Page 30 of Auctioned to the Bratva

While waiting for Sergei in the jacuzzi, my mind strolled back over the last few weeks. I was amazed at how the time had passed so quickly. It had been a rollercoaster ride of pleasure, happiness, and fun.

Smiling at myself I got lost in my thoughts. Sergei had been so understanding and kind. Life was almost normal, and I was enjoying my new life as his partner. I played with my toes in the bubbles from the nozzle as I thought of the dinners, movies, and talks we shared.

I was sure we had tried about every restaurant in LA. We may also have seen every movie available in the cinema and lots more on the TV. Then there were the long walks, early morning coffee in the parks and so many discussions.

He has opened up so much about his life growing up. He has shared his deepest secrets with me. I blushed, thinking of everything I had shared with him in return. I felt my cheek warm as my mind traveled to the evenings and even some mornings spent with him.

I have experienced so many new things by being here. Our bubble brought safety. I didn’t want to return to normal life. Deciding I would share this idea with him when he returned, I played with the idea.

Sergei was a real gentleman, maybe the only one of his kind left in the world. I considered my feelings and wondered if I had fallen in love with him. No, I was relaxed, safe, and grateful, but I was sure I had not fallen in love. Sure, something was developing but was it love?

“Hey, there, penny for your thoughts,” Sergei said as he stepped into the jacuzzi.

Startled I jump up almost tumbling over the tray in his hands. “Whoa, slow down,” he said as he moved from side to side to rescue the food and drinks atop the tray.

“I’m sorry,” I replied as I reached out to assist in stabilizing the tray. “I don’t know where my mind went just now.”

“It’s fine,” Sergei answered grinning at me. “Sit back down, it’s fine, I got it.”

Glancing up at him, I threw him a smile and fluttered my eyes. I have noted that it worked in all situations with him. Sergei’s grin spread across his face and his eyes lit up.

“I love seeing you so peaceful,” he said as he placed the tray down on the side. “Tell me why you were so startled please?” Sergei added as he pulled me closer and placed a hand on my knee.

“It’s nothing,” I assured him as I kissed him on his cheek. “I was daydreaming is all.”

“Well,” Sergei added as he handed me a glass of champagne. “I have some news to share with you.” He picked up his glass and sipped his Whiskey.

I turned to face him expecting him to continue. He stared at me as if waiting for me to react. I wasn’t sure what he wanted, but felt a slight tinge of fear turn my stomach.

“Has something happened?” I asked after an awkward silence.

“Yes,” he said excitedly. “My home in Miami is ready and we will be leaving the day after tomorrow. Isn’t that terrific?”

I felt a lump forming in my throat. Sipping from my glass, I battled swallowing. It felt like my head was spinning, and Iwasn’t even drunk. Sergei reached around and brought forth a plate with some snacks on it.

My stomach was turning, and I didn’t feel hungry anymore. I felt sick and not sure why. “No thanks,” I told him as he urged me to take one.

“Can’t we just stay here, it's safe and you can’t tell me you’re not enjoying it?” I said as I caressed his muscular arm.

“You know I would love to, but we can’t.” He replied softly.

Sergei still held the plate out toward me. I pushed it back to him as I felt my eyes starting to tear up. “I don’t want anything,” I said.

“What’s the matter, I thought you would be excited to go back to Miami?” Sergei said dimly placing the plate down and moving closer to me. “You know Roman needs me there now, you knew from the start we would be returning.”

I pulled back as Sergei reached for my hand. “Will I be under guard all day every day and will there be guards at my place when I have to go back?” I asked as I rose and stepped back, trying to stay out of his reach.

“Your place?” Sergei asked loudly as he stood. “What makes you think you would be going back to your place?” he took a deep breath. “Irina, you will be coming with me to my new house, our new house.”

Feeling the edge of the jacuzzi against my calves, I realized that I would have to get out if I wanted to move further away. Sergei came forward quickly and took hold of both my arms.

“No,” I said as I tried to push him off. I felt my temper rising as the bubble we had been living in burst. “I want a normallife. I do not want any part of Bratva, and you know that.” I spat at him as I felt my legs weaken. Not wanting to fall over, I sat down on the side of the jacuzzi.

Tears started rolling across my face and I looked down trying to conceal the pain inside. “You knew from the first time we met, Sergei.” I breathed in deeply. “You knew I wanted nothing to do with this life.”

Sergei knelt before me and lifted my head. “You cannot after all that has happened even for a second, think that you will be safe there. Do you?”

I could hear the anger or irritation in his voice as he spoke. This made me enraged, and my temper rose even more. He knew, I thought folding my arms across my chest, I made it clear from the start. How can he ask me to join him in Bratva? I turned my face away from him to conceal my resentment and took a couple of deep breaths.

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