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, naïve 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?
Chapter 10 - Sophia
My feet hit the ground harder than necessary as I ran up the street. Turning the corner, I could see my office building looming in the distance. Looking back, I was thankful that there was no sight of Kolya.
This is insane. I should be going to the cops. Instead of filling a kidnapping charge, I am running to Melody. Yet, Kolya’s words kept repeating in my head like a broken record. “Even the cops are in our pockets!” If that’s true, how can I trust anyone? Going to them is begging to be found or worse.
I didn’t know what else to do. I pushed through the front doors, entering the massive white lobby. Striding past the security desk, I headed for the elevators. Stopping before the closed doors, I felt the blood drain from my face as a deadly coldness ran through me. “Shit,” I mumbled. My ID is at home. Without it, I couldn’t access the elevators.
Pivoting, I returned to the security desk. Calming my tone, I tried to mask my urgency as I spoke. “I…, uh, I forgot my badge at home. Could one of you open the elevator for me?”
The two guards glanced at each other. One of them had to be new, as I had never seen him before. The other one, the older man, smiled at me as he rose. “Morning, Miss Camden. I haven’t seen you for a while. Is everything okay?”
This was all I needed: a nosy guard. “I’m good, thanks, just took a short break,” I replied, smiling softly. I couldn’t let on that I was trying to run from someone.
Coming around to my side, he nodded before turning to the elevators. “Sure, thing, I’ll scan you in,” he mumbled as he walked.
I was practically bouncing up and down with anxiety. The doors opened, and I rushed past him so quickly that I almost toppled him over. “Sorry, I’m late,” I huffed as the doors closed. My veins pulsed as I walked back and forth the length of the elevator. Kolya could find me any time. I needed to get to Melody quickly.
Stepping off the elevator, it felt like I was about to wet myself. I sprinted towards Melody’s office. Blowing past her secretary without a glance, I barged in. Facing the door, I leaned against it as I locked it. I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep, shaky breath before facing her.
Melody looked relieved to see me. In all my years with her, I had never taken so much as a day off. I was sure she must have been worried. Before she could move or open her mouth, I started rambling. “Melody, we have to talk!”
My tone was slightly squeaky, and I could feel the tears welling up behind my eyes. Melody rose from her table, waving me closer. “Sit, tell me what happened. What’s going on? I’ve called your cell and home.” Her tone was much calmer than I had anticipated. She looked concerned, but her tone did not indicate it. “I had almost called the cops.”
Moving closer, I sank into the chair before her desk. She sat back down, sliding the paperwork before her out of the way before brushing the strand of blond hair out of her view. Our eyes locked, and I felt sure she could read the panic on my face. It felt like I was radiating it.
