Page 1 of Hostage of the Bratva

Chapter 1 - Luder

I pulled into the parking bay close to the door. Stepping out, I straightened my suit jacket as I glanced up to the second floor. Let’s hope this meeting goes as planned. I still couldn’t believe my entire guard team was down with the same virus. It almost seemed like it could be a sign. Yet, I’d never been one to cancel a meeting or show fear.

The building shone brightly in the early morning sun, almost blinding me. It was one of the more modern buildings in Miami, and the top part was made entirely of glass. The bottom floor, however, appeared to be a bit older. I wondered how long after the first floor, the second floor was added.

This had nothing to do with my meeting, but development had always intrigued me. I preferred the sea. The open ocean was my companion.

Pulling my phone from my breast pocket, I dialed Ashan. “Hey, let Sergei and Roman know I am here; all seems calm. I will let you know once the deal is sealed.”

“You sure I couldn’t come along? I can still come if you want me there?” Ashan inquired.

“It’s just signing a contract. I don’t need you to hold my hand. I am certain I can do this by myself. Remember, I have already spoken to the woman, and the deal has been prepared. Stop worrying, and let me get this done.”

Ashan sighed before he hung up. I could never understand why he always felt the need to accompany me everywhere. But, then again, he had always looked out for me from a young age.

He may be younger than me, but he has always had a more mature attitude. Now, I was spreading my wings, which maybe scared him a little. I smiled at my reflection in the glass door as I considered this.

Entering the building, I walked to the elevator. The floor tiles were lovely marble, which contradicted the silver shine of elevator doors perfectly. I pressed the button, but the light didn’t blink or move. It appeared to be stuck on the second floor.

Walking up the stairs to the real estate company's office that listed the beachfront property, I couldn’t shake this feeling. I glanced back several times as I ascended. Ashan was always going on about listening to the small voice. But before now, I have never been one to listen.

I loved the adrenaline from taking risks. Ashan always complained I was reckless, even though I only took chances on things I knew I could handle. He never took chances. He had always been the cautious one. Today, however, I would proceed with caution as it felt like something was crawling under my skin.

The family needed this piece of land, and nothing would stand in our way. The agent said she would keep it for us until this morning when I spoke to her last week. We agreed on price, terms, and transfer. Now, it was simply down to getting the paperwork done.

On the second-floor landing, I noticed two men standing at the elevator door, holding it open. That’s why it wouldn’t work. Passing them, I turned up the short passage and walked to the office door. They nodded in greeting, but my senses told me to keep an eye on them.

They were definitely out of place at the estate agent’s office. Plus, the bulges on the sides of their jackets indicated weapons. Maybe the owner of the property was here, I thought.

Glancing back, I knocked on the frosted glass door. There were voices inside, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. I pulled the handle down and slowly pushed the door open.

Towards the back of the room was a large oak desk with two chairs before it on my side and one behind it. To the left, I noticed two men, most likely guards, also armed. They were standing with their hands at their sides. On the right were two more, and in the chairs on this side of the desk sat two men with their backs to me.

The chair behind the desk was occupied by a lovely young woman with long black hair. Yet, from her expression, she looked like she could be in a ghost house or on a scary rollercoaster as her face seemed colorless.

Her green eyes were wide, and her arms folded across her chest. She didn’t smile or greet me as I entered the room. The large open window behind her brought in a nice cool breeze and stirred the locks of hair hanging over her shoulders.

I might have asked her out for a drink if I wasn't here for business. Her big breasts were nicely displayed by her extremely tight cream-colored V-neck top. I had to admit big breasts had always been one of my downfalls, as I simply couldn’t resist them.

As the door closed behind me, I felt a stiffening in my spine as my senses lit up. I realized I had just walked into a situation. The men in the room were not the owners. Something else was going on.

“Morning,” I said calmly. “I’m sorry, I thought we had a meeting,” I looked at my watch to make sure I had the time right. “I’m Luder; we spoke on Friday,” I said as I walked to the desk and held out my hand to her.

She glanced up at me and then at the two men across from her. “Yes, I’m sorry, the property is no longer available.” She replied softly. “You have to leave as I am busy. Sorry for not letting you know earlier.”

I scanned the room, and the two men seated at my side. The older man looked slightly familiar. But, in that instant, I couldn’t recall where I had seen him before.

“Mathieu,” the older man spoke in a deep tone as he tapped the younger man’s arm.

“Yes, boss,” Mathieu said as he rose from his chair.

He loosened the button and pulled back his dark blue suit jacket as he placed his right hand on the butt of his gun. “The lady asked you to leave. Now leave.” He spat as he stepped closer.

Looking over his shoulder at the older man, it dawned on me. He was Domique Anchony of the Anchony Bratva. They were surely here to take the property we wanted. This wasn’t going to end well. I felt my stomach churning as my automatic response kicked in.

Glancing at the other men, I noticed they were all ready to take me out. I couldn’t let this happen, as it would start a war. Not that a war was uncommon, but me dead wasn’t ideal. As I stepped back carefully, I undid my jacket button and crossed my hand up to my Glocks. Looking at the woman behind the desk, I considered jumping out the open window behind her.

“I’m sorry,” I said as I straightened out. “We had already paid over the deposit.” I stood still in the middle of the floor, waiting for them to make the first move. Ashan would have said my odds were not good, seeing as they were six, and I should call for backup. Yet, there was no time or way that they would allow me to make a call.

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