Page 15 of Tangled Souls

I open Kirill’s office door and step aside so Oaklynn can enter first since I know no one poses a threat to her inside this room. No, the only thing which might be a danger to her is the overload of testosterone.

“Oh,” Oaklynn’s voice is light, “it seems like there are some big emotions going on in this room right now.”

When I step in behind our woman, Kirill’s jaw has gone slack. He’s frozen in place where he’s standing behind his desk. His hands are planted on the top, his large frame looming across the surface and towards where Hendrix is sitting.

Maxim doesn’t even try to hide his reaction as he snickers.

Oaklynn’s gaze is locked onto Kirill and I’m sure she’s read the room effectively and efficiently. The way her eyes are narrowed has warning bells going off in my head. There’s no doubt that she’s not impressed by his behavior and the stance he’s taken.

I also know our woman isn’t going to outwardly call him on his bullshit. Not right now at least.

She moves through the office with a grace which has my dick throbbing. She’s so damn sexy and I almost can’t stand it. The moment she rounds Kirill’s desk and places her hand on his shoulder; he straightens and relaxes.

I watch as her lips move, but I’m not close enough to hear what she’s saying. The next thing I know, Kirill is sitting in his chair and pulling our woman down onto his lap.

“You came right on time,” Wolfe’s voice is filled with amusement.

Oaklynn shoots him a look that is unamused with a side of sassy as fuck. I have to take my seat again, just to hide how much our woman being here has affected me.

She makes a humming sound as she melts back against Kirill, forcing him to put all his attention on her. It’s amusing as hell to watch the way he calms down.

“I came here for a reason,” Oaklynn informs the room.

“Not just to see us?” Maxim teases with a smirk.

“Well,” Oaklynn flashes a big smile his way, “it’s a nice bonus.”

“Solnishko,” Kirill’s voice is a low rasp, “what can we do for you?”

“I’ve been contacted about a charity event.” She makes eye contact with Huck, Maxim, and me, probably trying to gauge our reactions. “They’re having a fundraiser soon and would like me to sit on the organizing committee. While I’ve never worked with this charity before, they know I’ve been involved in various events in the past.” She sighs and rubs her hand up and down Kirill’s arm. “I think they also want the Volkov name backing them.”

“What’s the charity?” Kirill inquires.

“Heart and Home. Their goal is to provide affordable housing for people who need it. I’m sure part of why they want me to help is because of the realty arm of Volkov Enterprises.” She glances at him and bites her lip before squaring her shoulders. “I’d like to get involved. I used to do a lot in the city to help people, but I’ve fallen down on that in the last two months. I need to get back to it.”

Kirill runs his hand through his hair and heaves a heavy sigh. “I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea.”

Oaklynn narrows her eyes at him, and I can see the fire ignite inside of her. She’s not going to back down and she sure as fuck is not going to allow to be told no.

“Well,” Hendrix claps and stands up while motioning for Dominic and Wolfe, “I think that’s our cue.” He locks eyes with Kirill and gives a slight nod. “Let us know how and if we’re needed for support.”

I try not to bristle because I’m more than capable of making sure our woman is safe, but I know it’s coming from a good place. That doesn’t mean I won’t take the opportunity to land a punch if I get the chance.

Hendrix doesn’t hesitate to walk around the desk and kiss Oaklynn on the cheek. My hands clench in response, but then Dominic and Wolfe do the same. When Wolfe, my brother, smirks and winks at me, all I can do is flip him off.

These guys have become family to our woman. I can’t kill them even though they might as well have the reaper looking over their shoulder at the moment.

Once the door is closed behind the guys, Oaklynn stands up and moves away from Kirill. His mouth drops open, and his eyes go wide.

She rounds on him, her voice ice cold and dripping venom, “Just so I’m clear, I wasn’t asking for permission. I thought it would be nice for me to come down here and include you, but I was not asking for your approval.” She stands up straighter, indignance written all over her. “I will be going to the meeting, and I will be helping to organize the charity event. Whether you support me or not is on you.”

Kirill stands up and yanks Oaklynn against his chest. “I’ll always support you,” he growls. “I just want to keep you safe.”

Oaklynn’s smile is soft as she nods. “I understand, but I won’t just be put in a new prison. Just because it’s gilded doesn’t make it any less of a cage.”

“Oaklynn,” he whispers, his voice filled with pain, “I never want to do that to you.”

“Prove it,” she challenges him.

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