Page 34 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

I, on the other hand. I wanted to be alone, to have my independence. I wanted the chance to prove what I could do.

Once we finished our drinks, we shared some hugs and goodbyes. Then, I returned to my condo.

As I got home, I took a quick shower. I was tired from spending the whole day with my family. I loved them, but sometimes they could be a little too much. As I came out of the bathroom, I heard my phone ringing.

“Hi there,” I breathed out into the phone. “How has your day been?” We talked for a while. Hanging up, I smiled as I got into bed. He was such a wonderful man.

Chapter 17 - Akim

The last two days had been more than amazing. As I entered the main office building of my family, I struggled to calm my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about Zhen and our date. Every day, I wanted more of her. I always felt like I wasn’t getting enough.

I had something special planned for tonight. This date would sweep her off her feet. But first, I had to get through the boring family meeting. I knew a lot was going on for all of us.

Everyone just wanted to ensure that all the endeavors ran according to schedule. We had to update the Morozov and Chernykh families as well. But I felt it was something we could have done in emails.

Stepping off the elevator on the top floor, I glided into the boardroom on cloud nine. I was high on life, and my mind was in another place.

“Well, good to see you are still alive and looking mighty well,” Anton breathed out as I entered.

I smiled at him and scanned the room. Everyone was already there and seated. “Am I late?” I inquired, glancing at my watch. They all looked so expectantly at me. I stopped and shifted my tie.

“No, no,” Alexandr replied, standing up. “We were all early. But I have to say you look good compared to the way you seemed when we came to see you that first week. Tell us what’s changed. How’s business going?”

Pulling out a chair, I flopped down into it as I spoke. “Business is fine, nothing new to report. We’ve made a couple of good, solid deals in the last two weeks. Everything is on scheduleand progressing nicely. Is there something specific you wanted to know about?”

“Not at the moment,” Alexandr replied. He turned his attention to Abram, and I felt relieved. I could continue my daydreaming as they discussed other matters.

I only heard half of all the discussions as my mind drifted to Zhen. I wondered what she was doing. I knew a couple of presentations needed to be sent before we could go out. I hoped she would get them done on time. If not, I would go back to the office and assist her.

“I must say, the office park complex blueprints look amazing. Did you do those by yourself?” Shaking my head lightly, I looked at Anton as he lightly touched my shoulder. I hadn’t even noticed he had come around to my side. “So, did you?” he asked.

“Yes, and no,” I replied, grinning.

“Now, that is a peculiar answer,” Anton said. “So, tell us more?”

“We were wondering because it seems you are excelling tremendously. When you started, you said it couldn’t be done. But look at it, you are thriving,” Abram added.

My grin changed into a large smile as I thought about Zhen taking the lead on many projects, including this one. I was snapped back to reality as Anton slapped me on the back while talking loudly. “Well, there you have it, boys. Something has changed. Just look at him. To what can we attribute this marvelous change?”

Looking up at him, I knew what the grin on his face meant. Anton would not stop until he got the truth from me. They all wanted an explanation for the sudden success.

“Well, now that you mention it,” I said, rubbing my chin. Glancing at their eager faces, I smiled. Pointing at Alexandr, I continued. “You see, I took your advice and hired a PA.”

“Well, congrats,” Alexandr interrupted.

“Thanks, but you don’t see the whole picture yet,” I huffed, sitting forward. “This woman strolled in and has been doing a lot of the work by herself. I was hesitant to hire her as she…”

“She what?” Anton asked. Everyone was smiling and waiting eagerly for me to continue.

“I thought she might be a spy. That she was sent to report back. To make my life a living hell as she works for the Chernykhs.”

“What?” Abram asked. He got up quickly and came closer. “You think hiring her was then a good idea?”

“Yeah, but no more. She is straight out of the best. She does fabulous work, and I must say, she loves it. It is her passion. So, no, I no longer think she is a spy for them,” I concluded.

“In that case,” Alexandr said, tapping Anton on the shoulder. “I think we must definitely make a point of meeting her. This is curious, though. Let’s remember to set a meeting, okay?”

“Okay,” Abram interrupted. “Back to business then.” He looked at Anton as he continued. “We need confirmation that the weapons cache has come in and the delivery schedule is going as planned?”

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