Page 26 of Forced to Marry the Bratva

“If I win, what’s in it for me?” I ask, my voice steady despite the pounding in my chest.

Alexai smiles, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “If you win, you get to ask for anything. What is it you want most?”

His words are like a drug to an addict, and in that very moment of greed, I convince myself I’ve got all it takes to win. One match. I just need to win this one match and I could have my dreams come true.

I have to do something bold, quickly, before I lose this opportunity. He has just what I need to launch my boxing empire, and this is the one shot I can’t afford to squander.

Squaring my shoulders, I get off my stool and turn toward him. He watches me approach with a raised brow, silently questioning. I stop in front of him, meeting his gaze steadily.

“I want the underground ring you just set up. The land, the venue, the operations. Everything.”

The words are a gamble, but one I’m willing to take. I hold his stare, refusing to back down. For several long moments, he says nothing. Then, a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

“You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Zolotov.”

“So we have a deal?”

“Indeed. We have a deal.”

Satisfaction washes over me as we shake on it. I’ve secured my place, and just laid the most important bet of my whole, entire life. One win, this win, and I can finally own my first-ever boxing ring.

Chapter 10 - Genevieve

I ring the bell. This is the first time I’m visiting Anoushka’s house, a quiet townhouse in the East of Philadelphia.

I’m so saddened by the circumstances that bring me here, that I barely notice the dazzling flowers illuminated by the fairy lights she has on in the path to the house.

The door opens. Anoushka’s smiling face greets me, her eyes twinkling with love. “Genevieve! Finally, you’re here. Come in, come in.” Her voice is like a melody, warm and inviting.

I’m confused. Why isn’t she as worried as I am over Damien’s disappearance?

She leads me to her lavish living room and motions for me to sit on a comfortable leather recliner. “It’s the best seat in the house, I swear!” she says.

I don’t reply. I just sit and wring my hands in anxious motions.

She observes me for a few seconds, then walks over to me and gets on her knees, taking my hands in hers. “Don’t worry, my dear,” she mutters, looking up at me. “I swear we’ll get to the bottom of this. I’m just so glad you called and trusted me with what worries you. That’s what family’s about, isn’t it?”

I nod, feeling calmer. It’s like she can read my mind.

“What if he’s in trouble, Anoushka?” I ask. “What if he’s hiding something?”

“Then we’ll help him out of whatever little mess he’s in. I promise we’ll find out what’s happening. It’s just not like him to disappear without a word for so long,” Anoushka exclaims, her eyes sparkling with determination.

She jumps to her feet, a dizzying whirlwind of energy. “I was waiting for you to arrive. I’m going to call Lev now. He must know something.”

She dials Lev’s number and puts him on speakerphone, motioning for me to stay silent.

“Hey, Sis! What’s up?” Lev’s voice booms through the speaker, sounding jovial and carefree as always. In the background, I hear loud music, chatter, and people laughing.

“Lev, I need your help. Do you have any idea where Damien is? He’s gone off the grid,” Anoushka asks sweetly, her tone dripping with false innocence.

“Damien? No idea. Why would I know where he is?” Lev yells back, feigning ignorance.

Anoushka rolls her eyes, and I can tell she doesn’t believe him for a second.

“Really, Lev? You expect me to believe that?” Anoushka challenges, her voice taking on a steely edge. “You’re his goddamn go-to person, and you’re telling me you have no idea where he is?”

“Sorry, Anoushka. I really don’t know,” Lev insists, though I can hear the hint of uncertainty in his voice.

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