Page 20 of Auctioned to the Bratva

Even though I overflowed with gratitude, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would owe Sergei something. I was sure it would be something big, but would handle it once we got there.

Since the cage lowered at the club, his presence had been with me. Every time I opened my eyes, he was there. He was protecting me, but what would it cost me?

Suddenly, there was a shift in the angle of the plane and my grip on Sergei intensified. “It’s okay,” he whispered, “we are landing.”

I looked up into his handsome face and soft smile. My stomach made a slight turn as my heart skipped a beat. His eyes were shining as if he had won the biggest prize of his life. I wondered what had changed in him.

The plane landed and slowly came to a stop. Sergei let go of me as he rose and held out his hand. “Ready to leave?” he asked jokingly.

I was definitely ready and would go with him anywhere at the moment. I stood on shaky legs and placed my hand in his. I noticed the frail white dress as the blanket fell to the ground. I thought I had only imagined it and felt my cheeks redden as his smile broadened.

I placed my free hand across my chest as I stepped out into the aisle. Sergei quickly took off his jacket and placed it around my shoulders. “Thanks,” I whispered without looking up.

He places his arm around me, and we move to the door. The early morning air was cool as we stepped out and it hit my face. The airstrip was empty except for the three cars waiting next to the plane.

As we headed down the steps, I stopped and pulled back glancing around. “We’re safe here, I promise,” Sergei said as he gently pulled me into his arms. We took the last couple of steps as one of the bodyguards opened the car door, and we got in.

“I have no clothing or luggage?” I asked as we pulled out of the private airport. Instantly, I felt a sadness fall over me as everything I owned had been abandoned.

“Roman said he’ll send some guys to collect your things. It should be here in a day or two. Just relax, I have already arranged to have some items delivered to my home for you in the meantime.” Sergei said as he pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me.

I felt safe in his arms and rested my head against his firm chest. Feeling his warmth comforted me even though it made my heart beat a little faster. Everything passed in a fog; it felt like I was dreaming.

We pulled into a long driveway that headed up to a vast double-story mansion. The house was a modern Victorian style painted off-white. Giant trees were running along both sides of the driveway up to the sides of the house. Under each tree was a circle of colorful flowers growing in the shade.

Taking in the scenery it almost felt like I had entered a fairytale and not only dreaming. It was breathtakingly beautiful and not at all what I expected. I was instantly enchanted by the sheer wonder of his home.

Two guards stood on the steps leading up to the overly large wooden door. “You will be safe here, Roman has sent over some men for extra protection even though I felt it wasn’t needed,” Sergei stated as he led me to the door.

“I have a state-of-the-art security system in place. But, Roman insisted, so you are double protected.” He said as we entered the foyer.

Two sets of stairs winding up to the second floor and a door on each side of us. The white marble-tilled floor shone brightly as the sun entered the room through the wall-to-wall windows behind them.

“This way, my lady,” Sergei said as he moved to the right and led me up the stairs. We walked down a short passage and stopped just before the end.

“I had the room next to mine cleared and set up for you. I hope it is to your liking though.” He completed as he opened a door and walked inside.

The room was quite large as I supposed all the rooms in this mansion were. There was a dressing table by the window, a double bed to the right, and a door to the left. I moved forward slowly, admiring the colorful décor while Sergei just stood at the door.

The walls were lined with paintings of open fields, sunsets, and beaches. Some had horses in, and others were just the scenery. The bed was covered with a fluffy blanket and a selection of different-sized pillows. Everything was in light shades of pink.

“Oh, wow,” I said placing my hands over my mouth in awe. To the sides of the room door were cupboards and shelves. The shelves had books neatly stacked in alphabetical order. Between the books were ornaments and a couple of adorable stuffed animals.

I felt sure I had just stepped into a story, as everything felt surreal. I turned and turned, taking in my surroundings.

Sergei’s smile broadened as he watched me. “I am so glad you approve,” he said. “Through that door is your ensuite bathroom and the bags on the bed should contain some clothing and other things I thought you may need.”

I stopped and gazed at him, “Thank you, Sergei,” I said as I walked over and flung my arms around his neck.

Sergei kissed my cheek, and a hot flash ran through my being. “If you go down the stairs, the door to your left is the kitchen. Please help yourself with anything. My home is now also your home.” He said as he hugged me.

An urge to hold on to him and never let go pushed up in me. I stepped back not sure if I felt this way because he saved me, or if my emotions were just in chaos at the moment.

Feeling my cheeks heat up, I turned away and looked at the bags on the bed. There were three bags and a box waiting for me. With everything that had happened the last two days, I was unsure of how to react. I suspected the drugs could also still be attributed to my heightened emotions.

“Irina,” Sergei spoke as he placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me to face him. “I have to go, but I am only going down the hall to my office. I need to talk to Roman, I’ll be back shortly, okay?”

I nodded before giving him another hug. “Thank you for everything,” I said before he turned and headed out the door.

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