Page 18 of The Bratva's Beast
Rolling her eyes with a mocking pout of a frown, "Fine dad." She turned around and opened her door after fishing her keys out. Taking a step into her place, she pivoted on the heel of her foot and faced me with her arms wide open. "Happy? Still alive."
Well, she seemed laxed enough to keep my worry at bay. I doubt she'd be able to keep her playful eyes on me if someone was hidden in the place if there was even a spot to hide.
With one quick look from the wide open door, I could nearly see the whole studio apartment. The place was practically the size of my walk-in closet if I had to wager a guess. Actually, my closet might be bigger. The cramped place had her bed in the opposite corner of the door, with the kitchen on the other side and a door straight ahead, which led into a tiny ass bathroom. Oh, and her small closet right outside next to the bathroom door.
"Well, unless you're planning on tucking me in and reading my a good night story, you can go." There was that little snarky attitude of hers again, the one that made me want to grab her sometimes to teach her some manners.
Taking in a deep breath, I plastered a smile on my face as I shoved my strange urges away. Did I dare engage with her? It probably would be a bad idea. So, reluctantly, I swallowed my pride and eased back. "Clearly you're still alive and kicking. Well, I'll see you tomorrow in the office bright and early. Have a good night little tigress."
Very reluctantly, I backed up a few steps and watched as she closed the door, only leaving when I heard the faint click of the lock.
It's a shame; seeing how far our little game of push and shove could've gone would've been fun.
Chapter 10
Stepan
Someone's about to lose a damn hand.
And I'm about to lose a client, permanently.
"Thanks for the offer, but I don't date clients." Hanna was being a little too polite with rejecting the man we were protecting for my liking. I wouldn't mind if she twisted his arm and broke it. I might even turn my head and pretend not to see anything.
Unfortunately, this dumbbell didn't get the message because he continued to press. Even after Hanna threw his arm off from her hip, he reached back out and wrapped it around her curved waist to pull her closer to him again. "I won't be after a few hours, so I see no problems after you're done watching my back."
Hearing him say that made me groan internally because of the reminder. Hanna and I were only two hours into our five-hour protection detail, so we had to put up with this insufferable billionaire asshole for another three whole hours.
The company has done protection details for him before, all going off without any hitches, hence why he kept returning to my company for additional security when needed. I typically paid him no attention because he always paid well for the services, and never once have I gotten a complaint from any of the workers I've sent him. Yet, I started to rethink having him as a future client after he's kept his eyes locked on Hanna this whole time.
My balled fists were hidden from view inside the pockets of my suit jacket, continuing to tighten until my blunt nails dug into my palms. I wanted to reach out and pull the man away from Hanna and possibly shove him into the oncoming traffic.
Hanna looked up at the client with threatening eyes, forcing a smile through her clenched jaw. "Mister Hal, though I appreciate the thought, need I remind you of your own family? I don't think Missus Hal would appreciate your advances on me if she were to ever find out. So, remove your hand from me before I remove it myself again, and this time I won't be as nice."
Atta girl.
I couldn't help the proud little smirk from twitching at my lips as I mentally praised Hanna. Leave it to the crafty little minx to remain polite yet deadly.
The client promptly removed his arm from Hanna, returning it to his side with a forced smile. His response was terse and cold, "Aren't you a witty one." I didn't like the underlying bite to his voice.
Forcing a polite smile on my face, I reached out and settled my hand on his shoulder with a slight grip. "I only hire the best of the best, so don't forget that. I am always very mindful and watchful of them as well as my clients to ensure everyone's safety, so bear that in mind." I could deliver my own threats as well.
"I almost forgot, I have that meeting to go to." He quickly changed the subject as he jerked his shoulder forcefully out of my grip.
"Best we get you there in time then." Hanna chimed with a saccharine smile and slightly sharpened eyes.
"Hanna, why don't you go secure the area ahead and make sure his car isn't bugged." It was more of a command than a suggestion to give her a moment away from the client. I also wanted to get her out of the client's sight for a few minutes.
"Got it boss." At least her cheeky little smile was genuine with me before it disappeared from my view when she turned around and took off towards the parking garage.
The client's face instantly dropped and tightened threateningly as he looked at me with a sunken look. "You better keep your bitch in line Volkov."
"You better watch your tone with me Alfred, or you might find your company going under. These might be my services you are using, but do not forget who I am and what I am capable of. As for Hanna, I saw nothing wrong, just defending herself against a brainless man who can't get a hint. If you keep pushing her then I won't even bother holding her leash." As if I could even control Hanna, not that I wanted to anyway.
No, I didn't want to control her, at least not in some extreme manner. I didn't want to damper or offset her flamboyant personality.
Gripping his shoulder again, I applied more pressure than last time until he shrunk a little under my nearly crushing hold. "And just so you know, she doesn't bite." My eyes darkened, and my lips curled in a devious smirk as I locked my gaze with his paling face. "She mauls."
Not even a split second, and I put on my professional façade. "I believe we have a meeting to attend to." I urged him with a hard pat—shove—of his shoulder, jarring his body forward slightly.