Page 29 of The Bratva King's Pregnant Bride

In the world of business, I had always been top dog. I had proven myself time and again, but now? Now, it seemed, I may have finally made the leap into another league entirely.

And I didn’t really mind.

Chapter 11 - Maya

Strapped to a non-descript office chair, I squirmed uncomfortably; I was losing circulation to my fingers, my hands bound with a tightly-knotted rope behind my back. I wavered sporadically between anxiety and terror, and I kept wondering, What the hell is going on?

My mind was locked in a haze of questions and possibilities—what could have led to this? I didn’t remember offending anyone or doing anything else, for that matter, that would warrant this kind of treatment. Not me. I used few words, and was careful when picking my friends.

I may have accidentally thrown in my lot with Dominik, but surely, that shouldn’t warrant this! I wasn’t even part of his world. Yet, Mike had made it clear that this had everything to do with him.

Writhing like a fish out of water, I strained against the rope. However, sinister laughter echoed through the space, causing me to fall still. I craned my neck, trying to get a good look at whoever it was. I needn’t have bothered, though; I knew it was the man from the apartment. He had to be the one. That laugh, that voice.

He had called Dominik, right there in front of me, and from what I’d heard, it seemed Dominik would be acquiescing to his demand.

“Don’t struggle.” Mike’s voice drifted to my ears, following the fading strains of his laughter. “All you know is that this will be your last night with Dominik—I’ll let him have the mercy of speaking to you one last time.”

My heart skipped a few beats, then pounded against my ribcage with renewed vigor, screaming to be let out. Terror warred with anger, bubbling up to my throat.

“What did he do to you?” I whispered.

“Shhhh,” Mike said, approaching me from behind. “Little girls shouldn’t be asking the big boys questions… but, perhaps, that’s a valid one. Only, I’m not feeling obligated to answer. I’ve brought you here to watch as I kill your baby’s daddy—you’re the bait in this trap.”

He gestured to the screen set up before me. It looked like live-CCTV footage. A factory?

“Your precious Dominik will soon show up there,” Mike said, pointing at the screen. “He’ll show up, just like I want him to, and he’ll die right before your eyes. My only regret is that I won’t be the one pulling the trigger.”

His ever-present smile drooped a little, but didn’t stay gone long. “But I guess I’ll still be the one pulling the trigger, now that I think of it—just from behind the scenes.”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I trembled like a leaf in the wind. Oh God, is this going to be my life now? Constantly being snatched into dangerous situations like this one, all because I was the mother of Dominik’s child? Was there even anywhere I could run to that I’d be safe?

Mike, who’d wandered to the far corner of the room, made his way towards me with swaggering steps, then stooped down and looked up at me.

“Don’t worry,” he crooned. “Whatever he is to you, he’ll be dead soon. You see, he may have put that inside you”—he poked at my belly, and I flinched before I could stop myself—“but I’ll put a fucking bullet in his skull. As for you? Well, after he’s dead…”

He licked his lips, narrowing his eyes. “I will kill you next.”

My entire body turned to ice. I’d always been a woman of faith, and my belief had never wavered; now, I desperately, silently prayed that God would come to my rescue.

“I wish it didn’t have to be you, considering how pretty you are,” Mike continued, oblivious to my silent supplication. “I mean, I could take you to wife… but, you see, I can’t just let Dominik’s bloodline live on—that’s why you have to die too. Believe me, it will be a shame getting rid of you, but really, it’s a necessary evil. Can’t be avoided.”

He shook his head, a look of regret crossing his features before an odd gleam came into his eyes. “However, there’s nothing saying I can’t taste you once before you go.” He took my jaw in a string grip.

He brought his face roughly against mine even as I writhed, twisting my face from side to side to fight him off. His lips met mine, kissing me aggressively; his tongue tried to probe mine, but I tightened my lips—until I suddenly had a better idea.

I parted my lips to give him access, and just as his tongue passed my teeth, I bit down—hard.

I clenched my jaw tight, with the intent to draw blood. Wherever I got the boldness from, I knew not. Perhaps it was a bit fatalistic; if I was going to die, I did wanted to draw blood, be it little, from my adversary.

He may have the last laugh, but at least he would have a mark—my mark, one which would give him a few sleepless nights. Maybe.

“Bitch!” Mike cursed. “Damn!” He stood, slapping me across the face.

My face stung from the impact of his palm against my cheek.

“Fucking bitch,” Mike spat.

I looked at the floor, then furrowed my brow as I heard him laugh.

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