A smile tugged at my lips as I thought back on the last couple of days. Glancing at Akim, I felt the rush of happiness flow through me. I tried to memorize every perfect little detail of his face in the light of the movie reflecting over us.
He smiled at me, and my heartbeat increased. My stomach filled with butterflies, and I couldn’t get enough of him. He had booked the entire movie house for one evening to give us more privacy.
The blood rushed to my cheeks as memories of this last week played on repeat in my mind. The images were so vivid that it was like living it all over again. Akim softly tapped my hand. Looking at him, he smiled. “Give me some of the popcorn your hogging,” he asked.
Blushing, I looked down at the popcorn in my hands. I was holding it to my chest without even knowing. As I held it out, our fingers brushed once again, and the butterflies in my stomach took flight again. Every time he took something that would happen, I was sure he was doing it deliberately.
The way I sometimes caught him staring at me when I explained something or was giving a presentation always took my breath away. He made a point of buying lunch every day. We would sit together on the small deck he added to his office, staring out at the park.
It felt strange to have someone care for me in such a way. But I felt honored knowing I was the only one he had eyes for. My attention was drawn back to the movie as someone screamed. I wrapped my arm around his, resting on my thigh.
That move earned me one of his gorgeous smiles. “What do you think of the movie?” he asked. His voice was almost a whisper. He searched my eyes as if he could see into my soul. Those emeralds of his had a glistering to them.
“It’s good,” I replied, looking back at the screen. It wasn’t my kind of movie, but we each gave up something to share other things. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him leaning in.
“We should do this more often. But next time, we could go for a walk, have a picnic, or see a show,” he whispered into my ear. His lips brushed against me, sending a chill down my spine.
“We do when you have time, but lately, you’ve been busy,” I said, glancing at him. I felt like a love-sick puppy. I was willing to do just about anything for him.
“I can make time,” he stated matter-of-factly.
I laughed as I responded. “You’re joking, right? I know what you do for a living.”
“You deserve nothing but the best,” he added, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. Turning to him, I searched his eyes for a moment before shaking my head.
“Lucky for me, I already have the best,” I replied softly. If it wasn’t for the smile pulling across his face, I would have been sure if I said it. The pulsing sound coming from behind my ears was working overtime. My breathing was louder than normal, and my heart was racing.
Akim placed his arm around my shoulders. “Would you like to get a milkshake or something after the movie?” he asked, kissing my head.
“Yeah, that sounds nice,” I replied, leaning into his arm. I tried watching the last part of the movie, but I wouldn’t focus. It kept returning to our dates, our touches, and stolen kisses.
This wasn’t our first night at the movies. I know he didn’t like it and only did it for me. However, the previous two movies were action movies full of violence. Yes, growing up in a bratva family, I was used to it. But I didn’t enjoy it. Especially after seeing him kill those men before me.
But he treated me. We were watching a romance tonight. I would have preferred a cartoon. But he hated those.
“You want to tell me what’s on your mind?” he suddenly asked. It was almost like he could sense my attention wasn’t there.
Tilting my head back, I smiled at him. “I was just thinking how lucky I am,” I replied before pressing my lips to his in a deliberately slow kiss. Sparks flew between us. I found my thoughts wandering again. I could spend the rest of my days with my lips glued to his perfectly lush ones.
“Let’s go for a walk,” I added, laughing as I pulled him up. He came willingly. We exited the theater and headed to his truck. “No,” I said, pulling him back.
“I thought you wanted to go for a walk?” he asked, turning his head from side to side.
“Yes, I do,” I added. “But we can walk from here. The city has no lookout point, so we’ll just walk a bit.”
Akim took my hand and walked with me down the street. On the corner was an ice cream shop. As we entered, he pulled me closer. His grip was firm but didn’t hurt. He ordered two ice creams with sweet goodies on mine.
As we walked out, he leaned closer, whispering. “You know, you’re even more beautiful under the moonlight.”
My stomach did a somersault. For a moment, I was speechless. “I’m considering walking you home every night, just so I can see your skin glow under the moonlight,” he confessed. He wrapped his free arm around my waist and pulled me closer.
“You’re crazy, Akim,” I managed to say between laughs. Shaking my head, I repeated myself. “You’re crazy.”
“Nope,” he replied. “I’m just crazy about you.”
Despite my best efforts, the heat rushed to my cheeks. “Stop,” I begged, trying to catch my breath. His grip on my waist tightened as we started back to his truck. The night air was cool, but with him so close, warmth spread through me like a quiet fire.
As we reached the truck, he stopped. “I mean it,” he mumbles, pulling me impossibly close. “You’re breathtakingly beautiful, especially when you’re flustered.”
Pulling away, I lightly smacked his shoulder. Turning away, I buried my face in my hands as I mumbled. “You really don’t know when to stop, do you?”
“Not when it comes to you,” he said teasingly. But there was something deeper in his tone. I shudder.
“You cold?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me. I nodded. “Come, let me take you home,” he said, walking to my side of the truck. The drive home was quiet as my mind kept playing over every interaction.
He stopped and jumped out. He pulled me into his arms as we walked to my door. “I’ll walk you home every night if you let me,” he said. His tone was softer, and there was no teasing; it was just sincerity.
I swallowed hard as my pulse quickened. “You really are crazy,” I replied, looking at him.
His lips twitched into a smirk. But instead of replying, he leaned in. He pressed his lips to my forehead before kissing me. As she pulled back, his thumb brushed my cheek. His eyes searched mine as he spoke. “Sweet dreams, beautiful.”
I watched as he stepped back, hands in his pockets. He gave me one last smile before turning and leaving. I took a warm shower, and before I could jump into bed, the doorbell rang. I thought it was him returning and opened the door without looking.
“Forgot something?” I asked, then inhaled sharply as I saw Misha and Lukyan standing before me.
Misha turned her head to the side, smiling. “No, but apparently someone did.” She huffed as she invited herself inside. “So, tell me more?”
“Misha,” I replied, turning to face her. “I have my own life, you know. What are you doing here?”
“Elisse and I are going to a show next weekend and wanted to know if you would like to join us. But I guess not, seeing as you have someone you appear to be doing things with?” she asked suspiciously.
“I have work. It is all the company I need. Thanks for the invitation, but no, I am busy next weekend,” I huffed, waving her out the door.
Misha grinned, walked out, and turned before speaking again. “Okay, we’ll leave. But you must come around sometime and tell us all about this work keeping you so busy.”
“Yes, yes,” I replied, nodding as I closed the door. “Good night,” I called through the closed door.
Getting into bed, I smiled up at the ceiling. Sleep stepped in and carried me away almost instantly.
I was in the office before Akim. Last night was magical once again, and I was walking on clouds. He barely greeted me as he entered. Making his coffee, I wanted an excuse to go to his office. Not that I had ever needed one.
Walking in, I held my head high. I placed the cup before him and smiled. The low hum of the city barely reached his office. But this morning, it sounded loud. I moved to the door leading to the small deck and closed it.
Walking back to his desk, I shifted some papers around, pretending to organize them. My focus was entirely on the man in the leather chair before me.
His fingers tapped idly on the armrest. His other hand held a pen that I was sure he didn’t even notice as he was watching me.
I felt the weight of his gaze. It dragged over me like a physical touch, slow and unhurried. I didn’t look up right away. I kept my eyes on the documents. I knew what I would find in those eyes when they met mine. A possessiveness, amusement, something dark, yet known.
“You’ve been staring at me for the last five minutes,” I murmured, flipping the page I was pretending to read. “Don’t you have work, boss?” I glanced at him, grinning.
A deep chuckle rumbled from him. The next moment, his hand was wrapped around my wrist. He tugged gently, pulling me towards him. I gasped as I stumbled forward. His grip was firm but soft. His thumb grazed the inside of my wrist, moving in slow, circular motions.
“I’m a busy man, Zhen,” he mumbled. His voice was thick with amusement. “But I’m never too busy for you!”
I rolled my eyes at him. But my pulse betrayed me as it quickened. I’ve come to know him this way. Possessive, playful, and constantly pushing boundaries. Not that I minded. I liked his way.
Tugging my wrist free, I straightened myself, forcing a professional expression. “You have a meeting in twenty minutes,” I said.
He leaned back in his chair as he replied. “And?”
“And,” I said, stepping in behind him. “You need to focus.”
Resting my hands on the back of his chair, I leaned down, speaking close to his ear. “Behave, and maybe I’ll reward you later.”
Before I could move, he had swung around. He curled his fingers around my hips. His grip was once again firm. The smirk playing on his lips was downright dangerous. “You’re playing a risky game,” he said under his breath. “A promise is a promise and must be fulfilled.”
“Am I?” I asked, raising my brows.
His hands slid up my sides and over the silk of my blouse. He squeezed my breast just enough to make my breath catch. Before he could continue, there was a knock on the outer door.
I stepped back just in time as my office door opened. I held my face composed. Akim merely sighed. He rubbed his jaw as if debating whether to ignore the guard.
Waving at the guard, I motioned for him to come in. I grabbed a file off Akim’s desk and pretended to be reading it.
Akim barely acknowledged him. His attention was still half-focused on me. I kept my posture professional, flipping through the file. But I could feel his eyes burning my skin.
“Yes, what is it?” I asked, realizing Akim wouldn’t answer.
“The new CCTV system is up and functioning,” he said, grinning at me.
“Thank you,” I replied, waving him away.
The man nodded and left. I barely got a moment to react before Akim was on top of me. He stood behind me, his hands sliding down my back to my waist. I could feel him pressing against me. “I don’t like it when other men look at you,” he murmured. His lips grazed my ear.
I smiled, shaking my head as I replied. “He wasn’t looking at me.”
He hummed unconvinced before whispering in my ear. “You wouldn’t know, would you?” His fingers tightened slightly on my hips, grounding me. “Too busy pretending not to be affected by me.”
I turned in his arms. Tilting my head up to meet his gaze, I spoke softly. “Who said I’m pretending?”
A shadow of something dark flickered in his eyes as he leaned in. His lips brushed mine in a slow, teasing kiss. It’s brief, barely enough. But I knew what he was doing. He was punishing me for playing with him earlier.
“Zhen,” he uttered, pulling back just an inch. Resting his forehead against mine, I felt his fingers digging into my waist. “You drive me insane, you know that?”
“I grinned as I slid my hands up his chest. “Good,” I said. “Someone has to keep you on your toes.”
He groaned, dropping his hands to his sides. He inhaled deeply again, calming himself. His lips grazed my skin. Not quite a kiss, just a whisper of warmth. “If we weren’t in the office right now,” he breathed out.
There was a second knock at the door. Lifting his head, he glanced over my shoulder. Akim swore under his breath.
Laughing lightly, I stepped out of his grasp before he could pull me back. “Duty calls,” I teased.
Akim exhaled sharply. He was clenching his jaw as he watched me pulling my clothing straight. “Tonight,” he whispered, his voice filled with promise of pleasure. “No distraction, no interruptions. Just you and me.”
I nodded, biting my lower lip to prevent my smile from stretching across my face. “Looking forward to it, boss,” I huffed.
As I moved towards the door, I felt his gaze following me. Just before I stepped out, I heard him speaking. “You’re mine, beautiful. Don’t forget it.”
I glanced over my shoulder, meeting his intense stare. “Never,” I replied, smiling. With that, I stepped out of his office with a bounce. I was already counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds.
I had barely organized the new clients when he came out. Stopping next to my desk, he spoke softly. “I have to leave, but I’ll see you tonight.”
“Can’t wait,” I replied, smiling up at him. I watched as he walked out and down the hallway.
My phone rang. Picking it up, I saw it was Iosif. I jumped up from my table. I walked at an increasing speed to the bathrooms. As I entered, I answered. “Yes, brother, how can I assist today?”
I heard him grumbling under his breath before he spoke. “Family meeting tonight, don’t be late.”
Before I could reply, the line went dead. Walking to the basin, I felt my heart drop to my feet. How can he do this, I thought, staring at my reflection. Walking back to my desk, I played my responses over and over in my head. If I only had the opportunity, I told myself, knowing I would never say no to Iosif.
I flopped down into my chair. I was relieved Akim had left for the day. I wouldn’t have been able to cancel with him if I had to look him in the eyes.
Sighing, I picked up the phone and dialed Akim. I tried to keep my tone normal as I spoke to him. “Hey, Akim. I’m sorry, but I have to cancel our dinner. Something has come up that cannot wait. Can I get a rain check?”
“Oh, ok,” he replied, sounding distant. “I guess that’s fine. Is everything okay? Can I help with something?”
“Yes, no, I mean no. Everything is fine. I’ll call you when it’s done. Maybe we can still have that dinner or meet up for drinks?” I asked.
“That sounds nice. Let’s do that then. I’ll be waiting for your call,” he replied before hanging up.
I felt bad that I had ditched him, but I had no other options. Finishing up, I headed to the Chernykh mansion.
Upon my arrival at our family home, I found all my siblings already gathered. I entered the lounge, nodded in greeting, and sat on one of the couches furthest away. I never had much to say and wasn’t interested in hearing about things where, according to them, I didn’t have a place.
As the youngest, I wasn’t given any responsibilities. So, I mostly sat in silence, getting bored to death. I was only there because my father used to insist we all attend. Should something happen to the men, we knew what was going on.
I sat back, kicked off my shoes, and placed my feet on the coffee table. I tried to look interested as I listened to my brothers discussing packaging warehouses, gun orders, drug development, and delivery schedules. They had so many aspects to talk about. Then, they also talked about the projects for the Vaselievs.
Iosif glanced at me, giving me his usual disapproving look. I pulled my feet off the table. Sitting up straight, I felt bored. I wanted to leave. I had better things I could be doing. Like going out with Akim on a date. But I knew I had to be here.
We only held family meetings once a month, and I was sure the three of us women were invited only so we wouldn’t feel left out. It wasn’t like they needed us or even wanted us there. Plus, I had to ensure that Timofey kept his mouth shut.
Then I heard Avgust mentioning something about the Dubow Morozov real estate project.
“Yes,” Iosif said. “I’ve seen some of the work. The Dubow Morozov Alliance with that real estate company has been making a splash. Some of those appear precisely planned and executed. I wonder who their secret weapon is. I see a great future for them if they keep it up.”
“Yes,” Avgust agreed. “I second that. Maybe we should take a closer look at the projects. See if there is anything we could assist with.”
Hearing this made me very happy. I was thrilled as I was in charge. Yet, I couldn’t share this knowledge with them. Not yet.
I sat on the edge of my chair, intently listening to them. They were praising one after the other estate project. Complimenting one’s design, one’s appearance, and then something else on another. Every time, something else amazed them.
It was so nice listening to them. I couldn’t help but smile as I knew I had a hand in all of those.
Once the meeting was concluded, Iosif looked at us. “Right, how about we grab a nightcap before heading in our separate directions?” Grinning, I got up and followed them into the kitchen. On the table were bottles of alcohol, wine, a coffee pot, and some juices for people like me who didn’t drink.
Each of us poured our own drink. Then they split up into their little clusters, chatting away about whatever interested them. Timofey came waltzing up to me. Lightly taking hold of my arm, he dragged me to the corner.
“Why haven’t you spoken up?” he asked, looking confused. “Aren’t you proud of everything you’ve done? I mean, look at how pleased they are with the estate projects.”
Shaking my head softly, I replied confidently. “No, Timofey. Please, the time is not right. This stays our little secret. If Iosif finds out, he will pull me out of this. You know I need it. I need to prove what I can do before we tell anyone.”
He pulled me into a light hug. “I understand,” he said, glancing around. “But I must say, well, compliment you rather on the great job you’re doing.”
Grinning, I gave his hand a soft squeeze as I replied. Thank you.”
Turning, I looked at my sisters. They were standing on the other side of the table. I listened as they discussed fashion, beauty products, and changes they planned to make to the house.
I was the only one staying in a condo. Iosif, Avgust, Lukyan, and Timofey all live in our parents’ home. Misha and Elisse, my two sisters, stayed in a townhouse. They still seemed to be taking care of each other.
Being the youngest, I’ve always been a little left out of the group. My two sisters were like twins. They did everything together as they got along the best out of all of us. They didn’t want places of their own; they insisted on living together.
I, on the other hand. I wanted to be alone, to have my independence. I wanted the chance to prove what I could do.
Once we finished our drinks, we shared some hugs and goodbyes. Then, I returned to my condo.
As I got home, I took a quick shower. I was tired from spending the whole day with my family. I loved them, but sometimes they could be a little too much. As I came out of the bathroom, I heard my phone ringing.
“Hi there,” I breathed out into the phone. “How has your day been?” We talked for a while. Hanging up, I smiled as I got into bed. He was such a wonderful man.
