Page 13 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

“Here, Kitty. Mommy’s home. Mommy’s home.” I call, and my Maine Coon cat comes running to the front. I bend down and stroke her before I slip out of my shoes, kicking them to the closet near the door.

I walk carefully to the kitchen while Kitty insists on winding through my legs repeatedly. I turn on the coffee machine and take out a pouch of wet cat food for her.

She jumps onto the counter where I keep her bowl, and I fill it up before tossing the pouch away.

This is one spoiled, fat cat.

I plug my phone in to charge, strip my clothes off, walk to the bathroom, and turn the shower on hot. I let the scathing water wash away the ick of the night before. I wash my hair, then my body, and pause as I remember how handsome he was.

I’m almost tempted to touch myself, but I shake myself back to reality and get out of the shower. Teeth brushed and skin care applied, I walk out of the room, drying my hair with a towel just as my phone starts going off like crazy.

It’s all messages from my cousins, and I text in the group that I’m fine and I’ll call Meryl in a bit. There are more messages. Where was I? What happened? Did I get hurt?

I’d be touched, except we all know they’re actually scared of my parents finding out that they lost me like that.

I pour a cup of coffee and sit in the living room, transferring my phone to the charger there. I dial Meryl and put her on speakerphone.

“Where have you been?” she demands the minute she picks up. “We looked at hospitals. We tried to call. The police wouldn’t open a case for twenty-four hours.”

I let her rant like that for a little while before she takes a breath and I can answer her.

“The owner of the casino saved me after you and I were separated. I passed out, and he took me to his house to recover,” I try to say as casually as possible.

“Some guy just took you to his house. Did her hurt you?”

“No, nothing like that. He genuinely just let me sleep and then helped me catch a cab this morning.”

“Good God, Hannah, you’re lucky you weren’t hurt. I’ve listened to your shows…”

“I know, I know,” I interrupt her. “Don’t you think I’m the last person you need to lecture about the dangers of getting kidnapped?” I sip my coffee. “Was anyone hurt?”

“Devon twisted her ankle. She’s pissed because she’s out of work now for at least a month, but her insurance will cover everything. Everyone else got out all right. It was so scary.” Meryl pauses. “Do you know what happened? Since you were with the owner? All they’ve reported is that the casino was shot up, and that’s it.”

I fidget slightly. “No, he didn’t say anything to me. It’s not like we were best friends or anything. He was nice enough to give me some coffee while I waited for my cab, and then he left when I left.”

“He was good-looking, I’ll give him that. Oh, I must let Warrick know you’re okay.” She gets up, I can hear it, and she shuffles off, shouting for her fiance. I hear his relief that I’m okay, and then Meryl moves away from him.

“It’s a shame you didn’t get the owner's number. He was cute.”

“Ten minutes ago, you thought he had kidnapped me,” I snort. “Now you’re acting like I should date him.”

There’s a pause on her side before she laughs. “You did get his number. Are you going to call him?”

“No, I’m still a little shocked about last night. I mean that shooting… we could have been hit if he hadn’t moved us to the VIP area.”

Meryl pauses again, but this silence is somber. “I know. And I almost dragged you out of there for fresh air and straight into it.”

“Do they know who did it?” I ask curiously.

“Nope, literally all they said on the news was what I told you.”

“So these random dudes just shoot up a casino. That’s a bit crazy and scary. It makes me feel like I should move back home.” I reach out to stroke Kitty as she jumps onto the sofa beside me.

“Listen, I have to go because Warrick’s made breakfast. Can I call you later?” Meryl asks.

“Sure, enjoy breakfast. Love you.”

“Love you.”

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