Page 22 of Innocent Bratva Twins

Girls like me don’t get guys like him.

Oh my word.

He’s so gorgeous.

Chapter 7 - Nico

It’s eight, and the venue I hired is packed with business associates, friends, my family, and investors, both bratva and not.

It’s a celebration for the launch of our new office. Finally, we have it up and running. All of the issues have been ironed out, and we can start pushing some of the workload over to them. It took weeks to get the computers, media equipment, and printing machines delivered and set up, and power to the building kept shorting, so we called in several electricians to fix it—but luckily it wasn’t a huge expense. Now everyone is equipped and ready to work.

Things should start getting easier, less chaotic, over the next few weeks.

Serafina and I are probably going to have to micromanage it all for a while longer before everyone learns their role.

She’s brilliant, though.

With her at my side, I am confident I won’t have to double-check or question anything. She’s the perfect person to have on my team, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I look around the crowded space, searching for her, but she isn’t here yet. I’m excited to see her outside of the office again, in a more personal environment. Not that this is personal.

The evening I walked her home still plays over and over in my thoughts.

I wanted to kiss her.

Standing on her front step, the cold biting against my skin. I wanted to taste the warmth of her lips against mine.

A voice breaks through my thoughts. “Nico, congrats on the new space. I stopped by this morning. It looks fantastic.”

I smile as I turn towards him. “Thanks, Roger. We’re pleased with it. How are things with your wife after her surgery?”

Roger and I have been working together since the beginning. He’s a trusted friend and colleague. His wife was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and has had numerous surgeries since. He’s been taking a lot of personal time to take care of her, and I know it’s been difficult for both of them.

“She’s here,” he says, to my surprise, his face lighting up. “The doc gave her all clear last week. I meant to message you, but things have been—we’ve been celebrating. We’ve hardly told anyone except family. I think we’re scared we’ll jinx it.” He smiles broadly.

The love this man has for his wife is something special. He glances around and waves his hand in the air when he spots her.

“Jenny,“ he calls out, and she walks over to us.

“Jen.” I pull her into a hug. “I heard the good news. That’s fantastic. How are you feeling?”

“Still exhausted. Head to toe exhausted, as though the tiredness lives inside my bones. I want to sleep for a week. But we’resoexcited. We had to pop in and celebrate with you, even if it was just for one or two drinks.”

“Have three. Go wild,” I laugh.

“Nico.”

I turn towards the familiar voice.

“Ark. Hey, man. Give me a sec.” I turn back to the smiling couple. “I’m so happy for you guys. Let’s do dinner soon. A proper celebration of your news.”

“Enjoy your party, Nico. We’ll chat later,” Roger says, slipping his arm around his wife.

Ark hands me a glass of whiskey. “Just what I needed,” I say, taking it from him.

“Are you doing your dutiful rounds? Checking in with the clients and investors, making sure everyone is having a great time?” Ark asks.

“I am. What are you doing here? Luka said you couldn’t make it.”