Grinning at him, I nodded in agreement. I had other plans, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I think I’m going to bed,” I said as I finished supper. “I want to be up early.”
Kolya stood as I rose and nodded as I left. Once back in my room, I thought about my escape plan. Lying back, I started planning in my head.
Chapter 9 - Kolya
I was excited to be taking Sophia out for brunch before she ran her errands. I wanted to splurge on her. Show her a new world. We entered a small, well-known restaurant. The owner immediately approached us, recognizing me. It was one of my favorite places to go. The people, atmosphere, and food were great.
“Right this way, sir,” the owner said, smiling. He gestured towards a door leading to the back.
Placing one back on the small of Sophia’s back, I guided her to follow him. The guilt I felt was still very present. Lingering in the back of my mind, heavy and persistent. I’d dragged her into a world she did not need to be in. Additionally, I gave her no option but to join.
Splurging on her was a poor attempt at atonement, but I would do whatever I could to make life more bearable for her. One small gesture after another if that was what was required.
She didn’t know it yet, but I planned to spoil her. Except for fancy meals and outings, I have noticed some of the items she has been checking out online. There were many shopping sites. But two had her occupied this week. There was a lovely little black dress she’d been watching, along with a couple of books.
I have decided to purchase these for her while she is running errands today and surprise her. It was a small start, just like brunch. I felt a warmth inside as we walked. I was sure some feelings were developing, and not out of guilt. I truly enjoyed her company.
We entered a private room. It held an intimate and serene atmosphere. A table for two sat in the middle. The walls lit upwith the soft glow of the candles placed on the shelves. A fresh bouquet with a large candle in the middle lit up the table.
I pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit. Gently pushing her in, I moved around and sat down. Without even glancing at the menu, I placed our order. “One brunch special and a Greek salad, please, my man,” I said, looking up. “Plus, my special drink and a milkshake for the lady.”
I loved their brunch burgers and fries. As the manager left us to place our order, Sophia broke the silence. “Why join Bratva?” she asked. Her eyes flashed with a hint of genuine curiosity.
“Why not join them?” I countered by locking eyes with her.
Sitting up in her chair, she lifted her hand. As she spoke, she listed her points, raising a finger for each. “For starters, there’s a high risk of betrayal, violence, or law enforcement intervention. You’re looking over your shoulder constantly.”
Tilting my head, I observed her as I weighed my next words. “Darling, you’re overlooking something.”
Sophia’s eyes narrowed as she glared at me.
A smile slowly crossed my lips. Her lawyer-like attitude is oddly charming. “Power and influence! I move in circles where people either respect me or fear me. I have access to insider deals in massive companies, resources that’ll make your head spin. And elite status.”
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table, intertwining my fingers. I placed my chin lightly on them. The smile is now tugging at the corners of my lips.
“You’re forgetting the isolation. It’s hard to trust anyone,” she spat back. “Including your own allies. You push away yourloved ones who don’t belong in that world.” She said it like that alone should win the argument, as if she had won.
“If that’s the case, why am I keeping you?” I asked with a smirk. “What about the money? The opulent lifestyle? The fast cars, expensive fashion, exotic travel, and more. Money flows freely.”
“Overrated!” she shot back, rolling her eyes. Without hesitation, she continued. “You become a target. The more wealth you have, the more important you think you are, the more people want to be around you. They live for one reason! To take you down. Enemies crawl out of the walls. Out of nowhere, rivals pop up. Law enforcement hunts you. Then there are the traitors, kidnappings, blackmail, and more. Your wealth places a bullseye on your back!”
Her lawyer brain was wide awake. I could see it in her eyes. The manager returned with our food. I waited until he left before responding.
“Maybe,” I said. I picked up a crisp from my plate and popped it into my mouth. Once I swallowed, I continued. “But that’s why I have men to protect us.”
Sophia laid out the words like we were in a courtroom, and I was the target. “Trust becomes a currency, and it’s rare in your world. Everyone has a price! Even your closest friends can be swayed. You can’t trust any relationship. You are constantly asking, are they loyal, after your money, power, secrets, or going to betray you? It’s a world filled with paranoia, fake smiles, and treachery!”
I narrowed my eyes, watching her carefully. I was impressed, especially since just a few days ago, she had no idea what bratva was. Some of her facts were wrong, but I will correct that over time.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I asked curiously. “Family is a different thing, and we have alliances. But, tell me, how do you know all of this?” As I waited for a reply, I took a bite of my burger, watching her closely. Her lips closed around the tip of the fork, swallowing the bite of salad that was on it.
Even her bite was graceful. Her full lips, so inviting. I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tightening. No, I thought. You can’t see her in such a way. I was battling with the feelings stirring inside of me.
“I read,” she replied with a shrug.
“Yes, I remember you read,” I added, laughing. “Nerd,” I muttered with a smile. I oddly felt pleased that she wanted to know more about my world, be it from books. “What books did you read?” I asked, genuinely curious. I couldn’t remember the last time someone surprised me like this.
Smirking, Sophia listed them. “McMafia, a journey through the global criminal underworld.Gomorrah, a personal journey into the violent international empire of Naples, and the organized crime system. Plus,Cartel, the coming invasion of Mexico’s drug wars.”
