Page 39 of Bratva's Vow
“I will.”
“I mean it, Wren, or next time Maxim threatens to tie you to the bed, I’ll provide the rope.”
“Traitor. You’re supposed to be my friend.”
“Anyone who buys me Louboutins has my undying affection. Remind me to tell Maxim thanks, by the way. They’re absolutely gorgeous.”
I frowned. “I still have no idea whymyboyfriend’s buying you expensive shoes.”
“Oh, Wren, don’t be catty. You’re the one with the sugar Daddy now. You can at least share.”
“He’s not my sugar anything. He’s my equal.”
She gave a loud snort.
“He is.”
She only snorted louder.
“Bye, Jess! I need to get that gift.”
“Call me.”
“Okay.” I hung up the phone, shaking my head. She was as bad as Maxim. What did everyone think was going to happen? That if I took a step outside without Nik, I would be abducted by aliens?
I pocketed my wallet and tugged my jacket off the back of my chair. Everything had to be perfect for Maxim’s birthday tomorrow, and that meant collecting his gift. I could have had it delivered to the house, but that meant Maxim would have seen it. Not risking the exposure, I’d chosen to grab it in person.
I took the elevator down, heart fluttering a little as I thought about my plans for tomorrow. Maxim’s calendar was light for the day. I’d done that deliberately for him to have a fantastic birthday. Then in the evening, all our friends would join us for his birthday party by the poolside.
I couldn’t wait to see Maxim’s face when I gave him his birthday gift. Although I’d spent way too much time obsessing over the details, it was worth it. This wasn’t just any present. It meant something. Hopefully, he’d see that.
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and I stepped into the quiet lobby.
“Wren.”
I turned, pulse skipping. Bradley stood near the receptiondesk. He had a manila folder in hand and that same unreadable look he always wore when he wasn’t trying to flirt, which was rare.
Shit. Since he walked in on me blowing Maxim beneath his desk, I’d been avoiding him as much as possible. It was hard to look him in the eye after my misconduct with our boss.
“Hey,” I said cautiously. “What’s up?”
“Do you have a second?” He stepped closer. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you but never seem to be able to get you alone. It’s important.”
“I really can’t right now. I’ve got to run out and grab something for Maxim, umm, Mr. Morozov.”
Bradley lifted his brows slightly, but he didn’t move out of my way. “It’ll only take a moment.”
I shook my head, firm but polite. “I’m sorry, not right now. Maybe later? I’ll be back before Mr. Morozov’s meeting ends.”
He hesitated, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. “Before the end of the day,” he said finally. “Please. It’s important.”
But was it, though? It was too late to listen to cautionary tales about sleeping with one’s boss. In a week, I was done with this place anyway, so it didn’t matter. I could bear being called a shameless gold digger for five more days.
I nodded. “Okay, sure.”
He looked like he still wasn’t satisfied, and I almost sighed with relief when Viktor stepped through the entrance. He wore a charcoal blazer over a black button-down shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbow, revealing a fresh-looking scar that cut across his forearm.
“Wren,” he said with a small nod, eyes scanning Bradley with something like quiet disapproval.
