Page 80 of The Bratva's Christmas Bump

“Every detail helps.” My thumb flies over the screen as I text Rex asking him to do some digging. If the fucker I killed has the tattoo, then I can reassure Zoe that the one she keeps thinking of is definitely dead. And if not, then it’s one more detail to narrow down the search for the other cunt.

“Sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. Everything was hectic and you were busy and stuff, y’know?”

“You’re fine,” I assure her softly. Rex replies with a thumbs up.

“Also…”

I glance at her, and her cheeks flush as she tilts her head. “Also?”

“This is going to sound so bad, but my parents want us at their Christmas party.”

“When is it?”

“This Saturday.”

“Isn’t that when you have that engagement thing?”

“Mhm. So I waskindof hoping you’d say yes and go and keep my parents entertained while I work, and then I can meet you there after?” Her brows lift, hopefulness flooding her eyes.

“You think I, the Mafia prince, should spend my Saturday entertaining your parents while you work?”

She nods quickly.

“People will think I can’t take care of my girl.”

“Pretty please? You had a good time decorating the house with them, right? And this gig will only be a few hours, so they won’t know I’m missing,plus,think how good it will look to them. My dad’s a suspicious man, so think of it as keeping the peace.”

I’d already decided my answer the second she asked me, and after texting Stu to reschedule my Saturday meetings, I nod. “Sure. It’s in my best interests to keep you and your father happy.”

“Yay!” Her face lights up but as I smile and lean toward her, my grimace of pain immediately erases her joy. “Right, that’s it. You need to go to bed to rest.”

“I’m fine.”

“Bullshit. You used up all your goodwill when you fucked me on that car, so now you have to rest.”

It’s difficult to resist her when she looks so adorable while pouting angrily at me. As she climbs to her feet, she pulls on my hand despite our size difference, making it clear that I’m not going anywhere unless I choose. I relent quickly, though, and stand, allowing her to guide me through the apartment.

“You’re bossy for a nurse, you know.”

“And you’re reckless for someone so apparently important, so we both have things to work on. Now get into bed and lie down.”

I oblige, but as I sink down onto the mattress, I catch Hollie by the waist and drag her down with me. She lands with a squeal and a laugh while I seal both my arms around her body and pin her to my chest.

“Stay with me,” I say, nuzzling into her hair and cautiously lying on my non-injured side.

She blows a few strands of hair out of her face and giggles, then cups my jaw. “Fine. But only if you rest.”

“I promise.”

29

HOLLIE

“I’m leaving Stu with you.” Maxim grasps my thigh and leans in close for a kiss.

I return it eagerly and lightly touch his cheek, caressing down to his jaw as our lips lightly weave together. “I’ll be fine.”

“It wasn’t a suggestion,” Maxim murmurs. “It’s the cost of my entertaining your parents until you get there.”