Page 23 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Smiling, I replied softly. “Thank you.”

“I think you should be my date,” he added jokingly.

Before I could reply, Maraki was practically on top of us. He pushed in between us, taking Pavel’s place next to me. “Back off, brother,” he grumbled. I couldn’t quite figure out if he was angry at me or at Pavel. But he was upset.

Turning to me, I noticed a sparkle in his eyes as he spoke more softly. “What are you doing here? I thought you went with the Chernykh sisters?” For a moment, I was lost in his gaze.

Snapping back to reality as he squeezed my hand, I shook my head before speaking. “We were heading there.” Looking around, I swallowed hard. “We're speaking about our daily lives. They found out I didn’t go out much with my studies and all. So, they gave me a makeover and convinced me to come here. They said I would be safe here.”

Makari glanced around. All eyes appeared to be on us. “Yes,” he said, placing my hand on his forearm. “Come with me.”

Towards the back, I saw the Chernykh brothers at a table to the side of the bar. Makari started walking towards the dance floor as he spoke. “Would you like to dance?”

“Sure,” I replied as he turned me into his strong arms. I noticed he was looking at Pavel constantly. As we danced and turned, his gaze always returned to his brother. “Is something wrong with Pavel that you keep looking at him?” I finally enquired, not being able to take it anymore.

“No, sweetness,” he responded, grinning. “I just have to keep an eye on him while he is working.”

“Working?” I enquired, feeling confused. “I thought this was a party for the race winners.”

“Yes, it is,” Makari said, smiling broadly. “But we are also on the clock. You see, Pavel is looking for investors. He needs to speak to the most likely people in the room. This way, we can also find out if there are any enemies here.”

“Enemies?” I asked. I could hear the unexpected concern in my voice.

“Don’t worry, he knows what he's doing. But in our line of work…, well, our bosses have many enemies. We have to make sure there aren’t any here,” he explained.

“Oh, okay, but why?” I continued, still not one hundred percent sure what was going on.

Makari turned me quickly. He lowered me in his arms. Pulling me back up, He drew me in close. “It’s part of our job,” he whispered. His tone was gentle and patient. “Let me explain it a bit more, okay?”

I nodded eagerly as he pushed me out and pulled me back in. “Come on, let’s have a drink,” he added, pulling up to an empty table. He waved at one of the waiters as we sat down. Once he had ordered our drinks, he shifted his chair closer.

It was nice feeling him right up against me. Leaning closer, I could feel his breath on my neck as he started to explain in more detail. “You see the people Pavel is talking to now?”

“Yes, I replied softly, glancing at him.

He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before continuing. “See the way they are stepping back every time he moves closer? That is an indication of someone being hostile. They could be seen as enemies as they clearly do not like him and don’t want him close to them.”

“Oh,” I exclaimed a bit loudly.

The waiter came back with our drinks, and Makari thanked him.

“What kind of questions is he asking them? Maybe that’s why they are stepping back?” I suggested.

Makari laughed softly. “No, he isn’t an intrusive type of person. He asks simple questions like their interest in racing, thoughts on the economy, and professions. Normal kind of talk. From their answers and reaction, we can assess the possibility of them being allies or enemies.”

I watched Makari drinking some of his beer. “You see the man he is now talking to?” he questioned.

“Yes,” I replied hastily. I enjoyed learning more about what they did.

“The way he shook his hand eagerly, his close stance, and his smile tell us he is friendly. He could possibly become a client or an ally. He isn’t withdrawn, can you see the difference?”

“Yes,” I huffed in excitement. “I think I understand now.”

Makari grinned as he got up and held out his hand again. “How about another dance?” he asked.

“Sure, that would be nice.”

As we stepped onto the dance floor, he pulled me in. “I think after this, I should ensure you get home,” he whispered.

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