Page 14 of Twisted Vows

Malachi’s gaze locked onto mine, and a shiver ran down my spine as I glanced at the two of them shyly. He gave me a small nod, and I returned it with a forced smile. I was still drawn to him despite the danger that seemed to radiate off him in waves. My solo adventure had done nothing to quell that. In fact, it had probably fed the need.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I couldn’t let myself get caught up in fantasies about these men. They were part of the Yelchin bratva, and I knew better than to get involved with them. Didn't I?

As I poured their drinks, I snuck glances of them. They were deep in conversation, their voices low and intense. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but I could tell it was serious.

Moments later, I handed them their drinks, and Malachi’s fingers brushed against mine as he took his cup. That sent a jolt of electricity coursing through me, and I quickly pulled my hand away.

“Thanks, Nika,” he said, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, unable to form a coherent response. I watched as they walked over to their usual table, my heart racing in my chest. I tried to focus on my work, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Malachi and Rurik. I wondered what they were talking about, and if they were in danger. The thought made my heart stutter for a beat.

I should stay away from them, but I couldn’t deny the irresistible draw they exerted on me. I found myself all too easily slipping into daydreaming about them again and. shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I couldn’t let myself get carried away like this. I was acting like a ridiculous teenager with a crush instead of an adult woman.

Logic warred with desire. My heart ached for them, but my head knew better. I couldn’t have them, but I wanted them. I sighed, leaning against the counter. My fantasies would have to be enough. I couldn’t risk getting involved with men from the Yelchin bratva, no matter how much I wanted them.

Chapter Seven – Malachi

As I strode into Jitter Beans, my gaze immediately settled on Nika behind the counter, her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail with a few tendrils framing her face, giving her an air of innocence. I suppressed a groan as I imagined being the one to possess that innocence. A smile lit up her features as she greeted a customer.

Even a couple of days later, Rurik’s words still echoed in my mind, a warning against getting too close, but the pull I felt toward her was undeniable, a force I couldn’t resist. I told myself it was merely physical attraction, a desire to possess her beauty, if only for a fleeting moment. Yet, deep down, it was more than that.

Nika glanced up, her gaze meeting mine. She offered a shy smile, and I nodded in acknowledgment, taking a seat at my usual table near the back. I didn't bother to wait around to order, not wanting her to see the massive erection forming just from her simple, shy smile.

Within moments, she was at my side, a steaming cup in hand. “Your usual, Malachi.”

The way my name rolled off her tongue sent heat to my groin. “Spasibo, Nika.”

Our fingers brushed as she handed me the cup, and the contact was electric, setting my nerves ablaze. I savored the rich, caramel notes of the macchiato, but it was her presence that intoxicated me more than the beverage.

“How’s your day going?” she asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

I leaned back in my chair, studying her. “Better now.”

She ducked her head, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re too kind.”

“Just honest.” I took another sip, letting the silence stretch between us.

She fidgeted, her fingers toying with the hem of her apron. “I was wondering...” She paused, biting her lip. “Would you like to grab dinner sometime?”

The invitation caught me off guard, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words. Desire warred with reason, the latter reminding me of the dangers of my life, the risks of letting someone in, but as I gazed into her eyes, so full of hope and longing, I was powerless to resist. “I’d like that.”

Her face lit up as she beamed at me. “Really? That’s great.” She seemed flustered by my acceptance, and it was adorable

I return her smile. “How about tomorrow night? Say, seven o’clock?”

“Perfect.”

As she turned to tend to another customer, I watched her go, my heart pounding. I was treading a dangerous path that could lead to heartache and pain for us both, but with the promise of her company lingering in the air, I couldn’t bring myself to care.

The next evening found me pacing outside the shop, my hands shoved into the pockets of my leather jacket. I was early, a rare occurrence for me, but the anticipation of seeing Nika had me uncharacteristically anxious.

The door swung open, and she emerged, a vision in a simple sundress that hugged her curves. Her hair cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders, and she had applied a touch of makeup, accentuating her natural beauty.

“Hi,” she said, her voice tinged with nervousness.

“Hey.” I drank in the sight of her, my gaze lingering perhaps a little too long.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, really flushing under my scrutiny. “So, where are we going?”

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