Page 209 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
“Relax,” I tell him through gritted teeth as we make our way up the foyer staircase. He shakes himself out before we turn the corner.
“Maxim,” Grace squeals as she stands across the luxurious room, with three beautiful women standing around her. She cuts her conversation short, rushes across the parquet floor, wraps her arms around my neck, and then pulls me in for a kiss. As soon as her lips are on mine the entire room fades away and I kiss the ever-loving shit out of her. Like a man dying of thirst, I’ve found my oasis.
Hoots and hollers filter through the room, pulling me from Grace’s kiss.
“Forget about them,” she says, pressing her forehead against mine.
“I’ve missed you, Wildcat,” I say, running my hands down her body. She’s dressed in a pink dress that clings to herincredible body. My hands land on her peachy ass and I give it a squeeze which makes her giggle.
“Sergei, it’s good to see you,” she says, unwrapping herself from my arms as she greets the old man.
“Grace, we meet again.” He grins, giving her a wink and a hug.
Reaching out, I pull Grace back into my arms, wrap my hand around the back of her neck, and pull her to me again to give her another kiss, not believing she’s here. Her makeup is minimal, I notice her glossy lips, and I just want another taste, so I do.
Then I hear a man clear his throat and I push Grace behind me.
Sergei is beside me, ready to protect me, to protect Grace if need be.
“Stand down, Brooks,” a petite blonde, who doesn’t even make it up to the man’s shoulders, chastises him. “You didn’t see Grace pushing him away.” She turns and smiles at me, holding out her hand. “I’m Sophie, Grace’s older sister.”
I shake her hand. “I’m Maxim, and this is Sergei.”
Sergei shakes her hand as well, but both of our eyes never leave the man standing behind her.
“Come in, come in. We have much to talk about.” Sophie smiles, welcoming us into her living room where an assortment of French sweets is laid out before us.
Grace takes my hand, and I enjoy the feeling of her skin against mine again. It’s the only way I’m staying calm right now. Sergei is on full alert.
“He is so handsome,” another blonde mumbles, winking at Grace. “Hi, I’m Mackenzie, the oldest sister,” she says, introducing herself to me.
I give her my hand, but she pushes it away and gives me a welcoming hug instead. I stand there stiffly.
“Ignore her. It was probably an excuse to feel your muscles. We can’t take her anywhere. I’m Zoe.”
I turn to the other woman, the one I’ve heard much about, the one I watched on video during her darkest hours. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Who wants champagne?” another male voice calls out into the room. That must be Mateo, I’ve seen him on the covers of magazines. And the other man walking in with the champagne glasses, his eyes narrowed on me must be Tomas.
Mateo pops the champagne, and the cork goes flying which makes him chuckle and Mackenzie whoop.
“These are my fiancés,” Zoe says, introducing the two men to me. Tomas places the glasses on the table and holds out a hand for me to shake. He gives it a good old squeeze which makes me smile.
I’m on his shit list.
Then Mateo comes over after passing the bottle of champagne to Mackenzie to pour for him. “We’ve heard so much about you,” he says, shaking my hand nicely. “He is so hot,” he whispers to Grace behind his hand, but it’s more like a stage whisper and everyone can hear him.
“No hitting on my man, you understand me,” Grace warns with a smile.
Which eases my tension. I wasn’t expecting all these people.
“Sorry, they all come as a package deal,” Grace leans into me whispering as if she can read my mind. “That’s Brooks, the big guy. He’s ex-special forces, military, you name it, he’s done it. And the other guy who’s just come out of the bathroom is Damon, the IT guy.”
I turn and look at Grace who snickers. That is the IT guy she was teasing me about. Wait till I get her alone, she is going to get it.
“You’re the guys that hacked that cloud,” he says with a big smile on his face and an open hand for Sergei and me. “That was impressive as fuck,” he gushes.
Not sure why everyone is here, but I’m hoping Grace has a plan. Mackenzie hands around all the champagne glasses to us.
