As soon as the soldier left, the other one walked closer. Where the soldier was dressed in a uniform, this man was in a pair of trousers and a gray shirt. If I didn’t know for certain he was a monster, I’d think him a regular guy on the street.
“I’m sorry about his actions. He can be a beast.”
“Who are you? Why are we here?” I threw at him. He was in his early forties, studying me as if I was a prize.
He chuckled. “I can tell you’re a feisty woman. I will need to choose someone wisely. Although I will admit I wouldn’t mind keeping you myself.”
“Over my dead body.”
“Miss Lainey Rose. I know your music. You’re very popular here, but I would be very careful speaking out. Women are to be seen and not heard.”
Was he fucking kidding me?
“Where’s my daddy?” Nina slipped from behind me, the little fighter in her continuing.
A smile crossed his face. “Wow. You are very much like Natasha was even though she was much younger. A little vision.”
Who the hell was Natasha? “Who are you?”
“Let’s just say someone of importance to your wellbeing. Now, it’s unfortunate that you developed a relationship with Sasha Dmitriyev. Sadly, you’ve become collateral that my… employer doesn’t appreciate. But have no fear. I managed to convince him that you are still of value and will be a true prize for the right bidder.” He rubbed his jaw, even cocking his head as if sizing up if I was good enough for him. The fucking bastard.
“What are you talking about? What is happening here?”
His smirk was irritating. “What is happening? The beginning of destiny. Long awaited, I might add. That’s thanks in part to treachery that will no longer be accepted.”
While his words made no sense, I realized it had everything to do with a hatred of the Dmitriyev family.
Another sound drew both his and my attention. A sudden look of concern flashed across the unknown man’s face. “If you’ll excuse me.”
He left the door open and there was a quiet yet angry exchange between whoever had arrived. A thud brought a gasp from Nina and she threw her arms around me.
Her tiny moans continued to anger me. More sounds.
Scrapes.
Hissing or wheezing. Slow footsteps.
Another man walked slowly into the room using a cane and wheeling an oxygen tank, sucking down heavy breaths.
While I suspected he was in his seventies, he appeared much older as if life had been difficult for him. However, he was impeccably dressed, his suit tailored and he wore several rings including two made from diamonds and black onyx. Even frail, he appeared formidable.
And there was something vaguely familiar about him. Why?
Nina remained where she was and I had no intention of letting her go.
He lowered his gaze to Nina and his face immediately softened, his eyes watering. What in the hell was going on?
“You’ll have to forgive my son. He can be far too aggressive. You must be Nina.”
She looked up at me for guidance. “I’ll ask you the same thing I did the other man. Who the hell are you and why are you keeping us prisoner?”
With his hand still on the cane, he waved me off as if what I was asking was nothing. “I apologize for the accommodations, but I’ve been out of town on business.”
That still didn’t answer the question.
He kept his eyes on the little girl as if seeing a ghost. “You look so much like her. So very much.”
“Where is my daddy?” Nina demanded and I wanted so much to give her a high five.
