Page 57 of Kidnapped Bratva Toy

I let out an exasperated breath. “Well, not fight per se. But at least be able to defend myself a bit more. I’ve taken those women’s self-defense classes. We can build on that.”

“That shit doesn’t work. You know that, right?”

Sitting back on my heels, I sagged. “Well, no, actually. And that sucks to hear, but still. This is a good plan. Help me make it work.”

He stared at me, and I got up next to Pietor, pouting profusely as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Come on. Please?” I dragged out, sounding very much like a kid asking for a toy.

Pietor scoffed, and it bled into a laugh. He definitely shook his head this time. “Okay, okay. I’ll help teach you. But you better be a quick study, or there’s no way I’m letting you do this.”

“Yay!” I cried, hugging him tight. “I will be. I promise.”

Glowering at me, Pietor rolled his eyes and started pulling me out of bed. “Will see, won’t we, darlin’.”

***

Pietor made sure to set me up with equipment and provided a run-down of everything I’d be using in the event that I got to carry out my plan before he took me to the gym in the basement. I could tell he was stalling, but at least he was doing it with useful information.

“Do you think you understand how to use the wire, then?”

He looked down at me from his position at my side as we stood next to a large aluminum table.

“I just wear it, hun. There’s not much to figure out.”

Rolling his eyes, Pietor pulled me into his arms. “Fine. Fine. Let’s go. I know you’re onto me anyway.”

With a wide grin, I let him lead me down the hall and to the stairs near the kitchen that went down into the basement. The walls and steps, while less extravagant than the house proper, were still several steps above your typical basement. They were finished and painted, the stairs themselves showcasing a thick black runner that led all the way down to the bottom.

As we got there, Pietor led me to the right down a hall with a handful of doors on either side. Everything was colored a neutral terracotta, and at the far end, there was a set of glass double doors.

“Jesus, Pietor. It’s nicer down here than my actual apartment.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, well, the Vadims don’t do things half-assed, and my cousin likes to make sure we’re all on the top of our game.”

“Lev?” I raised a brow, still trying to work out the intricacies of the Vadim family tree.

“Well, yes, him, too. But I was actually talking about Sergey. He’s head of the family.”

“Oh.” I nodded, my brows still up. “Damn, you guys really are like a little dynasty or royal family or something.”

“That’s not too far off from what I know about dynasties and monarchies as a form of government.”

I laughed, and Pietor pushed open the double doors to reveal the massive gym and training area.

The walls in the entirety of the room were made of gorgeous light-wood paneling; even the ceiling had them. The deeper brown wood edges of the floor around the perimeter of the room poked out from under several large mats in a soft cream color. They looked immaculately clean, and there was one for each training station—the weights, the machines, the treadmill, and the large open sparring area with several available mannequins nearby to utilize.

Not one, not two, but four hanging punching bags, each with its own speedbag nearby. Clearly, it had been designed to let several of the men living here work out simultaneously.

There were mirrors on the walls near the weights and machines so that you could assess your form and a massive fan and industrial-style light fixture mounted to the center of the ceiling. The entire place gave off a vibe much more like a spa than some basic-bro gym.

“Damn, Pietor. This place is…”

“It’s nice. I’m well aware that we’re spoiled. But,” he stopped me, turning me toward him so that I met him face-to-face. Now that we’re here and you’re making me do this let's get started. I want to see those skills of yours.”

Making a face at him, I shrugged off Pietor’s hands and walked to the sparring area. As I stepped onto the mat, the squishy material bounced my steps back at me like I was walking on a playground.

I pulled my elbow behind my head to stretch. “All right, buddy. Let’s go.”

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