Page 9 of Bossed Around by the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #20)

Heading down, I collected the keys at reception before we could leave. Entering the basement parking, I pressed the alarm to see where the car was. I held the door open for her before getting in on my side.

The meeting was about ten blocks away, so the drive was short. Glancing at her as I stopped at the traffic light, I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so comfortable and good around another person.

We arrived at our destination with some time to spare. Inside, I spoke to the man at the desk. “Good day, Morozov Estate, Akim Dubow here for the meeting.”

“Yes, sir,” he said, stepping out behind the desk. “They are waiting, please follow me.” We followed him down a short hallway. He stopped before the second-to-last room. Turning to us, he spoke, holding out his hand. “The meeting room, sir.”

I nodded my thanks, and he left. Looking at Zhen, I spoke again. “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll even be,” she replied, smiling.

I opened the door and held it for her to enter. She walked in with her head held high. I followed her as she walked to the middle of the room. Everyone fell silent and looked at us. “Good morning,” Zhen said. “It’s a lovely day today.”

Everyone nodded and greeted her in return. Just like that, in one smooth move, she had grabbed the attention of the room.

She set up the graphs on the sideboard and then started explaining the concept. I stood to the side, allowing her to take the lead. Watching her, I felt a warmness filling me. She was dripping with confidence, and her body language was one of passion.

She clearly loved what she was doing, and the clients could also see it. She was natural at this. About halfway through, I could see she had them all hooked. It was a done deal. The second part of the presentation was just for safety measures, but she didn’t need it.

As she concluded, she handed out the documents we had prepared for them to sign. As she gave them their contracts, she ensured she made eye contact with each one. There were no questions, and the clients all signed eagerly.

Seeing her in her element, I understood why she would rather spend extra time working than exploring the city or going to fancy restaurants. We shook hands with each member as they left. Closing the door behind them, I looked at her as she collected her things.

I caught myself smiling at her. She appeared to have this shine about her. Once she was done, we headed out. “You did well,” I complimented her as we got to the car. “Let’s grab something to eat before heading back.”

“Sure, that sounds nice,” she replied. “What did you have in mind?”

“You’ll have to wait and see. I have a place in mind that I think you will love,” I responded, grinning at her.

I was in such a good, uplifted mood that I felt sure nothing could go wrong. Zhen looked at me, smiling. “It was a good meeting, don’t you think?” she said in her soft, sweet voice.

Smiling warmly at her, I nodded as I spoke. “Yes, I think it was.” Her smile lit up the car, and I was glad to be able to make her so happy. She seemed to need confirmation now and then. I wondered what had happened to her, causing this need for approval.

The drive wasn’t the shortest one ever, but I could see the park entrance as we rounded the last corner. Parking, Zhen looked at me, confused. What are we doing here?” she asked as I got out. “I thought we were going for supper?” she added as I opened her door. “I don’t see any place around here.”

I laughed lightly as I replied. “Well, you will just have to wait and see then. I am confident you will like this.”

We entered the park gate and headed down the long, winding path. She kept glancing at me as if she were waiting for an answer. But I just smiled and kept on walking. It was a bit of a distance, but if she reacted the way I expected, it would be worth it.

Distracted by her inquisitive looks and vibrating smiles, I stumbled over a tree root sticking out of the ground. I waved my arms out to the sides as I tripled around, trying to get my footing. Zhen started laughing hysterically.

Once I found my balance, I glared at her. “Really?” I said lightly. “You think it was funny?”

She nodded as we started walking again. I bumped into her lightly as I spoke again. “I almost bought a piece of land here with my face, and you found it funny. You evil thing.”

She smiled at me and then bit down on her bottom lip before saying anything. “Sorry, but you looked like a bird trying to find some wind.”

Smirking, I nodded, seeing how funny that could have looked. “Here we are,” I said as we passed the last tree, and the place lit up before us.

Zhen looked around, her mouth hanging open. Glancing at me, I could see the sparkle in her eyes. “I have never seen anything so beautiful,” she said.

Before us, between the trees, was a path leading to a lookout over the city. On one side was a row of about six food trucks serving food, drinks, and desserts. On the other side, there was an opening with a couple of tables and chairs.

There were also four footpaths leading out to the lawns on the edge.

On these were a couple of tables and chairs as well for those seeking some privacy.

String lights hung from the trucks to the trees and down, lighting up each path.

In the opening and from the edge, you could clearly see the sky.

It was like a perfect picture from a dream.

“What do you feel like eating?” I asked, watching her. She seemed to transform before my eyes. Her excitement was contagious.

“Wow, I don’t know. Would it be fine if we first looked at all of them?” she asked in a childlike tone.

Grinning, I nodded. I had never seen this side of her. She was suddenly filled with energy and joy, I could only contribute to someone half her age. She was so cute. I wanted to pick her up.

We started at one end and slowly made our way toward the edge, reading every menu.

I could barely make out the sign of the last truck when Zhen took my hand and rushed towards it.

“This is what I want!” she huffed. She stood beside the truck with her arms stretched out. One above the truck name and one below.

“I can’t even remember when I last had one.” She bounced towards me, smiling like a spoiled child.

Smiling back, I nodded as we stepped up to the opening. “You have to order the Special Supreme,” she whispered, hanging on my arm.

Looking at the guy inside the truck, I decided to go with her choice. “Can you please give us two of your Special Supreme wraps?” I said, holding out money to pay.

He nodded, took the cash, and started. I watched for a moment as he fried some steak, onions, and mushrooms. “Want to sit?” Zhen asked, squeezing my arm.

“Yes, sure,” I replied, turning to her. While waiting for our food, I went to get myself a beer and wine for her.

The man inside the truck rang a bell, and we went to collect our food. We found an empty bench closer to the lawn area. “I have to admit that I have never had one of these,” I said, opening my wrap.

“You are going to love it,” she replied before taking a bite.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back as she moaned. “Oh, my, this is so good,” she mumbled before taking another bite.

“I’m glad you liked it. During the day, it occurred to me that you might prefer something like this over a fancy dinner in a stuck-up restaurant filled with the rich,” I said, winking at her.

She blushed. Glancing around, she spoke in a softer tone. “Thank you for doing this. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

Nodding, I felt proud of myself and relieved that it worked out.

We finished our food and sat looking up at the sky. It was going to be a clear night, and the stars would be visible. “Have you ever thought what life could have been like if we were all the same?” she asked out of the blue.

“No, I have not. But come to think of it now, I would say life would be boring as hell. If we all did the same things, ate the same things, and did everything like each other, there would be no excitement in life,” I responded.

“If you look at it that way, yes, I can see why it could be boring. But then, on the other hand, there would be less violence and fighting, don’t you agree?” she asked.

I moved closer to her as I replied. “Yes, I agree, there would be a lot less fighting. But I think a bit of fighting sometimes is a good thing. But I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. It is good to share, and I believe we have a right to say what we think.”

I got up and headed towards the trucks.

“Where are you going now?” she asked.

“You’ll see,” I replied, heading to the sweet things truck. I bought two bowls of ice cream and asked them to add loads of candy to hers. Walking back, I noticed she wasn’t looking towards me. Her attention was on something out there.

I sneaked up behind her and howled. Zhen screamed as she jumped up and turned.

“That’s not funny,” she grumbled.

“It was a little funny. You make a funny sound when you get frightened,” I replied, handing her a bowl of ice cream.

She bumped into me lightly as I sat down. “Thank you for the ice cream, but why is yours plain?” she inquired, raising her brows.

“Well,” I said confidently. “That answer is easy. You see, I’m already sweet enough.”

Her lower jaw dropped as she looked at me, shaking her head. She glanced at her ice cream and back at me, shaking her head.

Zhen leaned in closer. Using her spoon, she poured some of the candy into my bowl. “There you go. Believe me, you need them. You’re not as sweet as you may think,” she said teasingly.

Smiling at her, I considered her words. She looked over the city into the distance, biting her lower lip. I loved seeing her like this.

She slowly swirled her spoon through her ice cream before licking at the spoon. I found it enthralling to watch her. Every time she licked the spoon, I couldn’t help but wish it was me she was licking like that.