei. But I'm also aware of what's at stake."

And I look right at Denis.

***

We usher our brothers out and bid them goodbye. The moment I close the door, Denis turns to me, his eyes soft with admiration. "You were incredible in there," he murmurs.

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "I was terrified," I admit. "But I knew I had to speak up."

He reaches out, his hand gently cupping my face. "You showed true strength today. I'm proud to call you my wife."

The sincerity in his voice makes my heart skip a beat. "Thank you for believing in me," I whisper. "It means more than you know."

We stand there for a moment, letting this moment sink in. I find myself leaning into his touch, remembering how much I missed this.

"We make a good team, don't we?" I say, a hint of mischief in my voice.

Denis chuckles, the sound warming me from the inside out. "That we do, Sweetheart. That we do."

As we walk hand in hand toward our room, I know that we’re finally beginning to understand one another.

Chapter 26 - Denis

I scan the glittering crowd from my shadowy corner, my eyes narrowed as I search for any sign of trouble. The fake fashion event unfolds before me, a dazzling display of sequins and champagne flutes that would fool anyone who didn't know better. But I know better. I know the danger that lurks beneath the surface, ready to strike at any moment.

Damn this injury. I should be out there with my brothers, not tucked away in some corner like a child.

My gaze lands on Abram, his imposing figure cutting through the crowd like a shark through water. Vladimir and Mark flank him, their movements so perfectly in sync it's as if they share one mind.

At least with my brothers around, I don’t have to worry about Natalia’s safety.

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