Page 7 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

Zhen moved around as if she were searching for something. But then, when she noticed me looking, she suddenly acted normal. Normal under the circumstances was okay, I guess. Yet, normal wasn’t something we commonly came across in our line of work.

After all, she worked for the Chernykhs. She had to know how to stay calm. As the day passed, I decided I would follow her after work and see where she lived. If things there might be causing her seemingly restless behavior.

The day seemed to draw out. At some point, I thought it would never end. I ensured I was done with my part of the proposal before she was done with hers. Walking out, I greeted her casually. “Have a good evening. See you in the morning.”

“You done already?” I heard her asking as I reached the door. Stopping, I glanced back, grinning as I replied. “Yes. I’m beat. Have a good one.”

I quickly headed to the parking garage. I pulled my truck out of its normal spot and stopped so I could see her car. I waited for her to leave work so I could follow. The wait was shorter than I had anticipated.

The elevator doors opened, and out stepped Zhen. I watched her get into her car and pull out. Starting my truck, I drove after her at a distance, ensuring she didn’t notice me. As I followed her, my mind pondered her actions. I wondered what she could be hiding. Was she really who she said she was?

This thinking led to a whole new stream of thoughts. What if she were an impostor? She could be bad news for our company and alliance. With this in mind, I decided what I was doing wasn’t wrong.

I had a right to know what she was hiding. I had a duty to protect the company and our alliance. I was doing this not for me, but for everyone involved. I decided to discard any quilt I had.

Noticing the indicator on her car coming on to turn, I pulled up to the opposite curb and stopped. I watched as she pulled into a building consisting of condos. “What?” I breathed out. “How could this be?”

My mind was blown as she had just pulled into one of the town's more luxurious condo apartment buildings. Maybe she was visiting someone, and it wasn’t her place. She could be staying with a friend or relative.

But if this was her place, I now knew something was wrong. There was no way she could afford it on her salary. As far as I knew, this was her first job, and she wasn’t getting a salary to accommodate such a style.

Carefully, I pulled into the condo parking area and stopped in a corner. I waited for her to enter the building before following. I watched as she got into the elevator and took it up to the fourth floor. Not wanting to take a chance to lose her, I sprinted up the stairs.

As I rounded the corner, stepping into the hallway, I heard the elevator doors opening. Moving back, I peeked around the wall to see if it was her. Yes, there she was, heading in the opposite direction.

She stopped before a door close to the end, searched her bag, and produced a set of keys. I waited for her to enter andclose the door behind her. Rubbing my chin, I couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed. This was her place, not someone else’s.

Walking closer, I scanned the hall. Everything was quiet. I wondered if a man was paying for it or another company as I approached the door. Who could she be dating with the crazy hours we worked? Heck, she wouldn’t have time, and no man I knew would stand for such shit.

Before I realized it, I was standing outside her door, banging on it. My breathing was heavy. I felt irritated, with a slight hint of anger building. The door swung open as I was about to hammer again. Stopping my fist mid-air, our eyes met. I could see the utter surprise and shock filling her as her brows lifted.

My eyes strayed as I scanned her standing there in a robe. Was she on her way to shower, or had she already stepped out? I wondered. Maybe she was halfway through as her hair appeared damp. They were hanging in clusters over her shoulders.

The robe wasn’t tied. I caught a glimpse of the white towel hugging her body. Her legs looked smooth as silk and smelled fresh, like a spring breeze. Clenching my fists at my sides, I fought the urge to reach out and touch her.

I was shaken back to reality as she spoke. “Akim, what are you doing here? How did you know where I lived?” I could hear a hint of irritation and something else, maybe fear, in her tone.

“Is this really yours?” I asked, astounded as I looked past her inside.

Looking back at her, I saw the frown as she replied. “Yes, this is my home. Why? Is something wrong?”

Still shaken from the realization, I spoke in an elevated tone. There is no way you can afford this place on your salary!”

Zhen rolled her eyes as she folded her arms across her chest. “What are you implying?” she questioned. Taking a deep breath, she seemed to steady herself. “I’m going to ask you again. What are you doing at my place? Did I forget to do something? How did you know where I live? If this is not work-related, please leave.”

She took a step back and started closing the door. Stretching out, I blocked the door. “No, it’s not work-related…, but tell me whose place is this or how you can afford to live in such…,” I said, my words trailing off at the end before I said the wrong thing. There was a harshness in my tone I couldn’t prevent.

Her glare was more than words could ever describe. I felt like she was trying to burn me from the inside out. Pulling the door back with force, Zhen stepped out into the hall. She stopped practically on top of me. I could feel her hot breath on my lips.

“Not every woman needs a man to provide for her! Where I stay or get money to afford things has nothing to do with you!” she spat at me. “I can provide for myself!” Zhen was almost screaming at me.

She pushed me back before turning and heading for the door. Zhen turned to face me as she reached the door, placing her hands on her hips. “This property belongs to my family, so I can stay in such a beautiful place. Who are you to judge me?” she spat at me.

“I’m so sorry, Zhen, I didn’t think of that,” I mumbled, glancing down at my feet. I had been so obnoxious and presumptuous. I felt guilty, not only for being rude but alsofor the way I acted. “Please forgive my intrusion,” I added, extending my hand to her.

For a moment, she just stood staring at my hand. I could see her defenses dropping as she lowered her hands to her sides. Our eyes met as she took my hand. I felt an intense pull towards her. It was so strong that I lost all control. Before I knew what was happening, I leaned in and stole a kiss.

Sparks appeared to be flying around us as our lips met. Hers were soft, warm, and tasted like cherries. Moving closer, I placed one hand on her cheek. Zhen didn’t pull back or stop me. She was kissing me back.

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