Page 70 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

“Can we still hang out sometime?” I ask.

“I’d like that,” she says quietly. “You are carrying a family member, after all.”

She calls the guards to help me pack up the sound equipment.

“So you’re going to stay at your cousin's?” she asks as we go back downstairs.

“Just for a few days, most of this stuff is going into storage until I can find a new place to rent.” I sigh. “I don’t want to go back to the old apartment because they know I live there. Also, thank you for watching Kitty for me. All this moving is not good for her. She needs a stable home. I’ll send cat food and litter and everything you need.”

“I don’t mind, don’t worry about sending anything,” Asher says.

I look over my shoulder and then look around.

“The nerves go away,” Asher says. “You just have had your confidence shaken. Luka is fine, and you’ll see everything goes back to normal.”

“I’m not judging you for choosing this life, Asher,” I say, taking her hands. “But I’m just not built as strong as you.”

“I understand, but hopefully, you’ll see you are strong enough.” She squeezes my hands. “Jonah will take you to your cousin.”

I hug her again and then get into the car. We drive to Meryl’s house on the other side of Vegas. It’s a quiet neighborhood, so hopefully, I’ll be safe here. Jonah gives me his number just in case, making me promise to contact him if I have any problems.

I smile and give him a short hug before I get out and wheel my bags toward Meryl’s front door.

“Here you are,” she says as she opens the door. “Welcome. My home is your home for as long as you like.” She looks out at the car, surprised, and then steps aside, grabbing one of my bags to help me.

“Thanks, Meryl, it won’t be for long. I just need to find a new place to rent.”

“What’s wrong with your old place? I thought you didn’t give it up?” She wheels my bag to her guest room.

I sit on the bed. “There are some issues there too. Luka will be paying for the new place until everything is sorted.”

“As he should,” she says. “What did he do? Did he cheat on you? He looks like a playboy.”

“I just… I rushed into marrying him, and I just want to make sure I made the right decision, so I just need some time.” I smile at her. “Do you mind if I take a nap before I unpack? I’m exhausted.”

“Sure, dinner’s at five, but I’ll call you to the dining room when it’s done. Warrick is so glad you’re staying with us. He’s always had a soft spot for you.”

I smile brightly. “Thank you so much again.”

I thought that after a bit of sleep and some food, I’d feel better and safer, but I don’t. I keep glancing out the windows and over my shoulder. When Meryl and I go for a walk around the block, I keep glancing back.

She notices quickly and asks, “What are you so worried about?”

“This city is dangerous,” I comment. “More dangerous than I imagined.”

“It's no more dangerous than any other city, honey,” Meryl says. Don’t drive yourself insane by thinking that way. No one is truly safe. You have to make the most of what you’ve got, though.”

I think about her words as we finish our walk. I take a shower, and I go to sleep, but I battle to sleep. I haven’t been able to sleep without Luka since he was taken. Having him hold me made me feel so secure, never mind how crazy his touch drove me.

It took me three days to finally unpack and stop living out of my suitcase. As I unpack the big black case, I pull out a hoodie and realize it’s not mine—it must be Luka’s.

I should return it to him. That way, I can see if he’s okay.

I text Asher and tell her about the hoodie and that I would like to return it to Luka. She texts me that he’s at his casino. I smile and decide to take a cab there.

I promise Meryl I’ll be safe before I climb into the cab and give the casino name.

Once we’re there, I pay the cabbie and walk to the front, then I stop. Maybe I should just wait for Luka to come out instead of bothering him at work. I move to the side so I’m out of the entrance.

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