Page 28 of Auctioned to the Bratva

I shoved the files to one side and opened my laptop. Maybe I could get through my emails I thought. As I scanned them, deciding which to open, I found my eyes rising over the screen locking on her. Sighing, I rose and walked to the cabinet by the door.

After pouring us a drink, I strolled over to her. Holding out a glass to her I cleared my throat. “A drink, my lady,” I said as she smiled up at me.

“Thank you,” Irina replied sitting up and taking the glass from me. The strap of her top fell from her shoulder driving my mind to the previous evening.

I felt the smile forming on my lips as my eyes traveled down her arm. I went down on one knee before her, trying to control my hunger for her. “Irina,” I said, placing my free hand on her knee.

Her eyes sparkled as she nodded at me. “I have to catch up with Roman,” I added. “I’ll be in my office for a little while but if you need anything.”

“I’ll be fine here, Sergei, go make your call,” Irina assured me, squeezing my hand softly.

Against my body’s wishes, I rose and headed for the door. On my way, I grabbed the files and my laptop. Stopping in the door, I glanced back. Irina had resumed her position and was reading again.

Stepping into the hallway, I breathed in deeply. “Get a grip, Sergei,” I told myself as I headed to my office.

As the library door was closed, I left my office door open so I could hear if she came out. Sitting down at my table Iswallowed the contents of my glass before connecting the call to Roman.

“Sergei,” Roman said as his face settled on my screen. “Hi, Roman,” I replied trying to shove the images of Irina out of my mind. “Have you found anything on Caleb?”

“We have indeed dear brother,” Roman said grinning. “Let me tell you, this guy has a couple of screws loose.”

“Well, then, let’s hear it,” I replied as I sat back in my chair.

“Caleb grew up with our father and Irina’s father. As teenagers, they moved on to become part of the bigger Morozov family. But Caleb didn’t transition with them.” Roman lit a cigar and sipped at his glass before continuing.

“You see, Irina’s father came to work for our father, but Caleb felt he should be in control. He split from the group and started his own thing.”

Pushing my hair behind my ear, I leaned closer to the screen. “You mean he made his own way and now he blames us all?” I asked.

Roman rubbed at the stubbles on his chin, a habit he developed once his beard started growing. I smiled remembering the young Roman constantly rubbing his stubble.

“According to the stories, Caleb got into trouble about ten years back. He had a mental break and has blamed the family for it.”

“So, what do we do?” I asked Roman as I reached for the bottle of Whiskey on the table behind me.

“I spoke to Father,” Roman replied, catching my attention. “He says to be careful as Caleb is unstable andunpredictable. He has got some men on it as well. Once we know how his operations work, we can infiltrate.”

“How does father intend on resolving this mess the family has gotten Irina in?” I asked without considering my words.

Roman smirked at me, “We will have all the details for you once you come back. In the meantime, you just stay put and keep an eye on her.”

“Roman,” I replied in a softer tone. “I didn’t intend to imply in any way that it was your fault.”

“No, just that it was father’s fault, right?” Roman retorted.

I wiped at the sweat forming on my brow. “In a way it is, you have to see that,” I spoke out.

“No one is to blame except for Caleb, you understand. We are all trying to assist here.” Roman added as I poured a drink.

“Yes, so what is the plan, Roman?”

Roman glanced over his screen as if someone had entered. “We are working on it, brother. Once you land, we will have started working on it and will let you know what needs to be done. In the meantime, you do what needs to be done on your side. Evelina will be sending you some details in the coming weeks.”

I sipped at my Whiskey as Roman spoke listening with care. “Okay, so once the house registration goes through, the changes will be made before we come back, right?” I asked leaning closer to the screen.

“Yes, everything will be done on this side, and you do not need to worry about safety.” He assured me.

“Thank you, Roman,” I replied.

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