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 up with 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 your loved 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.”
She listed the titles like she was reading a grocery list. I stared at her, stunned. Not one, but three books in such a short period of time. They may not be as long as her usual reads, but they are not your typical books.
“What else do you like to do? I asked casually. Taking another bite and chewing slowly, I studied her. I already knew she loved reading and had done a lot of it. She was seemingly obsessed with herbal tea and her plants. But there had to be more.
“Painting,” she simply stated.
I nodded, wondering how much there was I didn’t know about her. “Do you paint or just browse the artwork of others?” I asked.
“I can paint. But I haven’t had time for the last couple of years. Studies and work kept me busy,” she replied.
I considered setting up one of the extra rooms as a studio where she could paint. There was something more I could do to make living with me more comfortable. It would also keep her busy, preventing boredom.
“See, you are the one who keeps on changing the topic and straying from talking about Bratva! That can only imply that I am right, and I have thus won the conversation,” she said, smirking at me. I could see the satisfaction in her eyes.
Smiling broadly, I finished my burger before responding. “These books you have read. Well, let’s just say they don’t portray all the facts correctly.”
I could see her searching for something in my eyes. “Some were written by Bratva men and others by inside sources, I can’t see them being off course.” She replied.
Grinning, I kept my tone low as I contradicted her. “Oh, my little Bambi! These books only tell half-stories. You could even say they only portray the bad, as that is what people want to hear. They’re focused on some groups. We’re not all the same.”
Sitting upright in her chair, she shot back with ferocity. “I’m not your little Bambi! I’m not even sure why you would call me that.” The irritation in her tone was clear as daylight.
I admired her spark, her cuteness when she got mad and annoyed with me. Adding a little huff to my tone, I replied quickly. “You’re as innocent and cute as Bambi. Especially when you’re trying to make sense of this world filled with big bad wolves, as you put it.”
“Who knows? Maybe you are the big bad wolf in sheep's clothing!” she shot back with sharpness.
“Is it because the big bad wolf kidnapped little red riding hood?” I questioned licking my lips.
Her cheeks instantly lit up, glowing red. I could see her struggling to keep the smile at bay, but her lips were pulling tightly at the ends, finally forming that gorgeous smile. Lowering her gaze, she quickly finished her meal.
Before I could tease her some more, the waiter appeared. “Would you mind bringing one of your dessert specials?” I asked as he collected our plates. He nodded and left.
Looking at Sophia, I saw her rolling her eyes. “Whenever you’re done with your dessert, can we go?” she asked sarcastically.
“Oh, dear, little Bambi, what’s the rush, hon?” I replied. “We have the whole day, you know.”
She lowered her gaze again, looking at her hands. What did she want to go and do? “If you are in such a rush to sit next to me, you could have just asked. I am easy to oblige.” I said as I swiftly moved my chair next to hers.
Her eyes shot open wider than I had ever seen. A nervous expression shot across her face. “What? What are you doing?” she breathed out heavily.
Before I could reply, the waiter returned with the one dessert I ordered. “Here,” I said, waving at the space before her. He placed it down and left. Gently gripping her chin, I spoke softly. “Just for you, my little Bambi.”
She shook her head as she spoke. “Thank you, but please move back to your side of the table now. You are too close for comfort.”
Moving quickly, I placed one arm around her back. With my other hand, I lightly gripped her face, turning her head to the side. Leaning closer, I brushed her ear with my lips as I whispered. “Okay, my little Bambi, the big bad wolf will move back.” Before letting go, I made a low growling sound.
This made her giggle, a delightful sound, sweet and so innocent. Warmth spread through me. She was charming to be around. Getting up, I moved back to my side of the table, shaking my head.
What am I doing? I felt like smacking myself in the face. I shouldn’t work myself up to her like this. I sat watching as she dove into the pudding. She took a bite, closed her eyes, and waited for it to melt before taking another bite. She was truly enjoying it.
Feeling pleased, I kept my mouth shut, allowing her the small pleasure. My emotions were going haywire inside. I was trying to get a grip on them.
Once she was done, she wiped her lips before speaking. “Thank you, that was lovely.”
Smiling at her, I nodded as I rose. “Let’s get going,” I said, holding out my hand. She took it and got up.
As we got out the door, she started pulling back. “Aren’t you going to pay for our food?” Sophia asked.
Shaking my head, I replied in a light tone. “No, they’ll just send me the bill, and I’ll pay later.”
She sounded surprised as she responded. “They can do that?”
“Of course they can,” I replied.
She stopped dead in her tracks, placed her hands on her hips, and glared at me as she spoke. “Well, then! We can’t leave. You need to settle the bill.” Changing her stance, she folded her arms across her chest.
“You do remember that I am a Bratva leader. Things in my world don’t always work like in yours. Another benefit to being Bratva,” I replied proudly. “Come along,” I added as I opened her door. I waited for her to get in before closing it and heading around the car.
As I got in on my side, she started going off. “That’s not right. They only treat you differently because they are scared of you.”
“Did it look like they were scared of me?” I questioned.
“They won’t show their fear, dummy!” She spat at me.
Glancing at her, I replied confidently. “They are not afraid, I guarantee you. They see a great way of making money. They treat us differently as we pay more for their services.”
The drive was longer than expected. Maybe it just felt that way as she wouldn’t stop talking. Going on and on about everything that was wrong with the bratva world. For every reply I had, she had a comeback. She was going to be a superb lawyer. But I wasn’t about to admit it to her.
“I’m just stating,” she breathed as she got out of the SUV. “The Bratva is good for nothing except criminal activities.”
“Oh?” I asked. Moving closer to her, I murmured. “I can teach you other fun things to do. Maybe then you’ll stop being so hard on me.” I dropped my voice low, trying to fluster her and end this horrid conversation.
It worked; her cheeks flustered a soft pink.
Her eyes darted to the floor. A strand of hair fell into her face.
Reaching out, I brushed it gently back. Suddenly, I was struck by an image of us.
An image of me dragging her into the shop and pinning her to the first wall I could find.
My hands moved over her perfect body, touching her in ways I know I shouldn’t.
Standing back, I shook my head. I shouldn’t have these thoughts.
She disappeared into the shop. I stood frozen at the door as I fought the storm within me.
I reminded myself over and over that she was only here because of my mistake.
I allowed my anger to get the upper hand and placed her in this awkward situation.
I had to rein in my impulses. Nothing could happen between us. Soon, this fake marriage will be dissolved. She has a life to return to. I can’t destroy that as well.
“No!” I whispered. I can’t touch her. She’s the victim of my incompetence, my impatient nature. Plus, she’s not even my type. I prefer strong-headed women. A woman who can think, talk, and do business. I’ve never had time for soft, na?ve women who walk blindly into trouble.
I shook the thoughts off and entered the shop. As I moved, I scanned every aisle. I couldn’t see Sophia, so I went through the shop again. I made my way to the dressing rooms. These were empty. Closing my eyes, I let out a sharp breath.
Sophia was gone. She wasn’t inside. I checked the street and by the car, still no sign of her. She had slipped away because I was distracted. I allowed my hormones to get the upper hand and screw with my focus. I wasn’t paying attention. How could I be so stupid?