Page 20 of Used By the Bratva

Chapter 13 - Jamie

How could I even consider staying? No, I had to leave. Who did he think he was? After changing back into my clothes, I sneaked out of the den. I moved slowly and cautiously down the stairs, bundling between the clients as they started filling the den. I could not get caught leaving. He would come up with all kinds of excuses, but I knew what I saw, and there was no hiding it.

My heart felt heavy, but I couldn’t allow my feelings to get the upper hand. Departing from the den, I moved cautiously through the large parking area. I stayed between the cars as I proceeded to the gate. Where there were no cars, I stayed close to the outer walls, moving in behind the dumpsters just inside the main gate. I watched as four guards came by.

They were glancing around, and I felt sure they were already searching for me. Thinking they had all passed, I ran for the exit. It was only a short distance, but as I stepped into the street, I heard someone calling out behind me. Looking back, I felt my blood turn to ice as one of the guards came charging at me. The others weren’t far behind him.

I just turned and ran with no clear direction or idea of where to go. A couple of blocks away was a park. I ran in and hid in the shadows of a small bridge. The guards passed twice before heading back towards the den. Positive that this time they had left, I quickly moved out of the Morozov territory.

I still had no idea where to go or who to contact; I was alone and felt defeated. I was surveying the area as I went and knew I needed to find somewhere where I would be safe and lay low. Tired and sore from running once again, I decided to enter a bar. It was quiet, with little to no people inside. The place looked normal enough not to be Bratva, and it appeared decent.

I was reasonably sure it would be safe. In one corner was a group of about five playing pool and minding their own business. They didn’t even notice me as I moved in. There was a couple in another corner close to the jukebox kissing and another pair at a table chatting up a storm. Taking a seat, I ordered a drink and watched the people from my corner of the bar.

The lights in the corner where I sat weren’t as bright as the rest of the room. It gave me some cover, I thought, sipping my drink. I knew I would have to figure something out as I couldn’t stay here. With my current situation, I wouldn’t be able to stay in one place for too long.

Breathing in deeply, I closed my eyes, trying to regain my senses. Yet, closing my eyes wasn’t such a good idea after all. I saw Ana standing over Ashan and that stupid smirk on her face. I should have slapped her, I thought. But no, what did I do? I ran like a child after the playground bully had shoved her.

“Hi, there.” Startled out of my thoughts by the voice behind me, I swung around so quickly that I almost toppled off the bar stool. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” the petite woman standing slightly behind me said. Her voice was soft and kind, but I had to listen carefully to hear her through the noise.

Lifting one hand at her, I replied. “It’s okay, I was just thinking. Can I help you?”

She was small, seemingly no threat to me. Her chestnut eyes appeared a bit too large for her face, as did her wide smile, exposing her abnormally large teeth. She was dressed in tight blue jeans and a loose red hoodie. The hoodie was pulled up like mine as if she was hiding from life, and I felt a pull to her. It could have been her nonthreatening appearance or the similarities my mind made.

I wasn’t sure why, but I instantly felt a strange bond with her. “May I sit with you?” she asked, glancing around. I nodded as I turned back to the bar. “I’m Bea,” she added, sliding onto the stool next to me. “I haven’t seen you here before.”

My mind was still swirling with all that had happened, and my guard was down. My mood was in the dumps, and I thought a little company may just be what I needed. “Jamie,” I replied, staring into my drink, wishing I could disappear into the glass.

“You look tired. Have you eaten? Would you like a meal?” Bea said, hailing the bartender. Glancing up into the mirror behind the bar, I saw my reflection. It did look like I was something the cat dragged in. My tattered clothing and, once again, I had dirt on my face as if I had slept on the curb. It must have come from hiding under the bridge, I thought.

She ordered a plate of chips and another round of drinks for us. I felt thankful and hoped she didn't ask too many questions. Our conversation started out small, but I thought she shared openly with me. She told me about her small apartment a couple of blocks away and growing up with two brothers.

I wished I knew what having a family and being loved was like. The more she shared, the more I longed for a normal life. As she spoke, I reconsidered my actions. I had never had anyone, and Ashan offered me a somewhat normal life. Maybe I could have overlooked Ashan’s indiscretions. At least I would have still had something I considered.

After she ordered another round of drinks, I started feeling uncomfortable. Her questions became more specific as time passed, and this sent up a red flag. Once I took note of the direction her questions started hinting at and studied the patrons around us more closely, some more red flags started popping up.

Realizing I had walked into a trap, I knew that my next moves would have a strong impact on whether I got out or got captured. Bea and about a third of the people around me were surely part of the enemies. I was astounded that they had still been tracking or watching out for me. I was so intent on getting away from Ashan that I hadn’t even thought of my reason for being with him.

It’s not been months, but it has been a week since I ended up married and staying with Ashan. I felt sure I would have had some time to make a plan. Now, here I was, feeling like a cornered wolf. My heart pounded at my ribcage, and the blood in my veins turned to ice as I unexpectedly felt dizzy. I breathed in slowly and deeply, trying not to panic or show fear.

Glancing at Bea, I spoke in an even tone as I breathed out with care. “Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom. A little too much liquid, I think.”

Bea smiled at me as I slid off the stool. I hoped she hadn’t picked up on my fear. Walking to the bathroom, I kept my head low, pulling my hoodie over my face. Yet, I made sure to check if anyone was following my movements. There were at least six men that I could pick up on.

Closing the bathroom door behind me, I locked it and quickly sought a way out. Scanning the window, I felt sure I would fit; it might be tight, but I would go through it. Standing on the toilet seat lid, I opened the small square window and glanced outside.

The immediate area was quiet. I pushed myself up and stepped on the toilet bowl to get some more height. Forcing myself through the window, I didn’t even consider what came next. Dropping to the ground, a moan escaped me as I twisted my arm, trying to block the fall into the brush.

Rushing to my feet, I hoped no one had heard me. Rubbing my arm, I stuck my head through the bushes. To one side, I saw two men with guns coming my way. They weren’t in a hurry, so I was sure they hadn’t heard me. But I knew it was only a matter of time before Bea would start looking for me. I considered them to just be on their regular rounds, but if I sat still, I might be discovered.

I had no other option as there was nowhere else to hide. I would have to run. My heart now felt as if it was pounding in my throat. Sweat covered my body, and I had not even started running yet. Feeling slightly numb with fear, I knew I had to move; the longer I waited, the closer they got.

Moving against the wall away from them, I crawled, hoping not to be noticed. But I froze as I heard them shuffling through the bushes below the window. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure it could be heard from miles away. Holding my breath, I tried to silence the beating in my mind.

Wanting to make a run for it, I stuck my head out to see if the street was clear. But as soon as I did, I realized I should have sat still.

“There she is,” one of the guards screamed, pointing my way.

My life would be over if they caught me. I leaped to my feet and ran as fast as I could. I dared not to look back in fear of seeing them closing in. Or worse, seeing them aiming their guns at me.

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