Page 2 of Prey of the Bratva

Zhenya snorted softly into her glass, clearly entertained. “Please continue this rather entertaining sparring session. This is the most productive conversation I’ve heard all week.”

Iosif did not join in.

“You’re distracted,” he said simply. “And you have been distracted for quite a few weeks now.”

It was not a question. I already knew he would be one of the first people to take note of it. I leaned back slightly in my chair, crossing one leg over the other with deliberate ease. “I am having breakfast, Iosif. I would hope I’m allowed to think about something other than eggs.”

“That depends,” he replied, his tone measured. “On what is it that you’re thinking about so diligently these days.”

There it was. Direct, controlled, and definitely unavoidable. I held his gaze for a moment, then let my expression soften just enough to appear thoughtful rather than guarded. “Well, right now I was just thinking about that old dockyard,” I said lightly. “The one at south side, near the industrial stretch.”

Avgust’s attention sharpened immediately. “Why?”

I shrugged, picking up my glass as if the answer held no weight at all. “I came across something about it recently in one of the old files while I was cleaning Iosif’s office. It used to handle private shipments years ago. I was curious if it’s still operational because I sometimes go on that side to have quiet time.”

Iosif watched me in silence for a second too long.

“Curiosity,” he repeated.

“Yes.”

“You’ve never cared about shipping routes before.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

Zhenya leaned forward slightly, resting her chin in her hand. “Or she’s bored,” she said. “You have practically locked all of us inside this house. I’d start researching random docks too if I were single and had nothing and no one to distract my mind.”

“That’s not what this is,” Avgust muttered.

I turned my head slightly, my gaze flicking towards him. “Then what is it?”

He did not answer immediately, but the suspicion in his eyes was clear enough.

Iosif spoke before he could. “If you want something looked into, you can just ask me rather than going around digging in dangerous territory yourself.”

“I know.”

“Are you sure there is nothing I need to know?”

I let out a quiet breath, acting as if the conversation itself was mildly exhausting. “Nothing. I was merely curious. It was not important enough to involve you.”

Everything stilled. I knew exactly what I was doing. The silence that followed was sharper this time. Avgust leaned back in his chair, watching me carefully now. Finally, both of them nodded once.

“Fine,” Iosif said. “But you don’t go near it alone again. Find some other quiet stretch at the beach to walk.”

I smiled faintly. “I wasn’t planning to go near it at all.”

It was another lie, but at least a better one. Iosif did not look convinced, but he did not push further. That, in itself, was acceptance enough. The conversation shifted after that, drifting into safer territory, but I barely registered it. My mind was already elsewhere, moving ahead.

By the time breakfast ended, my plan had already taken shape. I quickly finished the food in front of me and walked upstairs to my room. My safe haven. It felt quieter than usual when I stepped inside, the door closing behind me with a soft click that cut me off from the rest of the house.

For a moment, I stood very still.

Then I moved.

The wardrobe opened first, revealing rows of carefully curated pieces that spoke more of identity than indulgence. Today, I bypassed most of them without hesitation. I needed something functional. Something that would not slow me down. Black jeans, fitted but flexible enough to move in. A black sleeveless top that hugged my frame without restricting it, and a leather jacket, structured at the shoulders, worn just enough to soften its edges. I dressed quickly and efficiently, my movements practiced.

When I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror, I paused for a second. My black hair was pulled back loosely,strands framing my face in a way that softened nothing. My blue eyes were sharp, alert, and entirely present. I did not look like someone going out for the day, but someone going out with a purpose. I turned away from the mirror and crossed to my desk.