Matvei and Diomid, especially.
I get it. They're worried about that Bardil Popov guy.
I mean, how bad can he be anyway? I've never met the guy, but he's Talia'sbrother. Talia is amazing. Marlen and Simon are great. Why would their brother be so different from them? No one actually gave me the full rundown on what he did. All I know is what I overheard. Marlen said he's selfish andreckless and has hurt a lot of people. It sounds like he used people and then refused to take responsibility for his actions.
I really don't know the details.
But apparently, he's bad news, and until they know where he is, everyone is on high alert, and that means I'm hardly allowed out. And if I do go somewhere after I've begged my brother for permission… He makes me take a personal guard with me.
I mean, come on.
We'reBratva. There isalwaysgoing to be some bad-news-guy, and we'realwayssupposed to be on high alert. This Bardil situation isn't anything new to us, and I wish it didn't have to affect my social life so badly.
I get invited out all the time, but Diomid keeps shutting it down. Between Matvei and him, I think they'd lock me in my room if they had any say in the matter.
I know it comes from a good place. They want to keep me safe, and I love them for it.
But man, it's hard to be so obedient.And it's boring as all hell.
The rest of my family seems content to wait it out. They kind of have their lives all comfortable and cozy. Home bodies who like hanging out together, watching movies, or spending time with their partners.
But not me. I've been mischievously managing to sneak out now and then. Don't judge me. It's that, or I go completely insane.
Sighing loudly, I slap the magazine closed and roll onto my back just as my phone chimes a loud jingle. I grab it excitedly and flick the screen on, relieved for some kind of distraction.
My friend Mila's message lights up in front of my face.
Mila: Hi, you! I know you're under close watch, but there is this amazing new bar having an opening event tonight, and we have to go! It's the Red Dragon Hotel. I've just been sent VIP tickets! Please say yes! Is there some way you can sneak out?
A wide grin spreads over my face, and my heart somersaults. Obviously, I can't say no to Mila. It's opening night! It's going to be such an epic party. I've seen the adverts on social media for the new bar, and it looks epic.
My fingers dance over the phone as I type out my reply in a rush.
Me: I'm in. Where just I meet you? When? What are you wearing?
Mila: Meet me at The Red Dragon Hotel. I'm wearing red, of course. Can you be there in an hour? My friend only sent me the tickets now, but the party has already started. We will be fashionably late. Everyone knows the cool people don't arrive till later anyway. I'll make sure your name is on the list at the door.
Me: I'll meet you there! Save me a spot in VIP. Have a few tequilas lined up for my grand entrance.
I grin as I toss my phone back down onto the bed and wiggle to the edge. Yes, thank goodness I'm not going to be stuck here all night wallowing in self-pity and my utter aloneness. And the invite came on the perfect evening. My family is away, so sneaking out is going to be ten times easier.
Tugging my closet open, I start looking for something to wear.
Just knowing I get to go dancing tonight already has me filled with energy. This is what life is about. Friends. Music. Living. Not hiding awayin casesome moron decides to do something stupid. Besides, wherever this Bardil guy is, I'm pretty damn sure that the last person he's interested in is me.
He probably doesn't even know I exist.
From somewhere on the bed, my phone rings, and I rush over to answer it, assuming it's Mila. "Hello," I blurt out, trying to balance the phone between my shoulder and cheek while I lay three dresses out on the bed to see which one I feel like wearing.
"Hello, you sound like you're in a good mood," Diomid teases.
"And why shouldn't I be in a good mood?" I giggle.
He laughs. "As long as you're in a good mood while still behaving yourself, then you can be in whatever mood you like," my brother says.
"Well, thank you so much for your permission to be in a mood," I laugh.
Diomid chuckles. "How are you, kiddo? Are you lonely in the house by yourself? It's not too late to change your mind and join us. The flight is only two hours."
