Page 22 of Bossed Around by the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #20)

Before I could move, he had swung around. He curled his fingers around my hips. His grip was once again firm. The smirk playing on his lips was downright dangerous. “You’re playing a risky game,” he said under his breath. “A promise is a promise and must be fulfilled.”

“Am I?” I asked, raising my brows.

His hands slid up my sides and over the silk of my blouse. He squeezed my breast just enough to make my breath catch. Before he could continue, there was a knock on the outer door.

I stepped back just in time as my office door opened. I held my face composed. Akim merely sighed. He rubbed his jaw as if debating whether to ignore the guard.

Waving at the guard, I motioned for him to come in. I grabbed a file off Akim’s desk and pretended to be reading it.

Akim barely acknowledged him. His attention was still half-focused on me. I kept my posture professional, flipping through the file. But I could feel his eyes burning my skin.

“Yes, what is it?” I asked, realizing Akim wouldn’t answer.

“The new CCTV system is up and functioning,” he said, grinning at me.

“Thank you,” I replied, waving him away.

The man nodded and left. I barely got a moment to react before Akim was on top of me. He stood behind me, his hands sliding down my back to my waist. I could feel him pressing against me. “I don’t like it when other men look at you,” he murmured. His lips grazed my ear.

I smiled, shaking my head as I replied. “He wasn’t looking at me.”

He hummed unconvinced before whispering in my ear. “You wouldn’t know, would you?” His fingers tightened slightly on my hips, grounding me. “Too busy pretending not to be affected by me.”

I turned in his arms. Tilting my head up to meet his gaze, I spoke softly. “Who said I’m pretending?”

A shadow of something dark flickered in his eyes as he leaned in. His lips brushed mine in a slow, teasing kiss. It’s brief, barely enough. But I knew what he was doing. He was punishing me for playing with him earlier.

“Zhen,” he uttered, pulling back just an inch. Resting his forehead against mine, I felt his fingers digging into my waist. “You drive me insane, you know that?”

“I grinned as I slid my hands up his chest. “Good,” I said. “Someone has to keep you on your toes.”

He groaned, dropping his hands to his sides. He inhaled deeply again, calming himself. His lips grazed my skin. Not quite a kiss, just a whisper of warmth. “If we weren’t in the office right now,” he breathed out.

There was a second knock at the door. Lifting his head, he glanced over my shoulder. Akim swore under his breath.

Laughing lightly, I stepped out of his grasp before he could pull me back. “Duty calls,” I teased.

Akim exhaled sharply. He was clenching his jaw as he watched me pulling my clothing straight. “Tonight,” he whispered, his voice filled with promise of pleasure. “No distraction, no interruptions. Just you and me.”

I nodded, biting my lower lip to prevent my smile from stretching across my face. “Looking forward to it, boss,” I huffed.

As I moved towards the door, I felt his gaze following me. Just before I stepped out, I heard him speaking. “You’re mine, beautiful. Don’t forget it.”

I glanced over my shoulder, meeting his intense stare. “Never,” I replied, smiling. With that, I stepped out of his office with a bounce. I was already counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds.

I had barely organized the new clients when he came out. Stopping next to my desk, he spoke softly. “I have to leave, but I’ll see you tonight.”

“Can’t wait,” I replied, smiling up at him. I watched as he walked out and down the hallway.

My phone rang. Picking it up, I saw it was Iosif. I jumped up from my table. I walked at an increasing speed to the bathrooms. As I entered, I answered. “Yes, brother, how can I assist today?”

I heard him grumbling under his breath before he spoke. “Family meeting tonight, don’t be late.”

Before I could reply, the line went dead.

Walking to the basin, I felt my heart drop to my feet.

How can he do this, I thought, staring at my reflection.

Walking back to my desk, I played my responses over and over in my head.

If I only had the opportunity, I told myself, knowing I would never say no to Iosif.

I flopped down into my chair. I was relieved Akim had left for the day. I wouldn’t have been able to cancel with him if I had to look him in the eyes.

Sighing, I picked up the phone and dialed Akim. I tried to keep my tone normal as I spoke to him. “Hey, Akim. I’m sorry, but I have to cancel our dinner. Something has come up that cannot wait. Can I get a rain check?”

“Oh, ok,” he replied, sounding distant. “I guess that’s fine. Is everything okay? Can I help with something?”

“Yes, no, I mean no. Everything is fine. I’ll call you when it’s done. Maybe we can still have that dinner or meet up for drinks?” I asked.

“That sounds nice. Let’s do that then. I’ll be waiting for your call,” he replied before hanging up.

I felt bad that I had ditched him, but I had no other options. Finishing up, I headed to the Chernykh mansion.

Upon my arrival at our family home, I found all my siblings already gathered. I entered the lounge, nodded in greeting, and sat on one of the couches furthest away. I never had much to say and wasn't interested in hearing about things where, according to them, I didn’t have a place.

As the youngest, I wasn’t given any responsibilities. So, I mostly sat in silence, getting bored to death. I was only there because my father used to insist we all attend. Should something happen to the men, we knew what was going on.

I sat back, kicked off my shoes, and placed my feet on the coffee table.

I tried to look interested as I listened to my brothers discussing packaging warehouses, gun orders, drug development, and delivery schedules.

They had so many aspects to talk about. Then, they also talked about the projects for the Vaselievs.

Iosif glanced at me, giving me his usual disapproving look. I pulled my feet off the table. Sitting up straight, I felt bored. I wanted to leave. I had better things I could be doing. Like going out with Akim on a date. But I knew I had to be here.

We only held family meetings once a month, and I was sure the three of us women were invited only so we wouldn’t feel left out. It wasn’t like they needed us or even wanted us there. Plus, I had to ensure that Timofey kept his mouth shut.

Then I heard Avgust mentioning something about the Dubow Morozov real estate project.

“Yes,” Iosif said. “I’ve seen some of the work. The Dubow Morozov Alliance with that real estate company has been making a splash. Some of those appear precisely planned and executed. I wonder who their secret weapon is. I see a great future for them if they keep it up.”

“Yes,” Avgust agreed. “I second that. Maybe we should take a closer look at the projects. See if there is anything we could assist with.”

Hearing this made me very happy. I was thrilled as I was in charge. Yet, I couldn’t share this knowledge with them. Not yet.

I sat on the edge of my chair, intently listening to them. They were praising one after the other estate project. Complimenting one’s design, one's appearance, and then something else on another. Every time, something else amazed them.

It was so nice listening to them. I couldn’t help but smile as I knew I had a hand in all of those.

Once the meeting was concluded, Iosif looked at us. “Right, how about we grab a nightcap before heading in our separate directions?” Grinning, I got up and followed them into the kitchen. On the table were bottles of alcohol, wine, a coffee pot, and some juices for people like me who didn’t drink.

Each of us poured our own drink. Then they split up into their little clusters, chatting away about whatever interested them. Timofey came waltzing up to me. Lightly taking hold of my arm, he dragged me to the corner.

“Why haven’t you spoken up?” he asked, looking confused. “Aren’t you proud of everything you’ve done? I mean, look at how pleased they are with the estate projects.”

Shaking my head softly, I replied confidently. “No, Timofey. Please, the time is not right. This stays our little secret. If Iosif finds out, he will pull me out of this. You know I need it. I need to prove what I can do before we tell anyone.”

He pulled me into a light hug. “I understand,” he said, glancing around. “But I must say, well, compliment you rather on the great job you’re doing.”

Grinning, I gave his hand a soft squeeze as I replied. Thank you.”

Turning, I looked at my sisters. They were standing on the other side of the table. I listened as they discussed fashion, beauty products, and changes they planned to make to the house.

I was the only one staying in a condo. Iosif, Avgust, Lukyan, and Timofey all live in our parents' home. Misha and Elisse, my two sisters, stayed in a townhouse. They still seemed to be taking care of each other.

Being the youngest, I’ve always been a little left out of the group. My two sisters were like twins. They did everything together as they got along the best out of all of us. They didn’t want places of their own; they insisted on living together.

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.