The Bratva’s Bounty (Volkov Bratva #3)

22. Nicole

Chapter 22

Nicole

"Top middle drawer of the black dresser," Lev said lazily from the bed, not looking up from his phone.

Completely lost, I spun around with my hands on my hips. "Huh?"

Once again, without looking up from his screen, he replied rather flatly, "Your Ruggish Red lipstick is in the top middle drawer of the black dresser, specifically in the upper right-hand corner because it tends to roll around with how hard you open and slam the drawer."

Unable to come up with a proper response, all I could do was sputter and scoff as I trudged over to the black dresser and opened the middle drawer of the top row. Mocking him under my breath, I was about to spin around and snark at him that my lipstick wasn't there until I caught it in my field of vision at the last minute.

Zipping my lips shut, I pressed them into a tight line as I snatched the tube of lipstick up. Grumbling to myself internally, I applied the lipstick rather testily before slamming it down onto the counter. Crossing my arms, I spun around and glared softly at Lev with an angry pout.

Probably sensing my glaring eyes, Lev glanced up at me with a quirked brow. Silently, he stared at me quizzically before giving me his full attention as the corner of his lips smirked. "You always wear Magjik's Ruggish Red with your fancy clothes that are black or gray in color," he answered my silent question as if he had read my mind.

Okay, officially a little creeped out by Lev for the first time ever.

"What?" Lev shot back with a somewhat confused and offended look. "Why you looking at me funny for?" I didn't know whether he was serious or a really good actor with his dumbfounded expression.

"You're weird," was all I managed to stammer out bluntly before turning around on my heels to put my focus back on finishing my makeup.

Soft sounds of the sheets ruffling crumpled behind me. "What? What's weird about helping you find what you needed?" Lev's genuinely confused voice grew closer with his steps. "You were looking for your shit, and I helped out, so I don't understand what the weird look was for." Okay, now I felt like a piece of shit when I heard the hurt in Lev's voice.

Not wanting to see the possible pain on his face, I refused to turn around to meet him full-on, nor did I let my eyes wander to his reflection in the dresser mirror. "It's a little freaky how you read my mind," I muttered with a small shiver of discomfort.

I don't know why I felt so weirded out with Lev, who seamlessly knew my intentions without a hint from me. I mean, the damn dude literally stalked me for weeks, and this was what freaked me out about him!? Maybe I was a little crazy in the head, as he liked to claim.

"Read your mind?" Lev scoffed and snorted a snicker. " Zhizn moya , all I did was read your body language and study your beautiful face while putting it with what knowledge I knew," he answered merely as if it was no big issue. "You put on a fancy black and red uhh ow zai? Is that what they're called?"

Chuckling, I nodded in response to his—very surprisingly—not-so-bad pronunciation of the traditional Vietnamese dress I wore, an áo dài . It was a very stiff pronunciation, but he got it maybe 80% right. "Very close for a first attempt," I praised him with a proud smile before quickly teaching him how to say the word correctly and urging him to continue with his train of thought from earlier.

Rubbing the back of his head, he flashes me a sheepish smile before picking back up, "Well, as I was saying… You put on your fancy outfit, and you usually get yourself all dolled up, like more than your casual makeup. Your eyes are all done, and so are your cheeks, so all you have left are your lips." Nonchalantly, he shrugged his shoulders with a slightly confused look. "So, it makes sense that you were looking for your lipstick, and rather you get all pissy and take longer, I figured I'd just help." His voice dipped at the end, making him sound crestfallen.

Yeah, way to make me feel like the jerk… Asshole.

Cracking a sad smile, I set the lipstick down and turned around, cupping Lev's face. "Thank you for helping me. I really appreciate it." Pity gripped my heart tightly until my chest ached from sadness at seeing Lev's eyes brighten up. "I'm not upset at you or anything. I was just kind of caught off guard with how observant you are." Not gonna lie, still freaked me out a little at how hard he tried.

Pulling him down, I pressed his head into the crook of my neck. Soothingly, I rubbed his neck and upper back. "It's okay, Lev, you don't have to put yourself out there like that for me." I stroked the back of his head and adorned his cheek and temple with kisses. "You'll never have to fight or earn my attention."

Lev said nothing in response as he buried his face deeper into me. "Probably wasn't easy being the middle child, huh? Nikolai naturally gets the attention being the oldest, Stepan is the second caretaker, your sister being the only girl, and the twins are the youngest." Middle child syndrome or whatever society liked to label it as. "You don't have to vie for my affection or attention. I can promise you that with all the certainty in the world," I assured him with a firm kiss on the side of his head. "All of me naturally belongs to you, just like how you are all mine."

Peeling his head back, he looked up at me with glassy, hopeful eyes. "Promise?" His low voice croaked with a smile.

Letting my emotions widen my smile naturally, I nodded with a hum before kissing him deeply. "You will always be the apple of my eye, little lion."

"Nicki, I'm pregnant, not invalid," Angel argued with a disgruntled glare .

Rolling my eyes at my good friend, I nudged her toward her husband. "And I told you before, this is my problem, not yours." Well, that was arguable, but I didn't want Angel to have a lot on her plate.

My parents, my problem… Unfortunately.

If I thought about it, I could easily feel the guilt of leaving my family's problems to Angel after I went deuces. I was no better than a coward pulling what I did—at least, that's what it felt like to me.

"Besides, it's just a meeting," I told her with a casual wave of my hand. "And," pausing to look up at Lev with a confident smile, I took his hand tightly, "I have my Lev." Knowing and having Lev next to me made me feel invincible and carefree. No more worrying about having my back exposed or looking every which way with anxious eyes and bated breaths.

Warmth coiled around my waist as Lev's large arms swallowed me into his hard body. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to my little empress." His chest vibrated against my back with his chuckle. "You guys enjoy your date." Lev's hand lifted from my body to give Angel and Nikolai small and curt flicks.

Clearing his throat, Nikolai lifted an eyebrow and tilted his head at us. "Lev." Nikolai's inquisitive voice was shot straight at Lev with a stern look.

Dragging out a sighing groan, Lev rested his chin on my head. "No unnecessary violence, no killing unless absolutely necessary, no lethal shots, yada yada." Lev deflated with a scoff. "You make it sound like I don't know what I'm doing at this point," he snarked at his brother rather playfully.

The two brothers quickly exchanged with each other in Russian before Nikolai took his leave with his arm protectively around Angel.

"I'm surprised he let her leave the house that pregnant," I commented aloud as I watched my friend walk away with her husband.

"You and me both, but I heard something about Angel threatening him with pacing around the house and stressing and possibly going into some pregnant crisis if she went another stretch of not having a date night with him," Lev mused with a low chuckle. "At least I know not to fall for any tricks from you once you're pregnant."

Now that made me whirl around and stare at him in disbelief. "Who said anything about me getting pregnant? Who says I want to have kids with you?" Alright, I had to admit, that last part sounded silly because I obviously didn't mean any of it.

The blank expression on Lev's face barely lasted a second before an amused smirk sent chills down my spine. Pulling me flushed against his body, he leaned down until his lips brushed against the shell of my ear. "You say that, yet your body clings to me whenever I make any mention about stuffing you full with my seed until your belly is big with our baby," he whispered with a very deep chuckle, making me shudder from the tingles of excitement rushing my body. "Every time my cock is seated deep in you, you tighten and clench greedily around me as I fill you, and you squeeze out every last drop out."

Heat bombarded my face, particularly my cheeks, until I was sure I looked like a damn cherry. "You get so happy, so smiley, whenever I rub your stomach while we lay in bed and talk about our future." Kissing the side of my head, he remained there, letting me feel the widening of his lips. "The way your eyes sparkle and light up like the stars in the night whenever you look at baby names and ask me about them always makes my heart flutter with happiness for your joy."

Pressing his forehead against mine, he locked his hypnotizing blue eyes onto mine, staring deep into my soul. "What really gets me is when your whole face brightens up like the sun on a clear day whenever you sit there and stare at me with those lovey-dovey eyes of yours before you start talking about our future."

There were no words to describe the never-ending pools of adoration and euphoria in Lev's eyes that seemingly swallowed me with comforting arms. "I can't help it." My airy words fanned against our faces as I ghosted my lips against his. "Every time I look at you, it's like something flips a switch in my brain that constantly plays our happy endings." Kissing him softly and longingly with a big smile, I held his face against mine for a while. "It's getting to the point where I really can't imagine my life without you in it."

Well, if I were honest with myself, I wouldn't have been able to imagine my life without him for a long while now. Even if he started off as an annoying little puppy dog, he warmed his way into my heart. Honestly, he was like the stray that you couldn't help but fall in love with and take home. I mean, I kinda did just that… Kind of…

Technically, I barged into his life… After I tattooed him… And collared him… Yeah, I kinda gave him no choice with picking me out of all the women in the world, especially after I practically moved myself into his place. Yes, he offered his place to keep me safe, but I kind of planned to show up either way. His offer just expedited things a little, ignoring the part of me being hesitant because of my independence, of course.

"Good," Lev replied cockily with a big grin, laughing a little when I wailed at his chest with playful smacks.

Stepping away, I slipped next to him and looped my arm around his. "Way to ruin a moment," I remarked playfully. "Come on, let's grab a small bite real quick before the meeting." We had nearly an hour before the scheduled time, so might as well make some use of it. "So, lead the way because I can't pick." Seriously, if he expected me to pick some food items from all the delicious food that lined nearly half a block of this damn place, then he would be sorely mistaken.

Rolling his eyes, Lev chuckled down at me, kissed my forehead, and then dragged me down the aromatic and bustling street. Now, I let Lev direct us to the carts, but I ordered whenever we stopped at one. I was mindful to keep things light, though, not wanting to eat a full meal before a meeting, so I mainly ordered snacking food.

"I would ask if you could make these for us at home, but I rather like living. Or, at the very least, I like not puking my guts up." Lev stifled a laugh, clamping his jaw tightly and failing to keep a straight face.

Just because it was the truth didn't mean it didn't sting. Huffing, I dug my foot into the ground, snatching my arms back and crossing them while glaring at him. "You could learn to make it," I shot back with a sassy roll of my head.

"Set the stuff out then," Lev replied with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. "Just don't put the food on the stove."

Rolling my eyes, I mocked him under my breath before taking his arm hostage again in mine. "Let's grab something to drink, then head to the meeting spot." I needed something nice to wash down all the fried food we just ate .

Lev's wide strides slowed to stop, making us linger a few feet away from a bubble tea cart. "Do you think we can try that?" he asked in a low voice with a slight look of embarrassment.

Following his gaze, I wanted to know what he was referring to. "Bubble tea?" I kept my voice between us as I flickered my eyes between the food cart and Lev. "Babe, we can get whatever you want." I giggled warmly at him. "Nothing to be shy about either. Everyone loves bubble tea." If they didn't, then they were a psychopath—in my opinion (jokingly, of course).

Pursing his lips slightly, he frowned softly. "I've never had it… But Angel's always having Nikolai get some for her or getting some herself, and I'm just kind of curious." Rubbing the back of his neck, he let out a strained chuckling groan of sorts. "I've never worked up the nerve to go to a shop and get one for myself…" he admitted.

"What are you going to do when I get cravings when I'm pregnant then?" I teased with a cheeky chuckle. "What if I want something from a super girly café?"

Lev's eyes widened a little with his paling face. "W-well, that's for you and our baby, s-so I would do it no problem." Though shaky, there was an underlying confidence in his words that made it impossible for me to doubt him. Clearing his throat, he regained his composure. "If it's for you or our kids, I'd do it without question."

"What if our kids want to put frilly bows and paint your nails?" I tested him with a ridiculous, yet probable, situation.

Cracking a smile, he looked at me for a moment before shaking his head. "As long as they let me pick the color," he joked back with a hint of seriousness in his voice. "They can use me as their doll or dummy. I will let them yank me around all they want."

Oh, my poor heart. I could feel it melting at the conviction in his determined eyes. Seriously, how could this man get more perfect by the day?

Bouncing up onto my tippytoes, I pecked his cheek with a quick kiss before dragging him over to the drink stand. "Do you know what you want or like?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the menu.

"I 'll let you surprise me," Lev replied with a trusting smile after peering his head into my vision.

Well, damn, alright then.

Debating for a moment, I weighed my options for a few seconds longer than anticipated before ordering for us both. It didn't take long for our drinks to be made and handed to us after Lev paid. "I got some taro and lychee. They're my usual favorites, so hopefully, you'll like one of them." If not, then, well, more for me.

The only two things in this world I'd ever be a slut for were Lev and food, especially anything sweet.

Lev slowly took the first cup—taro—and took a cautious sip, savoring it for a minute before switching with me to try the other. After the second taste, he held the cup up to eye level, studying it for a bit before trailing his eyes to the cup in my hand. His lips twisted in thought before speaking up, "I kind of like the lychee more. Can I keep it?" His hopeful eyes had a wary edge to them, almost as if he was anticipating a denial from me.

Not letting my pity surface to my lips, I forced all the warmth I had for him to mold into assurance. "Lev, you don't have to ask me for permission like that, ever. Also, I offered it to you, so, of course, you have first choice." Reaching up, I stroked his cheek with a deepening smile. "I'm never going to hurt you, either. I'm not such a bitch to dangle a prize in front of you, work you up, and snatch it at the last second."

Sliding my hand down his arm, I slipped it into his hand, intertwining my fingers tightly with his. The two of us slowly made our way over to the meeting area, taking our sweet time to enjoy the passing festivities.

The cheerful music and chatter slowly faded into the background the further we moved from it. Soon, it was barely a white noise to us by the time we made it to one of the warehouses at the nearby dock, where my two informants were already waiting for us.

They both greeted me with polite nods before gazing at Lev with widened eyes. "You are aware of who he is, right Nicki?" Matty questioned me with worry. "Listen, if you're in trouble…" His trembling hand rested on the gun in his holster.

Breaking out into a chuckle, I waved a dismissive hand at the two. "Lev is perfectly harmless." Okay, maybe that wasn't the right thing to say.

"Him?!" George pointed an accusing finger at Lev, who stood behind me like a protective statue with his arms crossed and an unreadable expression. "The Savage Volk, harmless?! You've got to be snorting some good ass shit to make a statement like that."

A short laugh echoed through the nearly empty warehouse. "Okay, I should rephrase that," I started with an amused smile. "He's harmless to me ." I gestured at myself by splaying a hand against my chest. "I trust you two, but I can't be too careful given my situation. So, I hope you two can fully understand." The flat smile I flashed as a courtesy meant they had no choice but to either accept Lev's presence or face his—my—wrath.

"Fucking hell, Nicki." George sighed heavily with a shake of his head. "Just what shit did you get yourself into to be tangled with the Volkovs?" His concern for me was genuine, in a brotherly manner.

Tension tightened my shoulders in a curt shrug. "Whatever shit my parents put me into." Honestly, it all started because of them.

"Oh." Matty scoffed with a chuckle of disbelief. "Your parents are in something far worse than shit."

Hope widened my intrigued eyes as I took an eager step toward the two men. "What did you find out?" I couldn't help but rush them.

Running a hand across his jaw, Matty sighed. "They're planning to flee to Russia."

Russia?

I didn't need to voice it. The way my head turned and tilted with my narrowing eyes and scrunched-up face would have been enough of a question.

George's hands reached for his jacket, only to suddenly stop with a startle when Lev shuffled behind me. Lev's deep voice came out eerily steady and dangerous from behind me, "If you reach for a gun or any kind of weapon, I will stomp your chest in and bash your face to a pulp."

His threat made George go pale as a ghost as he kept his hands in the air. "I'd never harm Nicki, but understood," George stammered in response before his shaky hands made another go for the inside of his jacket .

Stiffly, he pulled out a folded manilla envelope and tossed it at my feet. "That was all we could manage," he apologized with a quick smile before averting his eyes to the ground. "They really didn't have much for us to pull electronically, and all the documents and any physical records were kept under tight lock and key in a safe at their estate."

Matty's throat bobbed nervously. "They've been meeting with a lot of people overseas, and they took a particular liking to some has-been bratva prince who managed to talk them into business with him with promises of giving them a part of Russia to run once he took over again." Reaching into his own jacket with much more confidence than George, Matty procured a manilla envelope of his own to throw at my feet.

Not taking my eyes off the two men, I reached down and picked up the two envelopes. "But what's any of that got to do with me? Why won't they let me be?" My role in their life and plans made no sense to me, maybe because there wasn't any sense to be made.

Honestly, they had everything I ever owned or created. I was literally nothing but a body to them now. So, why did they want me back so badly? To the point where they hired Lev to track and retrieve me.

"The Russian took quite a liking to you after seeing some of your photos, and it just so happens that he's in the market for a wife or two… Or three…" Matty's face twisted with disdain as his words trailed out. "Sorry," he apologized, shaking his head. "Got off track."

Straightening himself, he crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby crate. "From what I could figure out, your parents basically sold you to him to secure their business deal with them." Giving a nonsensical wave of his hand, he continued, "They promised him that you could do all the techy shit he wanted, hack the whole world basically, and a bunch of other shit."

As if that worked out great the first time.

Rolling my eyes, I opened the envelope from Matty first, pulling out a stack of photos. "And just exactly who did my parents betrothed me to?" I asked in a bored voice.

"Igor Petrov."