5 The Deal

The closer I got to the brunette who had me stirred up, the more details I noticed, and the harder I fixated on her captivating beauty. She was incredibly delicate, sensual, and… sweetly tempting.

She was sitting alone on the bench, reading something on her phone. Seizing the moment, I sat down beside her, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Then she noticed someone next to her and our gazes met.

“Damn,” I noted to myself, unable to handle the admiration and sudden rush of nerves.

She wasn’t wearing any makeup at all, yet she was so naturally beautiful it made you want to just stare and admire her. Long, thick black lashes framed eyes of unbelievable depth and intensity, dark brown and piercing. Her lips were slightly full and naturally red, no lipstick either. A soft curve of perfect brows and long black hair like a raven’s wing. At the same time, her skin was fairly light and flawless. She reminded me of some dark-haired angel with a sweet doll-like face. So pure, so innocent, so bright.

“It’s not polite to stare at strangers,” the girl muttered irritably, arching a brow. And damn it, that melodic voice…

“Then let’s fix that and get acquainted. My name’s Nazar,” I give the brunette the most charming smile I’m capable of. But from the way she studies me, I can tell she doesn’t share my enthusiasm.

“Sorry, but I’m not interested,” she replies indifferently and lowers her gorgeous eyes back to her damn smartphone.

Not interested? What does that even mean?! Is something wrong with her eyesight? My face is definitely top-tier, and my body even more so! I grind in the gym like I’m cursed, and plenty of females are absolutely thrilled! What’s her problem?!

I scan the brunette more carefully. No ring on her finger. Actually, no rings at all. The phone is a pretty new iPhone, but she’s wearing zero jewelry, not on her fingers, not on her neck, not in her ears. Her clothes are simple but good quality. Just your typical sweet sunshine girl, the kind you want to reach for with every fiber of your soul and body. I can’t even explain it to myself, but her energy pulls me in like crazy. So I’m not backing down.

“Not interested in what?” I put on an innocent face, and instantly her angry glare scorches me. Like she just lashed my soul with a whip. Those eyes…

What the hell? I’ve always had a thing for blondes, but this one…

“In another pompous womanizer who thinks every girl should melt into a puddle at his feet at the first opportunity, just because he’s graced her with attention!” she hissed, and I was stunned by her bluntness.

“What makes you think that?!” I stare at her, choking on indignation. I suddenly have the urge to grab this little menace and taste that defiant mouth of hers.

“It’s obvious the moment I look at you, Nazar,” the brunette squeezes my name out with extra venom. “I can spot a fickle man from a mile away,” the little viper smirks, deliberately letting her gaze travel from my head to my feet. “I’ve had enough. I’m tired…”

“I’m not like that!” I lie shamelessly, and it almost makes me laugh myself, but I don’t let it show.

“Listen, Nazar,” the dark-haired beauty sighs heavily, calming down a bit. “That’s enough. I’m not the one you need,” she says sincerely, looking at me with those brown whirlpools of hers. “Besides, I have a child.”

Fuck… The existence of a kid definitely sobers me up, especially when I see a boy of about eight run up to her.

“Mom, can I play a little longer?” the kid asks hopefully, casting a suspicious glance at me while shifting from foot to foot.

“Of course, sweetheart,” the girl answers gently, smiling. “Ten minutes, no more!”

The little one runs off, and the girl shoots me a pointed look, like, see, I told you, you don’t need this.

But I’m not some loser. I’m not backing down that easily.

It’s the first time a girl has caught my attention like this, and I still don’t even know her name. So what if she has a kid? He’s not in diapers, he’s old enough. That’s already a huge plus. I’m not a boy anymore myself. I’m not expecting a virgin.

“Well, kids aren’t a problem,” I say lightly, then remember I’m not here alone either. I look around for my nephews and nieces, and a brilliant idea hits my brain.

The girl rolls her eyes irritably and pretends I don’t exist, going back to her phone.

Oh, is that how it is? Proud and untouchable princess? I’m about to turn your world upside down, baby.

I get up from the bench and head toward the kids. The payoff won’t be cheap, but that prickly beauty really got under my skin.

“Alright, over here, all of you!” I hiss quietly at the little ones, motioning them closer. We duck behind the slide like spies so the girl on the bench can’t see us.

“Here’s the deal! I need you to play along with me!” I lay it out straight, and the kids perk up, looking at me with sharp interest.

“What do we have to do?” Egor, our most business-minded one, gets straight to the point.

“See that girl on the bench?” We peek out of hiding, and I point at the one who caught my eye. The kids nod knowingly. “I need you to pretend I’m your dad!”

“That’s kinda lame,” Andry blurts out, and my jaw drops.

“Hey! Where’d you pick up words like that?” I glare at him. “And besides, this isn’t free. What do you want?”

I see the boys exchange eager glances, clearly understanding the leverage. They look at each other like they’re communicating telepathically, grinning. I have a bad feeling this is going to bite me.

“We’ve wanted a Sony PlayStation Five for a long time,” the little brats announce, and I’m stunned by the sheer audacity.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I stare at these monsters. “Let your parents buy it.”

“They’re against it,” Andry presses his lips together in frustration. “They say we’re too young to be glued to games.”

“And they’re absolutely right!” I snort.

“Uncle Nazar,” Egor addresses me with a businesslike tone and a superior look in his eyes. “You’re not really in a position to set conditions or refuse our demands.”

That’s when I completely lose it. Damn Yartsev blood, always grabbing opportunities and squeezing them dry!

“You little…” I hiss at these tiny extortionists, itching to take a belt to their backsides. “And what does Soli need a console for?”

I see Egor lightly nudge his sister’s shoulder, and both twins stare at her expectantly. Pure racketeering!

“I want the PlayStation too,” the little one squeaks, sneaking a glance at her brothers, who nod approvingly. “…And a LOL doll.”

Three pairs of curious eyes lock onto me, waiting for confirmation of the deal, making me growl at the lack of options. Greedy little monsters.

“Fine!” I give in to these blackmailers. “Deal.”