Page 17 of Secret Bratva Twins

Did they get me clothes? Ms. Popov brought up some of Maxim’s clothes to me last night. I looked like a clown in them but wore them anyway because it was either that, wear my old clothes for God-knows-how-long, or stay naked. I hated baggy clothes.

The mattress dipped as one of the ladies sat on it. “Wake up, Gia. We know you’re not sleeping.” Her voice was so soft and calming.

I heaved a sigh and sat up, twisting my body to her. She was a beauty, with big hazel eyes and long black hair. “How did you know I wasn’t sleeping?”

She smiled at me. “Common sense. No one would be sleeping peacefully when they’ve been kidnapped.” She stretched her hand out to me. “I’m Giselle, by the way. Nikolai’s wife.”

I didn’t take her hand. Instead, I narrowed my eyes on her suspiciously. How could such a bubbly woman be married to such a cold man? I guessed this was the thing about opposites attracting. “You already know my name. I’m no one’s wife.”

The other lady with brown hair giggled and sat down next to me. I already knew who she was before she said her name: “I’m Lilianna.” She didn’t say she was Sergey’s wife, but she didn’t need to. The whole of Chicago knew her for her donations and charity work. “You’re even more beautiful than Mari described.”

“Don’t flatter me.” I hated to be mean, but I was being held captive and away from my children. Being nice and making new friends weren’t on my bucket list.

Lilianna’s smile widened. “I wouldn’t dare. I’m complimenting you.”

“I would be more grateful if you went downstairs and told your crazy brother-in-law to let me go.”

“As if he would. He didn’t want us talking to you.” Mariana handed me the shopping bags before nestling on the recliner across from the bed. “Have you had breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry.” I poured out the contents of the bags: summer dresses, pairs of jeans in different colors, designer tops and purses, slippers, and sandals. “How do you know what size I wear?”

She lifted her shoulders. “I checked your labels when you passed out yesterday.”

“Passed out?” I bit back a chuckle. “You mean when your crazy brother-in-law drugged me?”

“He’s not crazy—” I glared at her, and she trailed off. “Maybe he’s a little bit crazy, but he has a name and a good heart.”

Add a good dick to the list.

Christ, what was I thinking? Where did that awful, disgusting thought slip out from? I scrutinized their faces and was grateful I hadn’t said that out loud. They seemed the type who’d taunt me forever with it.

I poured out the contents of another bag. Strawberry-flavored shampoo and shower gel fell out of it, along with deodorant and Chanel perfume. “Why strawberry? Do you think I want to smell good for him?”

“Well…” Giselle grinned, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Considering you want to escape, I suggest you seduce him and see where it leads.”

A chuckle ripped from my throat, loud and unintended. “I’d rather seduce a tree.”

Lilianna pursed he lips. “Why? Do you think you’re not attractive enough? You look like a goddess.”

“Why would I want to seduce a man who kidnapped me?” I looked in the last bag and found some undies. I took out one of the bras. “A size B? I find that offensive. I’m a C.”

Mariana laughed. I didn’t like that I felt I was bonding with them when I shouldn’t. “C cup my ass.”

I pulled out a G-string and held it up. “Do you think I’m preparing for my honeymoon?”

The girls chuckled together. Giselle said. “You can try and strangle him with it, we won’t snitch.”

“Good idea. I’ll try, and let's hope you don’t find a dead body in this room. It won’t be mine,” I added for effect. “Thank you anyway, I really needed these.”

Lilianna threw her hand up. “These are basic needs, but Max is a moron. He wouldn’t know that. Anyway, get dressed?”

I chewed on my lower lips. “Why? What’s the occasion?”

“You’re coming downstairs with us,” she answered.

“Max won’t like that.”

“Do you enjoy being locked up like some prisoner?” She didn’t wait for me to answer. “I guess not.”

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