Page 16 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

To the side was a wrought-iron table with two chairs. On top of it was a flower vase and a tray with two glasses. Next to it was a small bar fridge and what looked like an ice machine.

As I heard the door closing behind me, I felt a shiver running down my spine. Panic suddenly filled me as I realized I might have been the target of the attack. He might have been more prepared for something like this if I had just told him who I was.

Akim walked around me. He stood before me with the two bags in his hands. “I’m so sorry for all of this,” he said. “I would have brought guards if there was any chatter about an attack. I never intended to expose you to something so…” He glanced at the floor as his words dried up.

I was shocked. How could he think this was his fault? Watching him shift, I realized he thought the attack was targeted at him. However, I couldn’t see how that was possible, no, it had to be me they were after.

It was some of the Chernykh’s enemies coming after me to get to my family, I felt sure of it. Could I be the reason he was in danger? Glancing at him as he placed the bags down by the door, I knew I couldn’t tell him.

The guilt ripped through my core, shooting my emotions into overdrive. Holding my head in my hands, I started pacing up and down. I had to find out, I had to make sense of this mess. But most of all, I had to know if I was the reason for the attack.

But how was I to do so without letting my family know what was going on? I swallowed hard as a lump pushed up in my throat. I felt my eyes stinging as tears started running down my cheeks. I was out of answers and didn’t know who to turn to for advice.

“Hey, you,” Akim said lightly, pulling on my arm.

I stopped and looked at him. His eyes were filled with a softness I could only describe as care. He pulled me closer and hugged me. “It’s okay, you’re safe now,” he breathed out over my head.

His muscular arms felt like ribbons of power. His chest was like a soft pillow as I relaxed into his hold. He rubbed my back, and I could feel my fear slowly dissipating. “I will keep you safe,” Akim whispered into my hair as he kissed my forehead.

If he only knew, he would not be so kind and caring. Or would he, I wondered as he held me tightly.

Breathing in his rich, earthy scent and feeling his chest muscles against my face made me hug him a little tighter. I knew I had to fight this attraction for him. But for a moment, I allowed my body to absorb his essence. He made me feel safe.

Taking a slow and deep breath, I tried stepping back. Akim held my shoulders. Glancing at him, I smiled weakly. “I’m going to get cleaned. I feel a little drained.

He stared at me for a moment, holding me at arm's length. “Okay,” he finally said after what felt like an eternity. “But are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes,” I replied softly. “I think a hot shower and sleep is all I need now.”

He nodded as he let go. I picked up the bag from the gift shop and headed to the bathroom. Placing the bag on the bathroom cupboard next to the basin, I stared in the mirror. Who was this woman looking back at me?

It looked like a child had styled the messy bun on my head. Lifting my arm to remove the clips, I felt weak. My arms were sore as if I had visited the gym. I felt sure it had to be from the tension of the earlier situation.

Removing the hair bands, I noticed red specks between my dark blond hair. No wonder the women at the front desk had looked at me so strangely. However, I wondered if they had even noticed. They were so enthralled with Akim, I was sure my looks were the furthest thing from their minds.

As I removed the jacket, he so kindly wrapped me in it, and I saw the blood splatter down the front of my dress. It was ruined and belonged in the furnace. Once I was completely naked, I quickly checked myself for any injuries. I was relieved that I had none. All the blood on me was from the man Akim killed as he wanted to grab me.

I took the body wash from the gift shop bag and got into the shower. Opening the tap, I set it a tinge hotter than usual. I wanted to burn the blood off of me as I scrubbed. After washing myself three times, I started feeling a little cleaner.

Closing my eyes, I lifted my face. I didn’t want to get out. The warm water was soothing, and I could feel the tension in my muscles easing up. But I knew I couldn’t stay there forever. Reluctantly, I closed the water and got out.

Once I was dry and dressed in a tracksuit, I opened the door and stepped into the room. Akim was crouched in the corner, digging through his bag. Even though I felt slightly calmer, my nerves hadn’t settled yet. I got into bed, turned on my side, and pulled my legs up. Laying in a small bundle, I tried to find sleep as I heard him closing the bathroom door.

I lay still as a mouse, listening to all the sounds around me. The wind was softly playing with the leaves on the large tree outside. I could hear the shower running through the closed door. Below in the street were cars moving up and down as people went about their evening.

The water stopped running, and I could hear him moving around in the bathroom. The door opened, and Akim came out. I closed my eyes and pretended to be sleeping. I listened as he made a call asking someone to collect our luggage from the other hotel and deliver it here in the morning.

I felt the bed dip as he got in beside me. To my surprise, I felt his arm wrapping around me as he moved closer. His warmth felt good, and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Chapter 9 - Akim

Waking up, I stretched out, breathing in deeply. Glancing to the side, I was relieved to find Zhen sleeping peacefully. Staring at her face, I felt my anger rising. How could anyone want to harm such an angel?

Thinking back to the guy who almost got to her, my fury continued to rise. We will find out who sent their goons after me. I will destroy them, I swore to myself. Her life was in danger, and it was all my doing.

But this would never happen again. They will not get a second chance, even for attempting it. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was okay. Was she scared when the guy stormed her, or did I frighten her?

I had so many questions, but wasn’t sure how to approach them. Before my mind could take another trip out the window, she shifted. Zhen moved back, rubbing her ass against my groin. Even though I knew it wasn’t on purpose, I couldn’t prevent the reaction.

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