Page 30 of Broken By the Bratva

Feeling my cheeks heating up, I knew the blush was apparent. “No,” I breathed out. “There are too many I liked.”

Vadik took my hand, turning me to face him. “It’s to thank you for saving my life, so please, take as many as you like,” he said.

As we stood staring into each other’s eyes, our hands lingering in the hold, I felt my stomach turning. I nodded and smiled before lowering my head. Vadik gently lifted my head with his fingers. But before he could speak, a man joined us. “Good day, may I help you?”

“Yes,” Vadik replied turning to him. “We have a couple of bottles we would like to purchase.

“Will you be taking them now, or we can send them?” the man asked.

Vadik glanced at me before replying. “I’m sure you can send them.”

“Very well, sir,” the man said handing Vadik a tablet with the list of wines. We selected the ones we wanted and handed the tablet back.

I was feeling giddy, and excited as we got back to the limo. “Thank you so much for everything,” I said. “This was an amazing experience.”

“Well, I’m glad you are enjoying yourself,” Vadik responded. “Now I think we should grab a bite to eat.”

As we drove off, I spoke while looking out the window. “I guess food would be nice.” I was feeling much calmer. Staring at the passing trees, houses, and other buildings, my view started blurring as I drifted off into thought.

When Vadik spoke touching my arm, I got a slight fright. “We are here.” Turning to look at him, I saw him getting out and coming around to my side. Getting out, I was astounded by the enormity of the restaurant.

“Are you sure we are at the right place?” I asked as we entered. My jaw dropped to the floor. It was even more beautiful inside. I felt like I had walked into a jungle. There were large trees, cages with animals, and what looked like picnic tables between waterfalls.

Vadik laughed, took my hand, and replied, “Yes, I’m sure we are in the right place.”

A waiter met us with a wide smile. “Just this way,” he said walking towards the back. We sat down at a table decorated with candles, flowers, and plates of fruit.

Vadik didn’t even give me time to speak as he placed our order. “Will you bring us two of tonight’s specials! A beer for me and the finest cocktail you have for the lady.”

The waiter nodded and walked off quickly. “You ordered for me before I could even look at the menu?” I spoke.

“Yes,” he replied winking at me. “There’s no need for that as I come here regularly. You are going to love it.”

Looking down at my watch, I noticed it was already six o’clock. I hadn’t realized the time was going by so quickly. Suddenly there was a loud screeching sound followed by a tapping. Turning, I saw the man standing on a small stage.

“Welcome everyone,” he said over the mic. His voice echoed through the trees. “It is time for some wilderness karaoke! Everyone will have a turn and there are many songs to select from. So, please don’t be shy, it’s just fun.”

Looking at Vadik, I felt my eyes growing large as I questioned him. “Karaoke? Did you know? I can’t sing, so I hope you’re fine singing by yourself.”

Laughing, he leaned back in his chair. “It’s not funny,” I pouted folding my arms across my chest. “I cannot sing!”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s just part of their tradition here. Most people can’t sing but everyone does it. Every person here knows it, its tradition,” he replied.

“They haven’t brought our food yet, let’s just leave,” I asked. The words had barely left my mouth when the waiter turned the corner with our food.

“Too late sweetheart,” Vadik said picking up his fork and taking a bite.

Lowering my head, I stared at the plate. How dare he do this to me? Sighing deeply, I pulled myself together. “Fine, but I am not opening my mouth,” I said staring at the cheese nachos and dips.

“You mentioned it wasn’t your first time here. Yet, I don’t see you coming here often. It’s not the kind of place for you,” I huffed at him feeling slightly irritated.

“Hey, don’t judge a person so fast. There are many things you don’t know about me,” he responded guarded.

“I don’t judge people, I observe,” I said taking a bite. Yet, I knew I had been judging him even before we met. He was right though. I knew nothing about him.

“Okay then,” I added. “If you enjoy this place so much, what about it lures you here? I’m sure you can get nachos anywhere, why here?”

Smiling, he swallowed his food before answering me. “I enjoy the atmosphere, its always exciting and everyone is happy. Just give it a chance.”

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