Page 10

The heavy glass door to Nikolai's office swings open, revealing a bustling lobby. The guards nod as we pass; no need for IDs.

I lead Lara into an empty elevator, her slender hand in mine. Her fingers tremble slightly, and a faint sigh escapes her as the doors close.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" she whispers, her large, soulful eyes fixed on me. "They won’t like it."

"Trust me," I reply, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "You’re not just my wife now; you’re part of this alliance. They’ll adapt. You’re an Orlov as much as a Zolotov."

Her cheeks flush, but she steels herself. I’m here for a reason. Lara’s sharp mind deserves to be seen, and I want to see if her brothers will truly hold her back. I have two sisters myself and understand the importance of fulfillment. Lara deserves that chance, too.

Outside the conference room, she pulls her hand away. I frown but stay silent. She’ll find her footing. As I open the door, expecting her beside me, I hear her footsteps lag behind. She’s hesitating.

I turn to find her pale and trembling. The murmurs inside the room hush as we’re noticed.

"Ah, Dima!" Nikolai exclaims, his gaze flicking between Lara and me. "I see you’ve brought company."

"Yes, Brother. Lara is joining us," I say firmly, pulling her closer. "We need more hands, and her insights are invaluable."

Nikolai, unaware of the tension, nods and smiles, welcoming her.

"Very well," he gestures to the empty chairs. "Take your seats, and let’s begin."

"Absolutely not," Abram, her oldest brother, interrupts. "She shouldn’t be here."

"Agreed," Mark adds with a scowl. "This is no place for our sister."

Lara shrinks back, but I refuse to let them intimidate her. I clear my throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"That may have been the way before, but Lara is my wife now. She’s integral to this alliance and will be present for all meetings."

Lara clutches her hands, eyes darting between her brothers and the others. Her determination shines through despite her fear. I’m ready to defend her right to be here.

“Our work is dangerous,” Vladimir protests. “You’re putting her at risk.”

“Vladimir,” Boris warns, “We’re discussing hotel projects today.”

Sergei adds, “Anoushka is involved in employee benefits as well.”

Reluctantly, Vladimir sits back down. I guide Lara to the table and pull out a chair for her. She avoids her brothers' gazes. Have I made a mistake bringing her into this lion’s den?

But I shake off the worry. I’m here to support her, and she’s more than capable. It's time everyone else saw that.

"Alright, gentlemen," Nikolai begins, his gaze lingering on Lara. "Let’s discuss the new hotel-casino project."

The chandelier casts shadows over the room. Lara’s hands grip each other tightly. I sense her nervousness, but I’m determined to show her value.

As the discussion flows, her brothers ignore her, deliberately excluding her. When Denis suggests last-minute discounts, Lara straightens, ready to contribute.

“Gentlemen, I have a suggestion,” I announce, grabbing their attention. “Lara has valuable ideas for us.”

“And what does she know about running hotels?” Denis snarls. Murmurs ripple through the room, but I stand firm.

"Lara, the floor is yours,” I say with conviction, despite their protests.

Lara’s hesitation is palpable. Her lips part and close, struggling to find her voice. I offer an encouraging smile, willing her to speak.

"Thank you, Dima," she says softly but with resolve. She leans forward, gripping the table. "Gentlemen, our focus should be on creating a unique, luxurious experience, not last-minute discounts. People are aspirational and proud to indulge in luxury. We should enhance our brand’s image, not dilute it."

Her words command attention. The room falls silent, the air thick with anticipation. Lara’s confidence grows with each word.

"First, we should increase prices but invest in exclusive amenities and exceptional customer experiences. State-of-the-art security and luxurious upgrades can boost revenue by 25% in the first quarter alone. Transform smaller rooms into larger, upscale spaces. Update lighting, decor, and carpeting to create a refined atmosphere."

The men stare, stunned into silence. Pride swells within me as I watch Lara.

“Can you have a plan for us by next week?” Boris asks, breaking the silence.

Her brothers, now silent, exchange impressed looks. This was the chance Lara needed to prove herself.

“I can,” she replies confidently. “I’ll include plans for world-class dining, live entertainment, and upscale retail spaces, ensuring every guest has everything they need. The rental from retail spaces will help fund these improvements.”

Nikolai’s thoughtful gaze lingers. "Sounds ambitious, but I like it. It’s fresh, bold, and promising."

“Thank you,” Lara says triumphantly, taking her seat.

I grasp her hand under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She’s succeeded in proving her worth—to her brothers, to the alliance, and to herself.

As the meeting ends, I steal a glance at Lara. Her eyes shine with newfound confidence.

"Congratulations, Lara," I say softly. "You were incredible."

“Thank you, Dima,” she replies, her cheeks flushing. “I couldn’t have done it without your support.”

We walk to the car together in silence, her confidence evident in her stride. I glance at her, noting how her satin blouse clings to her curves, how her skirt fits perfectly.

She looks stunning, ready to conquer the world. A surge of possessive tenderness washes over me. This fierce, beautiful woman is mine, and together, we’ll build an enduring empire.

Once in the car, I put the key in, ready to start. But then, I feel a soft touch on my arm that sends a searing pleasure through me. I look up with a drawn breath to find her beautiful black eyes fixed on mine as they dance from one to another in rapid, quick motion.

We sit there like that, the air between us thickening with tension, until she finds the words. I don’t move away; I don’t say a word, not wanting her to pull back. Her touch burns into me, and I feel a groan forming in the back of my throat, wishing she’d slide it up, down my neck.

"Dima," she says quickly, her eyes darting away from mine. "I never thought I'd be able to stand up to my brothers like that."

I reach over and hold her chin, gently sliding my finger over it as I make her look at me again. “You should do it more often,” I whisper, staring intently at her as the color rushes to her cheeks. “It’s a good look on you,” I confess, knowing well she won’t know I’m talking about how pretty she looks right now.

"Thanks to you," she murmurs.

I can see the gratitude in her eyes, and it sends a shiver down my spine. There's something so raw and vulnerable about this moment—about the way she's opening herself up to me—and I can't deny that it stirs something deep within me.

"Anytime," I tell her, my voice barely more than a whisper.

As we sit there, side by side in the car, the silence stretches on—heavy with all the things we want to say but don't know how to express. I can feel the heat of her body next to mine, and it takes every ounce of self-control I possess not to reach out and touch her.

She reaches out, her fingers trembling as they take hold of mine. "No, really, Dima…I can't thank you enough. You have no idea how much this means to me."

I’m at a loss for words, itching to pull her close. I don’t move, because if I do, it won’t be something she’ll sanction, I fear.

Her eyes lock onto mine, searching for any trace of doubt but finding none. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself, and then suddenly, she's in my arms, hugging me tightly. I lower my nose to her neck, closing my eyes to smell the citrus on her. Her hair, soft and welcoming, itches to be grabbed so I can tilt her head back and nip at that neck. Her body presses against mine, igniting a spark that I fear I’ll be unable to control.

"Today was amazing," she whispers into my ear, her breath hot on my skin.

My body reacts instinctively, wanting to claim her. She pulls away and looks into my eyes. I can’t help but wonder, what if I kissed her? What would it be like to just pull her closer, feel her lips against mine? The thought, tempting and ravishing, stops me from thinking of anything else but her .

Just then, I notice her lips part, her breath coming out in short, small pants. “Dima,” she whispers my name, a word with such longing.

“Fuck,” I moan, knowing well what’s about to happen before it does. The next thing I know, her lips are on mine. I can't believe it.

I can’t resist any longer and clamp my hands through her hair, twisting her neck back, leaning into her. She, all soft and eager, responds with a moan of her own.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer, feeling her body press against mine. She tastes like coffee and chocolate, making me hungry for more. My tongue reaches for the slit of her lips, prepared to fight through, but she parts them for me without restraint, battling for more.

I close my eyes, and I see stars and streaks of light. I’m high on Lara, and like an addict wanting drugs, I’m not quite done yet.

"Is this really happening?" Lara murmurs between kisses, her fingers tangled in my hair.

"It fucking is," I say, biting her lower lip. My heart hammers against my ribcage, and she takes her hand and reaches for the buttons of my shirt.

The streetlights cast a dim glow on Lara's flushed cheeks as our hunger for each other deepens. Her soft gasps fill the air while my hands roam freely, exploring the curves of her body. The tight space in the car only makes this desire to ravish her all the more urgent.

My trousers threaten to tear as she bites into my neck, my hands on her breasts. Fuck, I can’t hold back. I need to feel her softness around me, to pound her senseless.

“Dima,” she moans again. “I want you,” she echoes my thoughts.

And had I been a weaker man, I’d take her here and now. But my mind races faster than the moment. I imagine her naked, laid out before me, her eyes waiting for what I might do next.

But not here, not like this.

"Wait," I murmur suddenly, pulling back with a jolt of clarity. This isn't how I want our first time to be—rushed, confined, and overshadowed by the fear of getting caught in this parking lot. Lara deserves better than that.

"Is everything alright?" she asks breathlessly, confusion clouding her eyes.

"More than alright," I reassure her, brushing a stray hair from her face. "I just think we should wait until we get home."

Understanding dawns on her face, and she nods in agreement, quickly pulling back. "You're right. Now, how fast do you think you can get us back home?"

I grin and start the car. “I used to drive race cars,” I say, and the roar of the engine drowns out everything else. I drive faster than I’ve ever driven before.

Lara clutches my hand, her touch electrifying, as we speed down the moonlit streets like two fugitives escaping into the night.

"Dimaaa,” she sings, “You're driving awfully fast.”

"Sorry, I'm just…excited," I admit, sparing her a quick glance. A playful smile tugs at her lips, and I can tell she's just as eager as I am.

"Me too." She squeezes my hand gently, a silent promise of what awaits us once we reach our destination.

The distance between us and home shortens; my mind races with thoughts of all the things I want to do to her. Correction: Have wanted to do to her.

"Almost there," I say, my voice husky with anticipation.

Lara nods, her eyes shining with excitement and desire as she leans closer and nibs my ear playfully.

“God, stop teasing,” I chide, groaning from how my cock throbs.

“Why?” she says, her voice sultrier than I can deal with.

“Cause I can’t take it anymore,” I say, almost angry that my home isn’t closer.

“Oh well,” she places her arm around my neck. “Would it be easier if I got naked right now?”

My eyes almost pop out of my head as I turn to face her. “You wouldn’t dare,” I warn. “People will see.”

“So?” she teases, placing her hands under the hem of her skirt, sliding it up her gorgeous, creamy legs.

I reach over and place my hands on her thighs. “Stop,” I say. “We’re almost there.”

I see my guards patrolling before us. “I mean it, Lara,” I growl.

She chuckles and puts her skirt back in place.

I bring the car to a screeching halt in front of our home, dying to get inside. The evening is still young, and I plan to make it a very, very late night.

"Finally," she murmurs, her eyes shining with excitement as I help her out of the car. Hand in hand, we run across the driveway.

But just as we're about to step through the front door, it swings open to reveal the unexpected presence of my sisters, their faces lit up with excitement.

"Surprise!" they chorus in unison, clearly having been waiting for our arrival.

"Uh…what are you doing here?" I stammer, taken aback by their sudden appearance. Beside me, I hear Lara sigh with disappointment.

"Didn't you get our messages?" Sofia asks, raising an eyebrow in query. "We're taking Lara out tonight! We want to welcome her into the family properly."

"Girls' night out!" Natalia chimes in, grinning widely.

"Your messages…" I trail off, realizing that I'd forgotten to check my phone earlier. A sinking feeling washes over me as I glance at Lara, whose expression mirrors my own disappointment.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" Natalia insists, reaching out to gently tug at Lara's arm. "Right, Lara?"

"Um, sure," she says hesitantly, casting a longing look in my direction.

And with that, our plans for the night come crashing down.