Page 23 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

The man lowered his head, touching the rim of his hat. We stepped back and walked to the bar. Akim got us each a glass of champagne. “I think this evening calls for a celebration, don’t you?” he said, handing me the glass.

I took a sip and scanned the room. There were so many people. Then Akim took my hand and led me through the crowd to three men standing by an exit door. “Guys,” he huffed as we got closer. “Meet Zhen. She is the one who made the last changes that added that exquisite garden to your complex.”

The men turned to us, smiling. They took turns shaking my hand and thanked me for the suggestions. Before we could discuss anything else, a big guard drew Akim’s attention. He listened to the guard before turning to me. “Sorry, I must deal with something. I’ll meet you at the bar?”

I nodded and watched as he disappeared through the crowd. Heading to the bar, I walked in a wide circle, greeting some of the staff I had met before. There were people from all walks of life. I could clearly see the elite as they had a composure unlike any of the other people. I felt sure many of the people there had some form of bratva connection.

Before I reached the bar, I saw Akim returning. Coming to me, he held out his hand as he spoke. “Let me introduce you to some of the other people,’ he said, grinning.

Taking his arm, I could smell his cologne as we squeezed through some of the people. It was a light odor with a hint ofmusk and ocean. I wondered if he had changed brands. It was an alluring scent, and I found myself smiling for no reason.

After another couple of introductions, I was surprised to find myself having fun. I never enjoyed the parties I attended with my family. Yet, this was different. I was the hot topic.

We approached an older man with a pretty young brunette on his arm. Gesturing to the man, Akim introduced me. “This is the owner of the renovation company that handles our upgrades.”

After saying this, he turned to the man as he continued to speak. “This is Zhen. The woman is in charge of the last three projects.”

The older man looked at me, his eyes roaming just for a second before settling on my face. I was glad he could look me in the eye as he spoke. It made me feel less like an ornament or side piece. “Pleased to meet you. I have to say, your work on the last project was just above amazing. The suggestions you made added improvements beyond expectations.”

I smiled, replying pleasantly. “Thank you, and I have to say that your company's work is formidable.” Everyone we spoke to was overly impressed by my work. I was happy and felt light on my feet.

He returned my smile, nodded, and then headed off. We walked around the room, chatting to the guests. Most of the ones we spoke to were either investors or developers. Yet, there were also some cattle farmers, and a couple of people just looking to expand on their land.

As we spoke to some of our satisfied clients, I realized what it felt like to be appreciated and valued for your effort. These people, these strangers, respected me and saw my abilities. I was walking around on clouds, and it was all thanks toAkim. He made me part of his company and believed in me from the first presentation.

It felt good being seen, and soon, I would be able to step out from under my family's shadow. Akim followed me around like a love-sick puppy, hovering over me like a concerned mother. Each time our eyes met, I felt a light firing up. He made me feel alive, and I valued it. I loved that he was aware of my every move and that I could watch him in his element.

His hand slid down my back, coming to rest just above my ass as we moved away from the people. Once we were at a reasonable distance, he leaned in, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss.

Pulling back, he rested his forehead against mine as he spoke. “I have to tell you that I am so proud of you. You’ve done a beyond amazing job so far, and all the people love you.”

I couldn’t stop the smile of joy spreading across my face, and felt my cheeks heating up. He first kissed one cheek and then the other, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“You’re amazing tonight, perfectly holding yourself,” Akim whispered.

Meeting his eyes, I swallowed the sudden onslaught of saliva accumulating in my mouth. His happiness even shone through his eyes. He took a step back and looked at the crowd of people.

My stomach made a big turn. My chest tightened as my guilt seemed to be trying to strangle me. Yet, I smiled. I had to ensure he didn’t notice the change in me. An elderly man with a big hat came up behind him.

I watched as the man leaned in and spoke to him. Akim grinned at me, nodded, and walked off with the man. My pileof guilt was ever-growing, and I thought this was just one more item to add as I watched him disappear in the crowd.

How could I let him know he didn’t need to hover, as I knew this part of bratva life all too well? Plus, I had no idea how he would react to finding out I was part of this life. Or worse, that I was, in fact, a Chernykh. He believed I worked for them, but if he knew the truth…

Turning around, I felt my skin turning to ice as I saw my brother across the room. What was Timofey doing here? He was talking to two girls, seemingly drooling over him. I couldn’t take a chance that he would see me.

“I have to go,” I said to the women, still asking about the amenities of the development. “Sorry, we’ll set up a meeting to talk about all your concerns.”

I didn’t wait for her reply before moving away. I still had too much to accomplish. A lot was riding on me being successful. If he found me, he would want to know what I was doing here.

My family all knows I have never been one for this side of the bratva life. I had never had an interest in a glamorous lifestyle, even though my father always dragged me along.

Sliding in behind two large men chatting at one of the tables, I tried to peek through the gap between them. I waited for Timofey to turn before heading down the side wall of the room.

Moving slowly, I desperately searched for Akim. I saw the man he was talking to earlier, but Akim was no longer with him. I couldn’t find him and started to panic. Where could he have disappeared to?

Walking through the doors of the private bar at the back, I froze. There he was with a tall, skinny bimbo about to straddle him by the looks of it.

Akim was sitting on a bar stool with her practically on top of him. Her arms were wrapped around his neck as she seemed to whisper in his ear. His smile stretched from ear to ear. Whatever she was saying had surely made him happy.

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