Page 19 of Tangled Souls (Bratva Souls Duet #2)

OAKLYNN

Tonight has been going so well that I almost can’t believe it.

I’m used to working with a charity and then being unable to genuinely enjoy the payoff when it comes to nights like this.

My father never allowed me to shine, but he was more than willing to soak up the praise from my hard work.

Being on his arm felt like being shackled.

It’s completely different with my men.

They are more than happy to put me in the spotlight and keep me there.

Even when I try and shy away, they’re at my back to remind me that I deserve to revel in the good things I’ve done and to have pride in the work I’ve put in.

Sure, I wasn’t part of Heart and Home’s event right from the start, but I can still see my influence on the night.

When I see Angela approaching with a middle-aged couple who are smiling from ear to ear, I brace myself to meet more people. As wonderful as this night has been, I’m starting to get a little tired. But it’s not over yet. At least I can soak up a little bit of strength from my men.

“Mrs. Volkov,” Angela greets me with a grateful smile on her face, “I’d like you to meet the mayor, Seth Mason and his wife Vivian Mason. They were both interested in meeting the woman who helped us tie everything up and make this event better than it has ever been before.”

Even as my heart pounds in my chest I plaster a smile on my face.

“Mr. and Mrs. Mason, it’s lovely to meet you.

I’m Oaklynn.” I turn slightly toward Angela and give her arm a squeeze.

“And it was my absolute pleasure to help Heart and Home. It’s such a wonderful charity and is desperately needed in Seattle. ”

As we shake hands, Seth continues to smile and doesn’t seem at all bothered by the four men who feel more like shadows than husbands at the moment.

“Please call us Seth and Vivian,” he offers, and I give a nod in response.

“I’ve heard about your charity work before, but this is the first chance I’ve had to meet you.

I wanted to personally thank you for putting your time and effort in to helping your fellow citizens. ”

“Of course,” I offer graciously. There’s no need to tell him that working with charities used to be one of the only freedoms I was allowed when stuck underneath my father’s rule.

Talk about something that would bring down the whole mood of the night.

“Please, let me introduce my husband, Kirill Volkov.” The men shake hands, and I take a moment to introduce Huck, Maxim, and Baker as well.

Vivian’s eyes are wide as she takes in the men surrounding me.

Seth immediately starts to talk to Kirill about Volkov Enterprises, seemingly excited about the fact that not only is he here tonight but is married to me.

I don’t get the feeling he asked for an introduction just to get to Kirill.

It warms something in my chest and helps to put away fears I wasn’t even aware I had.

I’m so much more than Kirill’s wife. Just like I was much more than Richard Chambers’ daughter. While opening Clockwork won’t erase my connections to the men in my life, past and present, I’m looking forward to standing on my own in some way.

When Maxim rests his hand on my hip and gives it a squeeze, the gesture is far more intimate than would be proper if I am only Kirill’s wife, Vivian’s eyes track the gesture. She leans into me, but I don’t see any judgement in her eyes.

“It seems you’re keeping secrets, Oaklynn,” her voice is light and breezy, but also filled with curiosity.

“Legally, I am only Kirill’s wife,” I hedge, testing out the waters.

Her eyes widen slightly before she chuckles under her breath.

“You lucky woman,” she breathes out, her eyes darting between my men as if seeing them for the first time.

“While I am very happy with my husband, who is a wonderful man, I do enjoy reading certain romance books which are very,” she pauses as if searching for the right word, “descriptive and plentiful.”

I can’t help it when my head drops back as I laugh. The last thing I expected was for the mayor’s wife to admit to reading spicy romance with more than one man in the mix. It’s refreshing and makes me like the woman instantly.

“Uh oh,” Seth’s voice is full of amusement, “it looks like our women might be troublemakers together.”

Vivian giggles and rolls her eyes like her husband is being ridiculous, but the grin on her face doesn’t drop and there’s a mischievousness in her eyes. There’s an energy about her which has me wishing I had an older sister.

Making friends in my life hasn’t been easy. I never wanted to bring anyone around my father, and I never knew how to explain all the things that weighed me down. Now, I’m not sure how to explain my four men who are all dangerous and not to be trifled with. Maybe I’m selling people short.

“I don’t make trouble,” Vivian assures her husband, “I just enjoy life.” Her eyes sparkle as she looks at me.

“There are a few organizations I work with which could really benefit from your help if you’re interested?

Angela has been singing your praises for the last little while since you agreed to help with tonight.

I’d love the chance to sit down and talk to you when we aren’t forced into evening gowns and more hairspray than is probably required. ”

I’m smiling so big that my cheeks hurt. When I glance at my men, they’re all looking at me with eyes filled with love. Seth is looking at his wife like she’s a treasure and I’m starting to think he’s not far off.

“I’d really like that. We’ve recently bought Pulse and I’m in the process of rebranding it for the relaunch, which means I don’t have as much time as I normally would, but I can always find time for a worthy cause.”

“You’re the one rebranding Pulse?” Seth’s question holds a mix of curiosity and relief.

I nod and his shoulders sag slightly. “Good. I’ve heard rumors that it was under new management but hadn’t been able to really look into the details yet.

Pulse might have been popular, but it was shady as hell and was under investigation.

” Kirill stiffens slightly but Seth shakes his head.

“My gut is telling me that won’t be necessary now.

” With a wave of his hand, he adds, “I’ll get it taken care of. ”

Kirill and Seth shake hands, a look of understanding passing between them.

“I’d love to see the new place. I’m not really a club person, but I’m curious about your vision,” Vivian pulls my attention back to her.

“When I send out invitations for the grand opening, you’ll be the first person on my list,” I assure her, and I swear the woman lights up.

“Perfect,” she chirps and claps her hands together. “How do you feel about brunch? Maybe in a few weeks?”

She pulls a card out of her clutch and hands it to me, her eyes hopeful in a way I know is sincere. It catches me off guard, but that’s more about me than her.

“Brunch sounds delicious,” my voice is low as I blink back tears for some reason.

When I look up at her, her eyes soften. “I’m more of a bellini person than mimosas, what about you?”

“As long as there’s champagne, I’m good either way,” I tell her, slightly teasing.

Before I know what’s happening, Vivian is giving me a hug. She murmurs, “I think we’re going to be friends, Oaklynn, and I’m looking forward to it.”

I’m taken aback but sink into the feeling of comfort and warmth she exudes. When she pulls back, we share a look, and I nod. It’s the only thing I can do because I don’t quite trust my voice at the moment.

Seth tucks his wife’s hand in the crook of his elbow and teases, “Come on, Vivian. We’ve monopolized enough of their time for the moment, and I see some people who are desperate to get a few minutes with me across the room.

” He rolls his eyes before shooting me a wink.

“They’ll be inconsolable if I make them wait any longer. ”

With a quick goodbye, Seth pulls his wife away gently. She looks over her shoulder and makes a motion of a phone with her hand as she mouths, “Call me.”

I can only nod and smile. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be calling Vivian.

I’m sure she’s used to people trying to get close to her because of her husband.

It’s something I’m just starting to navigate.

But we don’t need the other to gain power or prestige which means more than I realized it would.

When I look up at my men, they’re already staring at me with soft smiles on their faces. “She seems nice,” I test the waters.

“She does,” Huck agrees without offering anything more, not like I expect him to.

“Seth Mason is a good mayor, one who can’t be corrupted by money and the promise of power. His only goal is to do the best he can for the city,” Kirill informs me.

I never paid much attention to politics because it didn’t seem to matter. When you see behind the curtain of corruption, which I did by having my father in my life, you realize that right and wrong aren’t always the factors that matter. Money and influence usually hold more weight.

With the knowledge that Seth is a good man, one of integrity, I feel myself relax a little more.

Maxim leans in closer, his lips brushing the shell of my ear, “Have I told you how sexy you are in this dress?”

I roll my eyes in exasperation, even as I preen under the praise. Yes, my husband has, in fact, told me exactly what he thinks of me in this dress. More than once. I feel sexy and beautiful in it. I’m glad I let him dress me however he wanted yet again.

“You flirt,” I murmur and tip on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek, “you might have mentioned it once or twice.”

His eyes rake down my body and take in the black dress he chose for me.

It’s gorgeous and fits me perfectly. The fabric might as well be feathers with the way it feels against my skin.

It’s more modest than I was expecting from him.

At least, at first glance. But then my leg peeks through the outrageously high slit and the illusion of modesty becomes slightly tarnished.

“I need to use the restroom,” I murmur softly. He nods with a twinkle in his eyes that has me smacking his chest softly with the back of my hand. “Not for that,” I hiss. “I am not letting you fuck me in the bathroom of a charity event.”

Maxim pouts for a moment before sighing like I’m asking him something impossible by expecting him to behave. It’s adorable.

The guys share a look and then Maxim is guiding me out of the large ballroom space and into the hallway.

We don’t get far before someone calls his name and he turns.

The man who approaches us looks a little unsure which has Maxim transforming into the charming man who helps to lead Volkov Enterprises instead of the Bratva second who can kill without remorse.

I give his arm a squeeze, knowing the bathroom isn’t far, and nod in that direction. Maxim looks torn for a moment but then he gives a tentative nod.

It doesn’t take me long in the bathroom, but I take a moment as I’m washing my hands to think about where my life is now.

So many things have changed. I almost don’t recognize myself when I look in the mirror.

The sadness in my eyes, which I never thought would look any different, has been replaced by love.

I’m happy.

It’s shocking, all things considered, and I take a moment to simply enjoy it.

Just as I turn toward the door, it opens and a man steps in. At first, I’m confused, but then I get a better look at him and my heart drops into my stomach.

“Ah,” he taunts, “it looks like you recognize me. Good.”

Fuck.

Mikhail.

And from the looks of things, he’s pissed.

He lunges for me, but I sidestep him quickly, my training kicking in. I don’t have to pretend to be the scared, small woman everyone in my life used to assume I am. Now, I can own the woman I used to hide away.

I am exactly who I am supposed to be. For me. For my men.

He’s bigger than I am which means I have to use his size to my advantage instead of allowing him to use it against me. Easier said than done sometimes.

When he comes at me again, I dodge and turn as his body moves past me while landing a hit to his kidney. He grunts in pain, but I know not to allow the feeling of victory to cloud my mind or my judgement.

This is bad, but his anger is working for me, and I can’t lose focus now.

“You fucking worthless whore,” he seethes as he turns toward me.

When he tries to slap me, I block it and land a punch to his nose. The sickening crunch makes me wince, but all Mikhail does is smile.

I try and put some distance between us, but it’s not easy in the confined space of the bathroom. The next time he swings at me, I’m not fast enough and take a hit to my jaw. My back hits the wall, but I steady myself quickly.

“Oh, this is fun,” he teases, not realizing I haven’t said a word. He doesn’t care about what I have to say, so why waste my breath? “You can fight all you want, Oaklynn, but eventually you’ll find yourself on your knees for me. No one will save you.”

The smile that stretches across my face is filled with dangerous promises. No one has to save me; I’m going to save myself. Well, at least I’m going to try.