Page 60 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

I clench my jaw, my eyes locked onto the open doorway to make sure no one is listening in on my conversation. I am also very aware of my answers and tone of voice, keeping themcryptic to anyone who might be listening and making sure I sound calm.

“It’s all good here. Everything’s going well. I’ll message you,” I mutter quietly. “Anyways, I’ve got to go. Thanks for calling.” And then I hang up the phone. My heartbeat quickens.

For a moment, I stand dead still, listening for movement, sound, someone breathing, but there is nothing. No one was listening or spying on me. I take a massive breath of relief and then let out a sigh of frustration. That guilt inside me is running even thicker. Filling my veins like a toxin.

Then, just to get it over with, I quickly message Andrei to tell him I will have information soon. He has to be patient. I’m close.

I delete the sent message, just in case.

In all honestly, I’m not close to anything because I haven’t been doing what I came here to do. Sure, I’ve been working in Radmir’s business, doing a damn good job at the paperwork he’s given me, but I haven’t been aware of any specific way to take him down or ruin his life, and I haven’t been looking.

I carry the gin back to the table and sit down next to Radmir.

“Is he ok?” he asks straight away and I knot my brows, momentarily confused, but them remembering Ruvim. I got so caught up in thoughts and fears over that phone call that I almost forgot what happened just before it.

“He’s upset that you don’t think he’s a good fighter. I told him you were trying to protect him. But I think he’s pretty angry. Give him time to calm down before you talk to him again.”

Radmir sighs and pulls his mouth tight. “Heisa good fighter, but he’s not acagefighter. He’s not brutal enough.” He shakes his head.

“He might surprise you?” I shrug, raising my eyebrows.

Rad shakes his head again. “It’s not worth the risk.”

Chapter 18 - Radmir

“We have another party?” she says tensely, leaning her back against the kitchen counter and fidgeting with her hands.

“Yes, it’s not open to the public, it’s just with the Dubrovs and my family. We are pretty close to them and often have joint gatherings to catch up with each other. I’m sure you’ve figured out through all the paperwork that we do a lot of business with them too.”

She nods, biting her lip.

“Ok.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask, reaching out to her and gently touching her cheek.

“Um, maybe I’m just tired.” She smiles. “I’ll have a little sleep this afternoon before I get ready. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“If you don’t feel up to it I will stay home with you.” I touch her forehead to feel her temperature, but she feels fine.

She giggles. “Don’t be silly. Of course, I’ll go with you. I get a little overwhelmed meeting new people and the Dubrovs—well, they seem pretty powerful from what I’ve learned.”

“You mean through the paperwork?” I ask, wondering what she means.

“Yes, they have huge transactions and must be a powerful family.”

“They are amazing people. You’ll like them,” I reassure her.

“Don’t mafia families get that powerful by being more ruthless than everyone else?” she asks, finally letting me understand what her worries are about.

“Jade,” I say, pulling her into my arms, “I’ll be right at your side, and I promise you, you have nothing to worry about there.”

She leans into me and I hold her tighter, enjoying the moment.

“Alright,” she says after a while, looking at me with a bright smile. “Just help me decide what to wear.”

***

It’s a very casual get together, an extended family barbecue at Oleg’s place. Everyone is in jeans and a comfortable sweater or a hoodie. It’s early in the afternoon but that cold bite is in the air again and Jade is latched onto me for warmth.

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