Page 54 of Baby for the Bratva

It’s immature to entertain such thoughts, especially since he’s dragged me into a world of trouble, but as long as nobody knows about them, what’s the harm? I picture him at the wedding, only I’m not marrying him.

No, I’m marrying someone else, and he jumps up onto the stage and shoves the groom aside, grabbing me and kidnapping me for his own selfish enjoyment.

I like it when he’s selfish. It’s exciting, especially when his selfishness involves claiming me as his woman and guarding me from other men.

I know he’s territorial. He’s made it clear that he’ll smash Tyler’s face in if he ever sees him. That’s got more to do with jealousy than anger at Tyler for cheating on me. I bet Yuri’s even a little happy that Tyler cheated, so I’d go on this cruise and meet him.

Yuri can’t hear my thoughts, but I silence them anyway as we approach the exit. I have to remember that all of this is terribly dangerous. It’s not the fun getaway I’d like it to be, no matter how many fantasies I concoct in my imagination.

Yuri opens the door for me, and I’m temporarily blinded by the sun as we step outside. It’s scorching outside, at least ninety, but probably closer to a hundred. Pinpricks of sweat appear on my hairline immediately, and I find myself wishing I drank something other than instant coffee this morning.

When I’m able to see again, I realize that there’s a fleet of vehicles waiting on the other side of the off-boarding bridge. There are mostly Jeeps, but there are also a few white luxury sedans idling there with armed guards standing by them.

“Welcome to Jamaica,” Yuri says, giving me a comforting rub between my shoulder blades. “Don’t worry too much about Javell’s entourage. I told him to bring more security this time because of the bounty.”

This bounty must be a big thing, because this is the second time Yuri’s mentioning it to me.

Every muscle in my body is stiff as we leave the safety of the cruise ship and take our first steps on Jamaican soil. I have to admit that I expected it to be a bit more tropical, but it’s like any other ocean-side city at first. The only thing really different about it is the temperature and the smell of unfamiliar wood.

“Don’t let Javell intimidate you. Just smile and stay quiet. Let me do the talking,” Yuri whispers as we walk up to Javell’s group with our own suited guards following close behind us.

The door to one of the white sedans pops open, and a man dressed in colorful designer clothing steps out. His white shoes are too clean for how sandy the street is, but he shows no hesitation as he steps out and gets them dirty for what seems like the first time.

“Dressed to impress, as always,” Yuri whispers to me.

I prefer Yuri’s wardrobe, but I wouldn’t say that to Javell. There’s something about his big white teeth that make his looks like a shark as he smiles at us.

“Brought your girl with you, huh?” Javell says loudly, opening his arms as we come toward him.

Yuri chuckles, changing his tone to one I’ve not heard before. It’s this syrupy customer service tone, far too happy to be genuine. “I need a little extra security, my friend. She’s good with a gun.”

Javell looks me over, trying to figure out if Yuri is pulling his leg. I put on my best serious face, like I’m one of Yuri’s guards, but Javell quickly realizes there’s no way I’m acting as a bodyguard.

“You’re fucking with me, man. She’s too beautiful,” he says with a laugh.

“You can be beautiful and good with a gun. Just look at me,” Yuri says, grabbing Javell’s hand and shaking it firmly.

Javell laughs again, reaching over to shake my hand. I look to Yuri for permission, and he nods.

“Damn, you have this one on a leash,” Javell says. “She doesn’t deserve that. You need to let her have some fun. Thankfully, I have a hot tub back home that she might enjoy.”

Yuri rolls his eyes. “She’s American. You’re not going to be able to keep her here.”

Javell’s character changes immediately, and he pulls his hand away from me like he’s scared I’m going to bite him. I’m confused, but I can’t ask Yuri why me being from the United States is so frightening to Javell.

I’ll have to remember to ask Yuri later when we’re in private.

25

Yuri

I sense Stella’s discomfort on the ride to Javell’s private residence, but she handles herself well. She doesn’t say a word as she watches the trees pass by outside. She’s a warrior in her own way, and I admire that about her. There’s a silent strength in the way she conducts herself.

More guilt creeps in at the way I’ve been treating her, but it’s for her safety. That’s all that matters to me at this point. If it didn’t, I’d have cut her loose and watched her get kidnapped by some rough bounty hunter for questioning.

Not fun for anyone, so here we are, doing the next best thing.

“So, you are in trouble with the police, I hear,” Javell says, smirking at me as we roll into his private estate. A security office marks the entrance, but it becomes even more obvious when we pass the armed guards patrolling the grounds.

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