Page 28 of Cruel Russian Pakhan
By the time breakfast was over, I was looking forward to some fresh air, a few pretty dresses, and getting to know Lev's sisters a bit more, despite what he did.
About an hour later, Mariya, Ninel, and I stepped into the boutique, with Marten and six intimidating-looking guards. One of the uniformed staff greeted us at the entrance, offering champagne on a silver tray. We declined politely and continued inside.
My breath caught as I took it all in. The boutique was huge and impossibly elegant. Glossy marble floors reflected the soft glow of crystal chandeliers overhead. Glass cases lined the walls, showcasing designer handbags and shoes. To the left, more displays held jewelry and bottled perfumes that sparkled under the warm lighting. The air was a far cry from the musty thrift shops I’d known. It carried the faint, graceful scent of fresh roses.
I glanced ahead as Marten made his way to the main counter where the register was, while two men stationedthemselves at the entrance and the others spread themselves through the store. The young woman behind the register disappeared into the back, and moments later, an older woman emerged and headed straight for him.
“What’s he doing?” I whispered to Mariya, watching him speak quietly with her.
“He’s getting them to clear the store. We’ll have it to ourselves.”
“What? That’s not necessary. We don't need the entire store to ourselves.”
I started to move toward Marten to stop him, but Ninel caught my hand, gently halting me.
“In case you haven’t noticed during breakfast, our brothers are a little over-the-top when it comes to protecting us,” she smiled. “Lev just wants you to feel safe. Let him do this for you. I’ve learned it’s easier to let them do what they need for their peace of mind.”
I watched as the sales clerks politely ushered the confused, and mildly irritated customers outside. Once it was only us, Marten, the sales clerks and the guards in the store, the doors were locked.
Ninel beamed. “Come on. It’s time to start shopping!”
She steered me toward a row of evening dresses and immediately began flipping through the racks, tossing gowns over her arms.
I glanced at a few price tags and nearly choked. At these prices, I could probably buy a small island, or at least put a down payment on one.
“What’s wrong?” Mariya asked, appearing beside me. “Not seeing anything you like?”
I shook my head. “It’s not that. These prices are insane.”
Ninel returned just in time to overhear. “Today, we are not looking at prices,” she said breezily. “Your husband is footing the bill, and I fully intend to take advantage of that. And you, my lovely sister-in-law, should too.”
Everything I had at the house had been bought for me. It would be nice to finally pick out a few things for myself. So, for once in my life, I decided to just let go. One of the reasons I wanted that new job in the first place was so I could purchase new clothes, shoes and accessories. Since Lev did kidnap me and ruin my job opportunity, I’d say it’s time for reparations.
Over the next three hours, Ninel, Mariya, and I laughed, sipped champagne, and tried on clothes. We started with casual pieces: jeans, tops, and rompers, before moving on to what Ninel called the main event: finding the perfect dress for the party.
I’d never really had girlfriends before, so this felt like a whole new world. They weren’t controlling or possessive like Lev; they were sweet, funny, and easy to be around.
When, according to Ninel, I had found the perfect dress, the one that would stop her brother’s heart, I blushed at her teasing, and we decided it was time to leave.
But as we headed to the register, with more clothes than I had ever purchased in my life, my heart sank. I must have gone quiet, because Ninel gently pulled me aside.
“Vera, is something wrong?”
How could I explain that spending time with them made me want more of this? More connection, more laughter, without sounding utterly desperate?
“It’s just…” I hesitated. “Making friends has always been hard for me. But I really enjoyed today. And I was wondering…”
“...when we could hang out again?” she finished for me, smiling.
I nodded, a little shy.
“I get it,” she said softly. “Being a Bratva ‘princess’ means you’re always wondering who’s genuine and who just wants something from you. Real friends are rare. I enjoyed today as well. Mariya and I have to get some work done at the organization today, but I promise you that before we part ways tonight at the party, we'll have plans for our next girls’ day, okay?”
“I’d like that.” It was my turn to smile.
After leaving the store, they dropped me off first. I hugged Mariya and Ninel goodbye, grabbed my bags, and headed inside.
As I unpacked everything I’d bought, I couldn’t stop smiling. The day had been amazing, and now I was even more excited for the party tonight.
