Page 67 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

"Looks like the party's about to start," I murmur, watching as they close in on their target. The Sidorovs stand oblivious, champagne glasses raised in false cheer. They have no idea what's coming.

Just then, Natalia walks past them. I watch as they follow.

Natalia leads them behind a curtain. I press my ear to it, knowing they’re in the next wing, my breath catching in my throat. This is it. The moment we've been waiting for.

I hear Natalia’s act. “Excuse me. This is a private area.”

“We’re going to show you just how private it is,” one of the rivals says. I clench my fists, angry at the tone they use.

"Gentlemen," Abram's voice carries through the curtain, smooth as silk but sharp as a blade. "I believe we have some business to discuss."

I laugh.

Almost. If the stakes weren't so high, I might have. Instead, I part the curtains and watch with grim satisfaction as my brothers close ranks around them, herding them into a circle.

That's it, boys, I think, a fierce grin spreading across my face.Show them what happens when they mess with the Zolotovs.

Mark's stance is relaxed, almost casual, but there's a predatory gleam in his eye that I know all too well.

The rival group's leader—Vadim, I think his name is—tries to maintain his composure, but I can see the sweat beading on his forehead. His eyes dart around, searching for an escape that doesn't exist.

"Quite the collection of photos you have there, Abram," I hear Vadim say, his voice barely steady. "But I'm not sure what you're implying."

Abram's laugh is cold and sharp. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm implying. You’ll lose whatever allies you have left. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

I can't help but smirk. The plan is working perfectly, and a part of me revels in its success.

“If you ever,” I watch Natalia go right up to him, shoving a finger in his face. “Come near my family again, we will chase you right out of this country.”

She walks off as the men exchange glances, chests deflated in defeat, but just then, Natalia turns. “Scratch that,” she says with an iciness I feel all the way over here. “Straight off the bloody continent.”

And with that, she turns on her heels, my brothers following.

Damn. She’s fucking hot.

I break into a grin.

***

The crowd begins to thin, the hum of conversation fading as people file out of the venue. I ease myself off the barstool, wincing as my back protests. My eyes scan the dispersing throng, searching for a glimpse of blonde hair, a flash of those warm brown eyes.

I weave through the crowd, my movements slower than I'd like, careful not to aggravate my injury further.

"Excuse me," I mutter, sidestepping a group of chattering women.

And then, like a ray of sunshine breaking through storm clouds, there she is, her face flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling. She's practically bouncing as she makes her way toward me, and I feel a warmth spreading through my chest at the sight.

"Denis!" she calls out, her voice filled with triumph. "You won't believe it! Everything went exactly as planned!"

I can't help but smile as she reaches me, her enthusiasm infectious. "Oh, I overheard," I say.

Natalia's words tumble out in a rush. "The decoy worked perfectly! I overheard two of Vadim's men talking about the 'unexpected development.' They're completely thrown off balance!"

Her excitement is palpable, her hands gesticulating wildly as she speaks. I drink in the sight of her, my little firecracker, so full of life and passion. It's intoxicating.

"And you should have seen their faces when Abram pulled out those photos and threatened to show them to their so-called allies," she continues, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "I thought Vadim was going to faint right there on the spot!"

I can't resist teasing her a little, a wide grin on my face. "Careful now, Natalia. You're starting to sound like you enjoy this dangerous game we're playing. Should I be worried you're developing a taste for the criminal lifestyle?"

---