Turning, I watched as he quickly strolled closer. “I wanted to talk to you,” he added, stopping before me. “Have a nightcap with me?” His eyes appeared brighter than usual. I felt a tightening in my chest as he pushed a hand through his hair. His smile was wide as he extended his hand.
Nodding in agreement, I placed my hand in his extended one, allowing him to lead me to a small sitting room. I sat down on one of the brown leather couches. It was softer than it looked. It felt like I had landed on a cloud as I sank away into it.
Struggling, I finally found a position where the couch wasn’t swallowing me. I watched as Kolya poured a glass of wine for each of us. He handed me one before taking a seat on the opposite couch.
I watched in silence as Kolya took a sip and smiled at me. He cleared his throat before he started talking. For a moment, he looked kind of nervous, which was odd. I had never seen him like this. He was shifting on the chair.
“Sophia,” he finally managed to say. Without a word, I nodded and waited for him to continue. “I would like it if you considered working for me. It would be greatly appreciated ifyou could continue to find more loopholes for us to use. You could also assist with some of our projects."
Shocked at the suggestion, I swallowed hard. My head automatically started shaking from side to side before I even opened my mouth. “No!” I huffed. My insides felt all twisted up. How could he ask such a thing? “I don’t work for evil, corrupt people,” I added, hearing the disbelief in my tone.
Taking a slow sip of the wine before placing the glass on the table between us, I felt violated somehow. I couldn’t believe he had asked such a thing. My eyes narrowed as I got up. “No, thanks!” I said again.
As I got to the door, I stopped. I was reluctant to thank him for the evening out. But I did have a good time with his cousins. I knew he only did it to give me a chance to get rid of my boredom. But it didn’t mean I owed him anything. In fact, I owe him nothing. He dragged me into this.
He forced me to marry him after he kidnapped me. Plus, he is holding me against my will. “Thank you, the evening was lovely. But I think it’s time to say good night,” I whispered over my shoulder.
Heading to the stairs, I heard him getting up. He moved as swiftly as lightning and blocked my way before I could reach the stairs. “I’m sorry,” he said as he stood before me. “I didn’t mean to offend you in any way. But you must know…” Kolya leaned closer, whispering in my ear. “We aren’t all evil or corrupt.”
Closing my eyes, I breathed in slowly. The way his voice hit my ears was magical. His voice was sweet andhot! Opening my eyes, I turned to look at him. For a brief second, we were only inches apart. Should one of us move, we were sure to touch.
His eyes gleamed like precious gems. It felt like they were penetrating my soul, seeking some kind of truth I had to reveal. This sent ripples down my spine. I couldn’t prevent the shake that came up my body.
Our lips brushed briefly, igniting a fire inside me. Leaning back, I turned my gaze away and closed my eyes. This was too much to handle. I had to flee, had to get away from him. I was burning up.
“Good night, sweet dreams, darling,” Kolya added. He gently stroked my cheek with one finger before moving to the side.
Heat spread from my cheek down my neck into my chest. I felt my insides twisting into a knot. I was attracted to this handsome man. Was it his physique, his secrets, or the dark side he hid so well? I couldn’t tell for sure, but it scared me a little.
“Good night, Kolya,” I whispered back. Moving around him, I fled to my room. I was being silly, stupid even. It was only the close proximity, the wine, and the company he offered me this evening. It was all in my head. I couldn’t be attracted to a man like him.
The evening and events were messing with my mind. Everything that had happened was confusing my senses. That's why I was feeling this way. There was no way I could be interested in him. He was evil, a corrupt person with bad motives.
Entering my room, I glanced back before shutting the door. Sitting down on the bed, I allowed the breath I was holding to escape. My thoughts were swimming around as I tried to make sense of it all. What was happening here? What did I feel or think?
Lying back, I allowed my mind to dive into the pool of darkness as my eyes closed, and sleep came knocking.
I woke with a sharp laughter. Sitting up, I heard the voices travelling up the stairs. There was Kolya and a woman’s voice mingling in the air. Looking at the clock against the wall, I felt a hollowness in my stomach. It was nearly nine already. I overslept.
As I got up and washed, I wondered why Kolya didn’t wake me for breakfast. Maybe it was because of her. Perhaps he didn’t want me to know about or meet this woman. Dressing quickly, I headed down to see who he was visiting with.
Moving slowly, I headed down. I didn’t want to barge in even though I felt like doing that. I heard the voices coming from the dining room. Moving as softly as possible, I stopped just outside the door. I stood for a second listening.
The room was quiet. It was almost as if they knew I was there. Entering, I saw Kolya sitting in his usual place. Next to him was a woman around my age. She was slim but curvy with pale skin. Her green eyes seemed to be glowing in contrast to her black, silky hair.
Kolya rose instantly. “Good morning, dear,” he said. His smile lit up his face as it spread from ear to ear. Up until now, I had not known he could look so bright. She brought out something in him.
“Morning, Kolya,” I replied, nodding.
He held out his hand for me. Hesitantly, I placed mine in his as he continued to speak. “This is my sister, Clara.” He pulled out my chair as she rose to her feet. Looking back at her, he continued. “Clara, this is my wife, Sophia.”
Clara smiled, her eyes sparkling even more as she greeted me. “Pleased to meet you, Sophia.”
She sat back down as I took my seat. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Being his sister, I assumed she was a woman hardened by the Bratva world. But she looked normal. I wasn’t sure I could trust my instincts at this stage. So, I would wait and see before making up my mind.
Before I could speak, she continued. “I’m sorry, I missed the family dinner last night. But after finding out about Kolya’s marriage, I’m sure you understand why I had to come and meet you.” Her voice was filled with sweetness and affection. Not at all what I expected.
“Okay,” I replied half-heartedly. “Nice to meet you.”
