Page 10 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

“Oh!” she screams, almost dropping them. I jump in to help grab it just in time, balancing out the jugs and plates.

“So sorry, I’m such a klutz!” I giggle. “Let me help you to the door.”

She nods, momentarily disoriented, and picks up the tray while I hold up two jugs in my hand and walk with her to the door.

She doesn't realize that I study her movements on the exit keypad, memorizing the sequence of numbers she enters. The door creaks open, and she lays the tray down on the floor outside before taking the jugs from me.

"Enjoy your dinner, Pippa," Lana says with a warm smile. "Boss won't be home tonight, so you can rest easy in here. He’s requested you for dinner tomorrow."

"Thanks, Lana," I reply, trying to sound casual. "Have a good night." She leaves, locking me in.

Alone at last, I let out a whoop and a fist bump in the air. I finally have it all figured out. I’ve got the passcode for my escape.

***

That night, I wait for what seems like an eternity, ensuring the house has fallen silent before I make my move.

With Lev gone and everyone else asleep, this is the perfect opportunity to make my escape.

My fingers tremble as I type in the access code. The door clicks open, and I smile at the sweet sound of success.

I step out into the dimly-lit hallway. Every creaky floorboard and faint echo feels like a potential alarm, alerting Lev's men to my presence. I tiptoe down the corridor, relying on my agility and wits to remain undetected.

As I round a corner, I catch a glimpse of light coming out through the seams.

Damn it. Whoever could it be?

I decide to carry on, making my way through the hallway, each step as quiet as a whisper.

Please, don’t come out, I pray.

My heart races in my chest, terror coursing through me like electricity. I've made it this far, but there's still a long way to go before I can truly consider myself free.

As I approach a room, I hear voices—low and hushed—coming from within. I recognize one as Lev’s—smooth and deep, gravelly and husky.

No! He wasn’t supposed to be here. The door is slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light across the floor. Panic washes over me as I realize he's home and clearly engaged in some conversation. With no other choice, I duck into an alcove nearby, praying they won't discover me.

But I mess up. As I shift to hide in the shadows, my elbow knocks against a delicate vase perched on a nearby table. The sound of shattering porcelain echoes through the hallway, and I freeze, horrified at my own clumsiness.

"Did you hear that?" someone in the study asks.

"Stay here," Lev orders, his voice like ice. The door swings open, and I catch a glimpse of his stormy blue-gray eyes scanning the corridor. His gaze passes over me, but only for a moment. He quickly realizes what has happened.

"Miss Anderson," he calls out, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Lev, I—" I begin, stumbling over my words. But there's no convincing him otherwise. He knows exactly what I've been up to.

"Save your excuses," he snaps, stepping toward me. "Running away in the dead of night? Really? I thought you were smarter than that."

"Maybe I am," I retort, refusing to back down. "Maybe I'm tired of being treated like some sort of possession when all I want is my freedom."

"Your determination is admirable," he says, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "But you're only making things worse for yourself."

With an agility that belies his size, Lev lunges toward me. I turn on my heel to sprint in the other direction but realize it’s a dead end.

"Lev, please!" I cry out, turning to face him, desperate for any chance at mercy. "Just let me go!"

"Sorry, Sweetheart," he taunts, his words echoing through the hallway. "I never claimed to be a good man."

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