Page 71 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

There are various groups of people mingling about. I try not to eavesdrop, but I’m pretty bored just waiting for him, so I people-watch.

A group of men nearby are talking about their wives at home while they are having fun here—boring. I move along and listen to a couple argue for a moment. Is that what Luka and I sound like? I move to the corner of the building and then hear men talking around the corner, and I pause.

“This casino was abandoned, and it was supposed to be sold to the Armenian family, but those dirty Russians pulled some strings and secured it for themselves.”

“We need to take it back from them.”

“By force if necessary.”

I stand frozen in place. These are the guys that are targeting Luka and his family. I stand and listen to them as they continue to discuss the casino. I edge closer to the corner to hear better. They’re talking about killing Luka and Arseny! I need to warn them.

They walk around the corner and nearly bump into me.

“Hey,” I say before I turn and start walking away.

“That’s her,” one says. “Hey, you,” he calls.

I take off running as fast as I can, running through the entrance and straight toward Luka’s office. I see him standing in the doorway, talking to Arseny.

“Luka,” I shriek. “Help.”

Luka and Arseny look over, and that’s when the first bullet whizzes past my head. The casino is fairly empty, but the people that are there panic and rush to the exits. I keep running for Luka, praying I don’t get hit.

“Duck,” Luka yells. “Get on the floor.”

I dive behind some machines as Luka returns fire with Arseny. Soon, other guards come, and there’s silence.

“Anyone alive?” Luka asks.

“One, I’ll take him to Kervyn.” That’s Arseny. A man groans, and I shiver.

Luka walks over to me and kneels down beside me. “Hannah, are you okay? Did you get hit?”

I shake my head. “No. No, I didn’t.” I shake in his arms as I rest my head against his shoulder. “They shot at me. I could have died.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t helping me win you back.”

“Luka, I overheard them. They want the casino.” I look up at him. “The Armenians, they were supposed to buy this casino before you came along and took it. That’s why they’re attacking you and your family. Can’t you give it to them?”

Luka helps me to my feet, and I thrust his hoodie into his hands. “I wanted to return this to you.” I turn to leave, my hands shaking uncontrollably.

“Hannah, you’re in shock. Come to my office and have a soda.” He takes me by the shoulders and leads me toward his office. “The cops will be here soon, and they’re going to ask a bunch of questions. I need you to say you don’t know what happened.”

I nod, a little dumbfounded. He sits me in a chair and gives me a soda. I sip it shakily and look up at him. “They really shot at me.”

“I know, I’m sorry. But this is why I wanted you to stay with me. I can protect you from things like this.” Luka strokes my face gently, and I feel the panic easing off. “Hannah, please. Come stay with me, even if we sleep in separate beds, even if we’re divorced, but let me protect you and our baby.”

I nod, and he perks up. “Really?”

I nod. “Yeah, it’s obvious that it’s not safe out there. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m involved in a life I don’t want to be involved in, and I’m in danger now because I overheard conversations I wasn’t supposed to overhear. After all, I wanted to return your stupid hoodie and see how you are.” I look up at him with tears in my eyes. “My life is never going to be the same.”

Luka gathers me in his arms and rocks me gently. “It’s okay. I promise. Everything is going to be okay.”

I rest my head against his chest, but we both turn sharply when there is a knock on the door. It’s Jonah.

“Sir, the police are here.”

“Stay here,” Luka says as he looks at me. “We’ll go fetch your things once I’m done here, and you can move back in with me.”

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