Page 6 of Unexpected Bratva Baby

The room falls silent as my lieutenants exchange glances. It’s Vladimir who speaks up. “Take it? As in...”

“As in, it becomes ours,” I say, a cold smile spreading across my face. “We’ll hit it hard, fast, and without warning. By the time Valdés realizes what’s happening, we’ll have control of his books, his contacts, and everything.”

Sergei grins with approval. “It’s risky, but the payoff could be huge. When do we move?”

“Two nights from now,” I say decisively. “Yuri, I want you to handle the tech side. Get into their systems and be ready to lock them out. Sergei, you’ll lead the strike team. Vladimir, you’re on perimeter security, and I’ll let you pick your team. I don’t want any surprises.”

They nod, already beginning to discuss the details among themselves. I stand, signaling the end of the meeting. “Get it done, gentlemen. I want a full briefing tomorrow morning.”

As they file out, I remain at the table, lost in thought. The thrill of the impending operation courses through me, but it’s tinged with something else. Phoebe’s face flashes in my mind, eyes wide with shock if she knew who I really was. I shake my head, banishing the thought. There’s no room for softness or distraction in this world.

And yet, making my way back to my office, I can’t resist checking my watch. It’s almost time for Phoebe to return with Masha.

I pause at my desk, torn between the stack of reports demanding my attention and the desire to catch another glimpse of the woman who’s inexplicably caught my interest. With a frustrated growl, I force myself to sit down and focus on the papers before me.

Even as I immerse myself in the cold, hard numbers of our operations, a part of my mind remains fixed on the warm smile and gentle hands that seem to have worked their way past my carefully constructed defenses.

I glance at my watch,noting I’ve somehow worked for fifteen minutes without thinking of her, but Phoebe should be returning with Masha any moment. Instead of greeting her myself, I decide to observe from afar. I retreat to my private office, where multiple screens display feeds from the building’s security cameras.

I call up and watch the lobby feed, catching my breath when I find her on the screen. Masha trots beside her, tail wagging with enthusiasm I’ve rarely seen from my usually reserved dog.

Rodion approaches them, his normally stern expression softening as he greets Phoebe. I lean closer to the screen, straining to hear their conversation through the tinny speakers. A little thing like it being illegal to record audio isn’t going to keep me from knowing everything that happens inside my building.

“How was she today?” asks Rodion, reaching down to scratch Masha’s ears. Masha accepts it stoically, but she doesn’t light up at the interaction despite having known him for two years now. He’s never hurt her and never would, but she’s a hard dog to get to know, except with Phoebe and me.

Phoebe’s smile is radiant. “An absolute dream. We had a lovely walk in the park. She even made friends with a golden retriever.”

I raise an eyebrow at this. Masha, making friends? That’s certainly new.

“Mr. Sokolov will be pleased to hear that,” he says, taking Masha’s leash.

“Oh, is he not available?” Phoebe glances around, a flicker of something—disappointment?—crossing her face. It makes my chest tighten.

“He’s in meetings all afternoon, I’m afraid,” he lies smoothly. “I’ll be sure to pass along your report.”

She nods, her smile dimming slightly. “Of course. I should be going. Same time tomorrow?”

“We’ll see you then,” he says.

I watch Phoebe leave, her colorful dress swishing around her legs. Even after she’s gone, I stare at the empty lobby, lost in thought. What is it about this woman that’s gotten under my skin? She’s just Masha’s dog walker, nothing more, and yet...

I shake my head, trying to clear it. This is ridiculous. I have an empire to run and enemies to outmaneuver. I can’t afford distractions.

Turning back to my desk, piled high with reports and contracts, my mind wanders. Before I can stop myself, I’ve made a decision. Tomorrow morning, I’ll pay a visit to Cafecito Dreams.

The next day,I stand outside the small coffee shop, hesitating. This is foolish. I should turn around and go back to the office in my penthouse. There’s work to be done.

Instead, I push open the door. The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee envelops me. Behind the counter, Phoebe looks up, smiling in recognition. “Mr. Sokolov, what a surprise.”

I approach the counter, suddenly feeling out of place in my tailored suit. “Good morning, Miss MacKenzie. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d try the coffee Masha’s always raving about.”

Phoebe laughs. “Masha’s been spreading the word, has she? We can’t disappoint our canine clientele. What can I get for you?”

I glance at the menu board, overwhelmed by the options. “I’m afraid I’m not very well-versed in coffee. What would you recommend?”

“Hmm.” Phoebe taps her chin thoughtfully. “Are you a bold flavors kind of guy, or do you prefer something smoother?”

“Bold,” I say without hesitation.

---