Page 12 of Auctioned to the Bratva

The young man scribbled on his pad before answering. “Very well, sir. Enjoy your whiskey.” I raised my glass as the waiter once again made his way back through the tables.

Bringing the glass up to my mouth, I noticed two young women walking toward me. I swirled my glass and breathed in the rich aroma of fine whiskey while I watched them.

The hostess seated them at the table beside me. I glanced over, not wanting to stare too obviously, before taking a sip from my glass. Meeting another woman was not my intention, but maybe it would clear my mind for good.

The two ladies were both quite attractive, but the redhead had caught my attention more than the brunette. They smiled as I took another look, and I knew I was made. I smiled back and lifted my glass in a symbol of cheer.

They whispered to each other and smiled broadly. If I was lucky enough, I could take both back with me tonight. Their waiter arrived and stole their attention. I was still smiling at them when I heard my phone ringing. I took it out of my coat pocket to see who was calling. But my attention was still on the table next to me.

Chapter 8 - Irina

The sun was almost at midday when I woke. Pushing the covers off, I stretched out before sitting up on the feather-soft bed. The couple of hours of sleep I got did me well. I felt revitalized and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

My mind wandered back to Sergei and his warm kisses as I stood up. He was a gentleman, and my body still tingled just thinking of his touch. But I knew if I allowed anything to develop, I would end up back in Bratva.

Feeling his hands move up my thighs, his warm touch, and tender kisses. I grinned as my mind traveled back. His tongue made me tremble and I wanted more. But I knew I did the right thing as there could be no future with him.

I smiled at my reflection as I opened the curtains and looked out. “No bars or clubs tonight,” I said to the face staring back at me. “Maybe he wouldn’t join his family,” I said to the girl in the window. “No,” I replied to myself, the body can’t always get what it wants. I wiped at my reflection and turned around. My hotel room was nothing like Sergei’s, but it was a good one.

It had a small kitchen and living area all-in-one, a bedroom, and a bathroom. What more could anyone need? I considered my options as I headed to wash and dress. For lunch, I would see what restaurants there were on the beach.

For dinner though, I might just do take-outs and stay in. One night out was enough entertainment for me for now. After dressing in jeans and a loose shirt, I brewed a pot of coffee.

With my cup in hand, I sat by the window, smelling the salty ocean aroma wafting in with the light breeze. The street below was crowded as people moved up and down the sidewalk.In the distance, I could see the beach. It also appeared to be buzzing with activities.

After my morning coffee, I headed out. As I exited the lobby, the doorman hailed me a cab. “It’s fine, Liam,” I said softly, touching his arm and lowering it. “I think I’ll walk a bit. Thanks.”

Frank, the day doorman smiled and nodded his head as I started towards the shopping malls. I didn’t know where much was around here, but I could find my way to the shopping centers, the beach, and my hotel.

If I got lost, I would grab an Uber, I thought as I crossed Main Street and entered the shopping center. The beach was a little way to go, but exercise never killed anyone. At least not that I knew of. I walked through the center looking at an array of shops.

Once I was back outside, I headed down towards the beach. The sun was above me now, tickling my skin as it beat down. I tried to stay close to the shops for some shade. All I needed was a sunburn to make this weekend unforgettable, I thought.

I stopped at a small local shop and bought a bottle of water when I noticed the two men across the street. At first, they seemed to just be heading in the same direction. However, something felt off about them.

After another block and a half, I noticed the one pointing at me. I stopped halfway down the next block to be sure. As I glanced their way, I saw they had also stopped. Slowly, fear crept up my spine. I considered getting a cab after all, but there were none in sight.

So, I slowly continued as I took out my phone and texted Evelina. Once the message had gone through, I somehow feltbetter. At least if something happened, I knew she would send an army to look for me. So would Sergei, my heart screamed. “No,” I said out loud as I moved, “He wouldn’t.” I shook my head, trying to clear it.

I made it to the beach without any hassle. I removed my shoes and walked in the sand along the beach. I surveyed each restaurant, trying to decide which one to try. The two men were still lurking behind me. But I was sure they wouldn’t dare try something with so many people around.

My feet were tired of walking. Plus, I desperately needed to eat as my stomach felt like it had started eating me. About halfway through the second block, I decided to enter the next restaurant I saw. At this stage, any food would do.

I sat down on the deck facing the ocean and ordered coffee and a croissant. Glancing back at the street, I didn’t see the two men anymore. I scanned the restaurant, but they weren’t there.

Maybe they decided I wasn’t worth the trouble. Or maybe my brain is seeing things, they could live in the area for all I know. After eating, I felt better and sent Evelina another message saying I was okay.

She must be busy as she had not even read my first text. But that was fine as there appeared to be no immediate danger. I noticed the sun was coming down hot as I got ready to leave. The air just above the sand was making wavy lines. I considered staying a while longer for a moment, but when the waiter placed the bill down, I decided against it.

I tapped my card on the machine and popped the complimentary sweet in my mouth before rising from the table. The waiter smiled at me as I thanked him for a great lunch and turned to leave.

My stomach made a swift turn as my food threatened to push up. Holding my hand over my mouth, I headed for the steps leading back to the street.

Why was I suddenly feeling sick? I grabbed onto the railing. I took the three steps slowly as my legs turned wobbly, and my vision started fading. “No, no,” I screamed but there was no sound coming out of my open mouth.

A dark green van pulled up to the sidewalk. I tried screaming again, but there were no sounds. I felt my spit run down my chin and for a second, I imagined a baby teething with all the slobbers running out. My heart pounded in my chest, which felt like it was being crushed by a big rig.

My body gave way, and the sidewalk came into view. I was falling, this is going to hurt my mind warned. But before I collided with the stones. A strong arm wrapped around my waist.

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