Page 46 of Innocently Captured By the Bratva

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I slip my arm through his. Together, we step back into the warmth and light of the house and head straight back to the bar.

Chapter 18 - Mark

I help a tipsy Quinn into the passenger seat of my car, unable to suppress an amused grin as she sings my family's praises. Her strawberry-blonde hair is slightly tousled, falling into her bright green eyes as she babbles enthusiastically.

“Mark, Natalia is soooo cool! Did you know she's made over three million dollars in sales with her clothing business? Three million! And she's only 29!” Quinn exclaims, her words just a little slurred. “And your cousin Damien—he told the funniest joke about a Russian bear walking into a bar...”

She bursts into giggles, tilting her head back against the seat. I laugh softly as I fasten her seatbelt, allowing my fingers to hover briefly over her collarbone. Even slightly drunk, her enthusiasm for life is contagious.

“I'm glad you had a good time, Myshka,” I tease. “They can be a rowdy bunch, but it seems like you fit right in.”

“Myshka?”

“Little mouse,” I chuckle as she playfully whacks me on the arm in protest.

As I slide behind the wheel and pull out onto the lamp-lit streets, Quinn continues recounting the evening's highlights, her hands gesturing animatedly. I navigate the familiar route to my place, only half-listening, distracted by the way the passing lights dance across her delicate features.

“Oh, and your brother Vladimir told me the most hilarious story about you as a kid!” she announces gleefully, poking me in the bicep. “Something about you stealing a police car and taking it for a joyride when you were fifteen?”

I groan, shaking my head ruefully. “That traitor. I'll have to have a word with Vlad about the importance of brotherly discretion.”

Quinn laughs, a melodic sound that warms me like a sip of fine vodka. “From the sound of it, discretion has never been your strong suit, Mr. Zolotov.” Her voice takes on a mischievously admonishing tone. “Taking a cop car for a joyride, flirting shamelessly with all the ladies...”

I smirk, glancing over at her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. “Well, I've always been a man who knows what he wants.” I let my gaze linger on her for a weighted moment before returning my attention to the road. “And right now, what I want is to get you home safe and sound.”

I navigate the lamp-lit streets with practiced ease while Quinn chats on, blissfully unaware of the intensity of my desire. For now, I content myself with stealing glances at her animated face, committing every smile and laugh to memory. She's already an addiction, and I know I'm in trouble.

***

When we return home, I maneuver the car smoothly to the porch. Killing the engine, I turn to Quinn with a smile. “Home sweet home. Let's get you upstairs to your room, hm?”

She blinks at me, those mesmerizing green eyes slightly unfocused. “Upstairs? To your room?” A giggle bubbles out of her. “Why, Mr. Zolotov, are you trying to seduce me?”

I chuckle, shaking my head as I exit the car and move around to her side. “Believe me, Quinn, when I seduce you, you'll know it.” I open her door and offer my hand. “Right now, I'm just trying to make sure you don't faceplant on the sidewalk.”

She pouts but accepts my assistance, stumbling slightly as she tries to find her footing. I catch her easily, one arm snaking around her waist to steady her. The heat of her body bleeds through the thin fabric of her dress, igniting a fire in my blood.

“Whoops!” she laughs, leaning into me. “Guess I'm a little tipsier than I thought.”

“Just a little,” I acknowledge, savoring her presence in my arms. It would be so easy to pull her closer, to claim that tempting mouth with my own. But I resist the urge, instead guiding her up the stairs with gentle pressure. “Come on, let's get you some water and a comfortable bed.”

By the time we reach her room, Quinn hums contentedly, resting her head on my shoulder. “You know, I think Lara and I are going to be best friends,” she declares, her words slurring slightly. “We just... we just clicked, you know? Like puzzle pieces.”

I raise an eyebrow, amused by her certainty. “Is that so? Should I be worried?”

She laughs, the sound pure and unrestrained. “Nah, you're safe. I promise not to tell her all your dirty little secrets.”

“And what secrets would those be?” I drawl, intrigued.

Quinn taps the side of her nose with a conspiratorial wink. “Remember when you kidnapped me?”

I guide her to the bed to help her into it. She wobbles a bit in her heels, and I tighten my grip on her waist reflexively.

“Easy there,” I murmur, my thumb rubbing soothing circles on her hip. “I've got you.”

She leans into my touch, humming softly. “You always do, don't you?” Her voice is low, almost wistful. “Even when I don't want you to.”

I pause, surprised by her words. There's a vulnerability in her tone that tugs at something deep within me. It stirs a desire to promise her the world, if only to chase away the shadows in her eyes.

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