Page 29 of Owned By the Bratva

Ashan smiled. “You’re like family; we will always be here for you. But there is still some work to be done. We must keep going. We have to succeed no matter how long it takes, do you understand.”

“Yes, I do,” I replied, nodding.

“Good, I also think we are getting closer, and they surely have something to hide. If not, they would not have come at you the way they did. The attack means that they truly have something to hide.”

Sitting up, I agreed. The Morozov family was right, the lab has something that is a great threat. Of this I was now sure.

“Good,” he said, standing. “Konstantin will be here any minute now. We will catch up once you have the information we need.”

Standing, I shook Ashan’s hand before heading up and collecting my bag. As I walked into the lobby, Konstantin entered. After a quick handshake and half hug, he took my bag and went outside.

The breeze was hot, filled with a lingering smell of breakfast, herbs, and a slight woodsy odor. It was refreshing and somewhat relaxing. As we got into Konstantin’s car, he turned to me, grinning. “You ready to join the living?”

He had always had an odd sense of humor. Laughing, I replied in an upbeat tone. “Hell, yes, I was going insane doing nothing.”

The bright red Mustang roared to life as he turned the key. “Well, then, hold on so we can get back to work.”

As we neared the mansion, I had to ask. “Where’s my truck?”

Konstantin grinned, “Your truck is home and in a better condition than ever, if I have to say so myself.”

Shaking my head at his obvious gloating, I had to inquire. “How so? It’s always in top condition, you know that.”

“Yeah, but not when it got home. You know how Piotr drives. But I fixed her up, had her cleaned and polished, so no worries.”

We laughed, which felt good. Since all this started, Konstantin and I had not been on the same page. As we pulled in, I noticed everyone had to be home, as all the bikes were parked alongside my truck. This meant that Mila and Cindy were also home.

As we exited the car and headed inside, I felt my heart pumping harder. Tonight would be the night. Entering the house, I saw Ashan and Jamie there. This was an unexpected visit, as I thought we had concluded our chat. I hadn’t even noticed their car, but my mind was flooded with other things.

“Hi, looks like a full house,” I said as they all greeted us.

“Good to see you back on your feet,” Jamie said as we hugged.

“Good to see you, and I’m just glad to be back.” Turning to Ashan, I had to add, “You checking up on me?”

Ashan grinned as he replied. “No, I had some more information that I thought would be useful.”

“Okay, in a minute,” I said, turning to Cindy. “Hi,” I said, leaning in and kissing her on the cheek.

Cindy blushed as she replied softly. “Hi, glad you’re home.”

Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I glanced back to see Piotr nodding for me to follow as he spoke. “Right, let’s go sit on the veranda. The ladies can make some coffee and join us once they’re done.”

Jamie took Cindy, and they went to the kitchen as we headed outside. Once Ashan was sure they were out of earshot, he spoke. “There’s going to be a party at the lab soon. This will be a good time to infiltrate and find out what they are working on.”

“Yes,” Piotr agreed. “Most of the personnel will be preoccupied and maybe even a little tipsy. All we have to do is figure out a way in that won’t attract any attention.”

“We can always use Cindy to get in,” Mila added.

“No,” I spat at her as a hint of anger pushed up inside. “She is never going back.”

“Calm down, Leon, we will figure it out,” Piotr said, looking sternly at me before turning to Ashan. “Thanks for the info. We will get the job done.”

Ashan nodded as Jamie and Cindy came out with the coffee, and the discussion was over. Once they left, I headed to my office to formulate a plan. I was about to send an email to a contact to get me entrance to the party when the door swung open.

Looking up, Cindy was standing in the doorway. She was leaning against the doorpost. One hand stretched up against the wood and the other on her hip. She wore a tight-fitting blue dress that didn’t truly cover much. Her breasts were pushed together, bulging out the top of the dress.

Like a second skin, the bodice was pulled and taught with lace ties going down the sides of her body. The top opened into a flared skirt that barely covered her hips. Her sparkling undergarment peeked out below the lacy bottom of the skirt. Feeling a sudden heat rushing through me, I wondered if any of the others had seen her.

---