Page 62 of Anton

He set me down on my feet. “Good to see your sorry arse is still alive,” he smirked, slapping me hard on the bum. I grunted.

“Yeah, us ex-forces guys—all strong arses, built to survive,” Trigger said with a chuckle.

Romi grinned and winked. “Thought we might have lost a Bratva Blood Brother when you disappeared. Glad to see you’re still breathing, bro. With the addition of all these women in our lives, we need every man we can get. And that’s not just to keep our pact. The ladies are beginning to take over, and if we don’t watch out, they’ll be leading us all around by the noses soon,” he laughed, but I knew how much he loved having all the women around. Especially his own.

“As if Sonia doesn’t already do that to you,” Marko said, chuckling as he stepped forward to pull me to him. “Good to see you, bro.”

The frantic pitch of Marcie’s voice made my heart skip a beat. I turned just in time to see her—pitchfork raised, charging at Vlad. She hadn’t recognised the men crowding around me. Panic was written all over her face, her breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps as she lunged forward.

“Marcie, no!” I shouted, but it was too late.

Vlad spun around in time, narrowly avoiding the pitchfork’s thrust. His hand shot out, knocking it aside with a swift motion that sent it clattering to the ground. But Marcie wasn’t giving up that easily. Her eyes were wild with fear as she darted forward, her fists clenched, ready to fight anyone who got in her way.

Trigger was faster. He closed the distance in an instant, catching her around the waist and lifting her off her feet. She squealed in shock, her body thrashing in his grip as she struggled to break free, but her efforts were futile.

“Anton!” she cried, her voice a desperate plea.

“Marcie, it’s okay!” I called, my voice clear and steady as I approached her. “It’s the cavalry. We’re safe. You’re safe, honey!” Finally, my words broke through her panic, and Marcie’s movements slowed as the reality of the situation hit her. She paused, her breath heavy, eyes darting between me and the group of men now surrounding her.

Trigger set her back down slowly and backed away as I took her into my arms. “Sorry, Vlad,” she sobbed, her voice breaking as the floodgates opened.

“It’s all good, Marcie. You didn’t hurt me, and you’re both safe now,” Vlad replied.

“It would take more than a pitchfork to fell that big brute,” I told her in amusement, and her mouth tugged up at the corners.

“Hey! Less of the brute. I can’t help it if I have the build of a superhero while everyone else are mere human sized,” he posed, hands on hips, earning a chuckle from my Little Miss Sassy who’d just realised that Vlad wasn’t the stoic man he usually appeared, but one who rivalled her in the sass department.

“You should have a special outfit. And a name,” Marcie said, the tears forgotten as quickly as they’d appeared, her tone lightening.

Most people thought that Trigger was the cheeky one of the pair. And he was. But Vlad could certainly give him a run for his money when he wanted to. And now, as he attempted to lift Marcie’s spirits, was one of those times.

“Captain Thickhead,” Miki snorted, earning a disgruntled look from Vlad.

“The Russian Rumble. I’ve heard you fart. Smelt it too,” Marko added.

Vlad huffed, and the guys erupted into laughter. Marcie’s eyes widened in surprise, but the playful teasing was contagious, and soon enough she was smiling.

“Captain Colossalman,” Romi suggested, joining in on the joke.

“Colossal cock,”more like, Trigger sniggered, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Vlad huffed again, looking unfazed. “Well, if we’re talking about size, then yes,” he said, throwing Trigger a teasing wink. “Colossal? I suppose I have to claim that title… not just for my height, but for other… attributes,” he winked at Marcie and she rolled her eyes, but couldn’t suppress her chuckle.

“That big, huh?” she asked me.

“How the fuck would I know?” I replied, laughing.

“Well, I thought all of you guys compared sizes when you were peeing. You know, took a little peek?” she winked, her laughter filling the room as we all gaped at her.

“No more of the cock jokes, the guys will be getting depressed. It’s not their fault they can’t compete.” Vlad grinned mischievously, and she snorted.

“So, back to my name. I think I’ll beThe Russian Titan,” he said, grinning at Marcie. “That sounds dignified.”

“I think ‘Siberian Beast’ suits you better,” Marcie teased, her voice light, the last of the panic gone.

“I’ll take it. Whatever the beautiful Marcie thinks best,” Vlad said, flirting outrageously.

Marcie giggled.

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