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But she doesn’t seem happy about it.
And something about that irks me.
I close the space between us in a few long strides. Trailing my fingers over her bare shoulders produces the right reaction: a twitch and a posture check. She tilts her head back and peers up at me through the dizzying array of colorful lights, wearing a smile that says she’s bored out of her fucking mind.
I nuzzle into her ear. “Have a drink. It’ll help.”
“Already had two.”
“And?”
She shrugs. “I’m not used to this.”
“What’s bothering you?”
“It’s just…”
I drift back enough to read her face. She’s eyeing the scantily clad women like she’s comparing herself to them.
NowI get it.
One kiss to her neck sends shivers through her body. “Lisichka, stop thinking so hard.”
“Hard not to when I’m so…” She peeks at her outfit. “Overdressed.”
One of the server girls walks past with a tray of shots. I grab two and hand one to Liya, staring at her with a knowing smile. She raises her glass and then sips from it.
“Learning fast,” I tease after drinking mine. “Better?”
She shrugs. “Sort of.”
“Help me with the spoils. A king needs his queen.”
That seems to perk her up. It’s partly her plan, after all, and being involved seems to improve her mood. It’s surprisingly easy to please her when she isn’t moping about being married to the Pakhan of the Suvorov Bratva.
A glossy red table situated in the corner of the expansive room is roped off. Gennadiy bows his head as we approach, pulling the rope aside for us to sit. Two more brigadiers approach and wait to be called. I send them to retrieve the cash box I had made for the brigadiers and casually drape an arm around Liya.
And I try not to get excited when she leans into me.
Once the box is delivered, members of the Bratva approach the table. Each one bows deeply to Liya, taking her hand and greeting her with the same respect they would grant me. She’s in a powerful position at my side, and I think she realizes it while she passes out envelopes loaded with cash.
Her muscles unwind as we divide the riches. The general mood of my brigadiers seems far more at ease than ever before, gratitude pouring from faces that are usually hardened by experience. Everyone is smiling, my driver included. And that just feels strange to see on his war-beaten face.
After the spoils are passed out, I tug Liya into my side, my nose tickling her earlobe.
She giggles and turns to say, “Look how happy they are with your generosity.”
She’s right about that. But I don’t bother looking up. I don’thaveto look.
And it’s not because I don’t want to turn away from her.
“Ours,” I correct. “It’s both of us, remember?”
“I didn’t think you would remember.”
I chuckle, not missing the teasing tone she uses. “I remember everything,rodnaya.”
The bass thumps through my body, exciting my heart as I feel her arms wrap around my shoulders. We’re in view of everyone, but it feels like we’ve drifted away from the action, disappearing into a chaotic whirlwind of rhythmic club beats and laser lights. Her cheek scrapes mine, and I notice the striking difference between us.
