“Of course not. The people here are loyal to us. Not some smug son of a bitch like Jorge. His pussy ass can’t even speak for himself. He had to send a woman to deliver his message.”
Bastian grunted a response as he swirled his drink.
“This is getting to be ridiculous. We need to make a move and soon.” Cristian leaned back in his chair. They were all exhausted from cleaning up the mess made by one of Jorge’s men. Pablo’s wife was beside herself, rightfully so. It had taken a lot from Bastian to watch her crumple to the floor. He was pissed that the young father had lost his life over this mess created by Dmitri Ivanov.
“Perhaps it’s time we hit Jorge where it will hurt,” Bastian huffed, taking a drink before slamming his glass down on the table.
“I agree. It’s personal now. Not only did they steal something from me—but they came into my house and killed someone close to me.”
“Not to mention the hit was for Katya.”
“Brother. What’s going on with the girl?”
“I don’t understand your question?”
“Why aren’t you cutting her loose? If she weren’t here, this wouldn’t have happened,” Cristian bristled as he squirmed in his chair.
“Katya is not responsible for her father’s actions. Need I remind you; she was sold to Jorge so he could gain power? This girl will not be put out. She has my protection now and for as long as she needs it. Understand?”
“Hold up.” Cristian held his palms up. “I understand. If she’s going to be around, then she is going to either need a bodyguard or not be let out of our sight. Jorge wants this girl dead and he will stop at nothing to see it through.”
“You’re right. That’s why she will not leave my sight. In the meantime.” Matias stood up from the table and pressed his palms to the wooden surface. “Make a plan. We need to gainaccess to that asshole’s property. If they have someone else being held there, we need to get them out.”
“Where are you going?”
“To talk with Katya. She needs to know what is happening and that if it comes down to it—I’ll kill her father. He’s next on the list after Jorge.”
“Good luck, Brother. Remember that Dmitri is still her father, and she carries his blood in her veins.”
“I know.”
“Do you?” Bastian spoke as he set his glass down. “I think you’ve grown fond of our guest.”
“And if I have, it’s no one’s business. Not even yours.”
“Ah, so I was right,” Cristian laughed as he stood. “You are falling for the girl. Well, I hope she’s worth it, Matias. Seems like where this girl goes, bloodshed follows.”
“I’ll speak with you both later, see yourself out.” Matias stormed out of the room, his head a swirling mess. Was he falling for his captive? Her father was out to ruin his family; that lent itself to trouble he didn’t need.
But would it matter?
He knew deep down he would burn down the entire countryside just to make sure she was safe. That notion told him he was in danger of losing a lot more than precious lithium. He was at risk of losing himself to the woman upstairs.
Katyawoketothesound of a door closing. The water had grown cold around her. Exhaustion and the warm water had lulled her to sleep in the enormous tub.
“Katya?” Matias called out from the bedroom.
Katya pushed herself up just as he pushed open the door. She covered herself with her arms, trying to hide her nakedness. “Shit, I’m sorry. I called your name. Did you fall asleep in the tub?”
“Um…” She grabbed the towel nearby and pulled it into the water with her. “Yes. Can you give me a minute? I’ll be right out.”
Matias stepped out, leaving the door slightly ajar. Katya released the plug and stood. She wrung the towel out and tossed it into the sink. Grabbing a dry one, she wiped the water from her skin and wrapped it around her body. Stepping out into the bedroom, she was surprised to see Matias propped on the bed. He had his head down and his arms resting on his legs. Hearing the door shut, his eyes snapped up to hers.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes. I just dozed off for a bit. I guess I was more tired than I realized.”
“You had me worried.”
