I stopped as I walked through the door at the party, feeling slightly nervous. Glancing around, I confirmed there were no Chernykhs present. I mean, really, did I think any of my family would attend a real estate function?
They had better things to do with their time. In all my years, none of them had ever shown any interest in real estate. I was the only one. This event was hosted by the Dubow and Morozov alliance. Plus, the project I worked on was more of a Dubow one.
I was ecstatic about being allowed to take the lead on this one. I enjoyed every moment, and if Akim felt I had to meet these people and clients, so be it. Searching the room, I saw him standing at a table to the side of the bar, talking to an elderly couple.
He noticed me as I moved through the crowd, trying to get to him. Akim smiled as he came towards me. “You look stunning,” he said, kissing my cheek.
“Thank you,” I replied, glancing at the floor. My cheeks felt slightly warm.
“Come, let me introduce you to some of our clients before we get a drink,” he said, holding out his arm.
I placed my hand on his forearm. We walked back to the table where the couple was waiting. “This is Zhen, our dream project planner with fabulous ideas,” Akim said.
“Well, then,” the man replied, extending his hand. “I’m sure glad you joined the team. I love the changes you suggested. It seemed to bring the project together seamlessly.”
“Well, thank you,” I replied, blushing slightly. It felt strangely satisfying to be seen in such a high-valued light. I wasn’t sure what else to say as I had never received compliments like these.
“Excuse us,” Akim said to the man. “I have to introduce her to a couple of people.”
The man lowered his head, touching the rim of his hat. We stepped back and walked to the bar. Akim got us each a glass of champagne. “I think this evening calls for a celebration, don’t you?” he said, handing me the glass.
I took a sip and scanned the room. There were so many people. Then Akim took my hand and led me through the crowd to three men standing by an exit door. “Guys,” he huffed as we got closer. “Meet Zhen. She is the one who made the last changes that added that exquisite garden to your complex.”
The men turned to us, smiling. They took turns shaking my hand and thanked me for the suggestions. Before we could discuss anything else, a big guard drew Akim’s attention. He listened to the guard before turning to me. “Sorry, I must deal with something. I’ll meet you at the bar?”
I nodded and watched as he disappeared through the crowd. Heading to the bar, I walked in a wide circle, greeting some of the staff I had met before. There were people from all walks of life. I could clearly see the elite as they had a composure unlike any of the other people. I felt sure many of the people there had some form of bratva connection.
Before I reached the bar, I saw Akim returning. Coming to me, he held out his hand as he spoke. “Let me introduce you to some of the other people,’ he said, grinning.
Taking his arm, I could smell his cologne as we squeezed through some of the people. It was a light odor with a hint of musk and ocean. I wondered if he had changed brands. It was an alluring scent, and I found myself smiling for no reason.
After another couple of introductions, I was surprised to find myself having fun. I never enjoyed the parties I attended with my family. Yet, this was different. I was the hot topic.
We approached an older man with a pretty young brunette on his arm. Gesturing to the man, Akim introduced me. “This is the owner of the renovation company that handles our upgrades.”
After saying this, he turned to the man as he continued to speak. “This is Zhen. The woman is in charge of the last three projects.”
The older man looked at me, his eyes roaming just for a second before settling on my face. I was glad he could look me in the eye as he spoke. It made me feel less like an ornament or side piece. “Pleased to meet you. I have to say, your work on the last project was just above amazing. The suggestions you made added improvements beyond expectations.”
I smiled, replying pleasantly. “Thank you, and I have to say that your company’s work is formidable.” Everyone we spoke to was overly impressed by my work. I was happy and felt light on my feet.
He returned my smile, nodded, and then headed off. We walked around the room, chatting to the guests. Most of the ones we spoke to were either investors or developers. Yet, there were also some cattle farmers, and a couple of people just looking to expand on their land.
As we spoke to some of our satisfied clients, I realized what it felt like to be appreciated and valued for your effort. These people, these strangers, respected me and saw my abilities. I was walking around on clouds, and it was all thanks to Akim. He made me part of his company and believed in me from the first presentation.
It felt good being seen, and soon, I would be able to step out from under my family’s shadow. Akim followed me around like a love-sick puppy, hovering over me like a concerned mother. Each time our eyes met, I felt a light firing up. He made me feel alive, and I valued it. I loved that he was aware of my every move and that I could watch him in his element.
His hand slid down my back, coming to rest just above my ass as we moved away from the people. Once we were at a reasonable distance, he leaned in, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss.
Pulling back, he rested his forehead against mine as he spoke. “I have to tell you that I am so proud of you. You’ve done a beyond amazing job so far, and all the people love you.”
I couldn’t stop the smile of joy spreading across my face, and felt my cheeks heating up. He first kissed one cheek and then the other, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“You’re amazing tonight, perfectly holding yourself,” Akim whispered.
Meeting his eyes, I swallowed the sudden onslaught of saliva accumulating in my mouth. His happiness even shone through his eyes. He took a step back and looked at the crowd of people.
My stomach made a big turn. My chest tightened as my guilt seemed to be trying to strangle me. Yet, I smiled. I had to ensure he didn’t notice the change in me. An elderly man with a big hat came up behind him.
I watched as the man leaned in and spoke to him. Akim grinned at me, nodded, and walked off with the man. My pile of guilt was ever-growing, and I thought this was just one more item to add as I watched him disappear in the crowd.
How could I let him know he didn’t need to hover, as I knew this part of bratva life all too well? Plus, I had no idea how he would react to finding out I was part of this life. Or worse, that I was, in fact, a Chernykh. He believed I worked for them, but if he knew the truth…
Turning around, I felt my skin turning to ice as I saw my brother across the room. What was Timofey doing here? He was talking to two girls, seemingly drooling over him. I couldn’t take a chance that he would see me.
“I have to go,” I said to the women, still asking about the amenities of the development. “Sorry, we’ll set up a meeting to talk about all your concerns.”
I didn’t wait for her reply before moving away. I still had too much to accomplish. A lot was riding on me being successful. If he found me, he would want to know what I was doing here.
My family all knows I have never been one for this side of the bratva life. I had never had an interest in a glamorous lifestyle, even though my father always dragged me along.
Sliding in behind two large men chatting at one of the tables, I tried to peek through the gap between them. I waited for Timofey to turn before heading down the side wall of the room.
Moving slowly, I desperately searched for Akim. I saw the man he was talking to earlier, but Akim was no longer with him. I couldn’t find him and started to panic. Where could he have disappeared to?
Walking through the doors of the private bar at the back, I froze. There he was with a tall, skinny bimbo about to straddle him by the looks of it.
Akim was sitting on a bar stool with her practically on top of him. Her arms were wrapped around his neck as she seemed to whisper in his ear. His smile stretched from ear to ear. Whatever she was saying had surely made him happy.
Even from here, I could see her beauty. Her sleek body, perfectly sized breasts, and ass were prominently on display in the dress she wore. She was the kind of woman I was sure most men fantasized about.
My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride as I stood there watching. I could be sure if what I was feeling was anger, jealousy, or disappointment. Maybe it was a little of all mixed in one.
Suddenly feeling sick and unable to breathe, I knew I had to get out. I needed to leave. Seeing him with her was only making me doubt myself. I didn’t need this kind of drama in my life.
Glancing around as I headed for the door, I tried to see if my brother was still there. I didn’t see him and assumed he had gone to the bar, bathroom, or maybe he had left. I was sad but felt relieved that he didn’t see me. If it were one of my other overprotective brothers, there would have been hell to pay if they saw me.
Stepping out into the cool evening air, I inhaled deeply. My anger was boiling. How could I have been so careless and stupid? What was I thinking? He wasn’t a one-woman kind of man. I should have known better.
Walking toward my condo, the wind rustled the leaves on the top of the trees. Looking up, I wondered if it might rain. The air was surely cool enough, and it had an earthy smell.
My heels clicked as I stomped down the street. My mind was distracted by images of Akim and that beautiful blonde. Reflections of them in shady situations blew around inside my head. Clenching and releasing my fists, I tried to calm the emotional turmoil inside.
After several blocks, I felt my rage starting to calm. Feelings of disgust and disappointment replaced it. I walked from the bustling business area and entered my residential area. Looking back to see if Akim had maybe noticed and come after me, I spotted a man not far behind.
He stopped and looked up into the sky. Something about his actions felt off. I swallowed hard as I turned back and continued to walk. Mentally, I reminded myself to keep an eye on him.
After the recent events, and not knowing who the target was, I couldn’t be too careful. Plus, I was still a bit shaken by everything. The light turned green. I started walking again. I glanced in some of the store windows now and then, checking if he was still there.
As I got closer to home, the traffic and the people lessened. There were some stores in my neighborhood, but most closed around eight.
As I ran, I noticed all the shops were closed, and the street was deserted. I hadn’t seen another person for the last two blocks except for the stranger a little distance behind me. Looking into one of the store windows, I caught a glimpse of his reflection.
I had to look again as I could swear he was carrying a gun. On my second look, I knew for sure. My head felt like it was suddenly swelling as the realization of the situation hit home. Without thinking, I took off running. I heard the man cursing before the soft whistling sound came past my head.
Did he really just shoot at me? I was glad he missed, but I felt the bullet graze my ear. A thin line of blood ran down my neck. It was hot yet felt cold at the same time. I let out a shout as I ran faster than I had ever before in my life. I was slightly amazed that I could run like this in heels.
My heart jumped into my throat. I knew my life depended on the distance I could place between us. There was no time to think. I had to allow my body to react.
Turning on the next corner, I ran into a group of young men and women exiting a bar. As I struggled through them, I heard their protests and grunts, but there was no time to waste. I had just gotten through them when I saw the opening of a dark alley. I quickly considered my options. Enter the bar, ask for help, or run to my condo.
Glancing back at the group, I decided they seemed drunk and distracted. Looking at the bar, I saw the sign in the window had just changed and now read ‘Closed’.
My building couldn’t be far. So, I decided to make a run for it. Ducking into the alley, I stayed against the dark wall, going a tad slower so I would make less noise. Exciting the alley, I saw the condos looming up front.
Glancing back, I realized that I had lost him. But I had no intention of stopping. My calves were on fire, and my lungs were battling to keep up. As I turned the corner, I saw my building coming into clear view.
Stopping, I stood for a second on the corner, hiding in the shadows. I had to ensure no strangers were lurking or suspicious cars waiting. Not seeing anything out of place, I rushed over the street and entered on the side. I skipped the elevator and took the stairs.
Slipping off my heels, I ran up the stairs to my condo. My hands were trembling so badly that I had difficulty entering the correct pin. The door clipped open on the third try.
I practically fell into the apartment. Scrambling to my feet, I shoved the door closed and bolted it. Turning, I exhaled deeply as I slid down the door.
Shivering and scared, I wrapped my arms around my knees as I sat against the door. What was happening? The attacks kept on coming. I had to tell someone, but who?
My brothers would be furious with me. They will surely lock me up and throw away the keys. They just see me as a subordinate. So, calling them wasn’t an option. I let out a small scream as my phone rang.
Throwing out the contents of my purse, I searched for my phone. Staring at the name on the screen, I felt my throat closing. Tears stung my eyes as it felt like the world was closing in on me.
