Page 31 of Auctioned to the Bratva

“Irina,” Sergei said as he tried to get me to look at him. “You are foolish if you think you can return to your old life.”

“No,” I spat at him, rising and pushing him back from me. “I decide what I want in life, and I am not going to be a part of Bratva. That is final.”

Sergei threw his hands into the air. “Really, you think it’s that easy to just step out and return to a normal life. You do realize you are still in trouble, don’t you?”

Seeing the pain in his eyes as he spoke, I felt my heart crumble. Lowering my head, I spoke in a softer tone. “Sergei, I can’t become part…”

Before I could continue, I was interrupted by the smashing of glass. Looking up I saw Sergei had thrown his glassagainst the wall smashing it to pieces. I had never seen him this angry and flinched as he turned back to me.

“No, Irina, you will not be safe there,” Sergei demanded as he moved closer to embrace me.

I glanced over my shoulder and stepped out of the jacuzzi, further out of his reach. Once I was out, I headed in and upstairs to the room originally intended for me. I slammed the door shut behind me and locked it. I pulled on one of the tops and a pair of shorts still lying in the bags on the floor.

Flopping down on the bed, I allowed my tears to run free. At some point, I felt my eyes were heavy and puffy from crying. I started drifting off.

I woke up screaming as Caleb joined my dreams and had me back in the cage. Sergei was slamming at the door begging me to let him in. Shakily I rose and moved to the door. I unlocked it with trembling hands. My entire being was shaking.

As he entered, I wrapped my arms around him needing to feel safe. We stood there for the longest moment as my racing heart slowed down. Once I felt calmer, we headed downstairs for a cup of coffee and tea for me.

I sat at the island while Sergei boiled the water and made us each a hot drink. He sat down opposite me in silence drinking his coffee. Twice, I wanted to say how I felt. But I wasn’t sure how I felt. My entire life felt like it was turned upside down.

Once we were done, he rinsed the cups and sat back down. “We have to talk, Irina,” Sergei said as he reached for my hand. I allowed him to hold my hand, but I wasn’t ready to look him in the eyes. I knew we had to talk so we could get past this obstacle, but I wasn’t sure what to say.

Chapter 19 - Sergei

She looked troubled as she finished her tea and handed me the cup. After rinsing them, I sat back down with her at the island. We needed to talk about the situation we would face when returning to Miami.

“We have to talk, Irina,” I started, leaning across and taking her hand in mine. “I know this is going to be a difficult change.” Her skin was so soft, I couldn’t stop thinking as I caressed her hand. She was a gentle piece of art that I only wanted to keep safe.

She didn’t look up but that didn’t stop me from talking to her. I needed to make her understand how appalled I was by her suggestion. How could she even think I would allow her to return to her normal life? After everything we shared, could she truly believe that I would let her out of my sight?

“Irina, I know you want nothing to do with Bratva.” I started as I pulled her hands towards me. “You know I don’t want to be part of it, I said as much to you the very first night we met, do you remember?”

Irina shook her head in acknowledgment but didn’t look at me. “Looking back to all that has happened,” I paused, taking a deep breath. “Do you really think you are not already part of everything?”

She glared at me, her eyes narrowing as she stood up from the table. I tried holding onto her hands so she would stay. Irina pulled her arms back forcing her hands out of mine. She crossed them over her chest as she started stepping back.

“No,” she uttered as I stood and quickly stepped up to her. “No, I want to return to my life.” She said as I pulled her into myarms. Irina tried to turn but I held on to her. I wasn’t going to allow her to lock herself up in that room again.

“Let me go,” she breathed out in a hiss. “I will decide where I want to be. You have no right to keep me here.”

Her words stung, but I also knew she was right. Yet, I also considered the fact that she wasn’t fully conscious of the situation. Irina managed to get her arms out from between us. She twisted and turned as she tried to get out of my hold.

“Irina, calm down.” I tried to reason with her. Her shifting in my arms was opposite to what I thought she was aiming for. She clearly wanted to escape my hold, yet she was waking my inner beast with all the friction.

Looking down at her swaying, her hair flopping from side to side. Her lips pouted, so inviting. I saw the beauty of her and had to tighten my grip. “Irina,” I whispered, “Stop, please.”

For a moment, she glanced up at me as she stopped moving. Her sparkling eyes filled with fear as a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. I relaxed my hold and wiped at the lone tear.

“Irina, I have something to show you,” I added as I kissed her forehead. My mind was traveling at a hundred miles per hour. I still had so much to teach her, and time was running out. She lifted her chin, meeting my eyes and lowering her head backward.

Her lips were still pushed out in a pout, and I couldn’t resist. Leaning in, I kissed her hard and passionately. Feeling her return my kiss, I knew she wanted me as much as I desired to be with her. I swooped down and picked her up, taking her back upstairs.

At the top we didn’t turn towards the bedrooms, no, we headed the other way. It was time to show her my playroom. Shifting her weight, I open the door and enter the dark room. I know my way around even without the lights. Stepping inside, I kick the door shut behind us and walk to the bed in the center of the room.

Irina’s grip around my neck tightened as I moved. “Where are we?” she asked as I lay her down on the bed.

“My playroom,” I whispered. “Just lay still, I’ll put on some lights now,” I added as I left her with a soft kiss.

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