Page 38 of Owned By the Bratva

The blood drained from my face as I realized she was experimenting on humans. I was sure it had to be some of her ‘harmless’ chemicals. A cold sweat broke out across my face. I knew I had to get out; I had to run.

Turning a bit too sharply as I started to flee, I bumped into the bin, and a loud thud echoed through the emptiness. Glancing back, I saw two large men coming my way as I proceeded toward the door I came through.

I realized I wouldn’t make it to the door before they caught up. On the pillar next to me was a fire alarm. Looking around, I saw that there were fire alarms on each pillar. As I ran past the second one, I pulled the lever. The room lit up like a Christmas tree with flashing red lights and floods of water filling it.

The two men stopped for a second and looked back at Kiera. She waved her hand, showing them how to proceed. But this gave me just enough time to get to the door. As I opened it and stepped through, I felt a hand closing on my arm. The people in the room were running left and right like headless chickens.

Some were exiting through the lobby; others were running for the stairwell. But most didn’t seem sure where they were supposed to go. Turning, I pulled with all my might. I swung my bag at the large man’s face and felt his grip on me slipping. But I also felt my legs giving away as I stumbled backward.

The two men appeared to be stuck for a second as they tried to squeeze through the door at the same time. If I weren’t scared shitless, I may have found it funny. Afterward, I most likely will, but my fear was stronger at that moment. I squirmed back like a worm on my ass, trying to get away as they popped through the doorway and came charging at me.

Seeing the end nearing, I fell back and closed my face with my arms, hoping they wouldn’t hurt me. A second passed, then another before I heard a big thump. Moving my arms apart just enough to peek, I saw Leon standing tall before me.

To the side lay one of the men in a fetal position whimpering. Leon was sitting on the other, smashing angrily at his face. The man had his hands up before his face as I had just seconds ago. But Leon wasn’t letting go. He pounded at the man's arms but soon moved to the sides of his head.

The man’s head bobbed left and then right. As his head moved left again, his arms fell to the floor. Blood covered the left side, and it looked like both his eyes were swollen. Leon glanced at me and then stood up.

He lifted me into his muscular arms and walked out the door. It felt like I was staring in an action movie. The hero carried me out with water pouring down and sparks flying around us. People were still scurrying around, although they were now mostly outside. As we got to his truck, the fire department arrived. Leon handed me a small blanket from behind the back seat. He was grinning wildly as we drove home.

Pulling into the driveway of the mansion, Mila, Konstantin, and Piotr stood waiting for us. Leon was beaming as we stopped. He got out and ran around to my side. Opening the door, he held out his hand. I took it and got out.

Chapter 22 - Leon

“Great job,” Piotr said as they came closer.

“Yeah, it was, and I was phenomenal, wasn’t I?” I said, grinning as I looked at Cindy. She stood next to me soaked but seemingly happy. I was high on completing the task and saving her. “Has everything been handed over to the Morozovs?” I added as we went inside.

“Yes, they have all the files and will let us know what’s next,” Mila replied, walking out before us.

As I requested, the table was set for a party in the living room. “And all this?” Cindy asked, raising her brows at Mila.

Placing an arm around her shoulder, I spoke up. “Well, I knew we would come out at the top, so I asked Mila to throw together some celebratory foods and drinks. Don’t you like it?”

Pulling out a chair, I held it for Cindy to sit. “No, no, this is nice,” she replied. “But can I take a shower and change before we start?”

“Of course, sweety,” I said as she started up the stairs.

While we waited, I explained the entire evening step by step. I was relieved it was finally over, but I felt better knowing I had saved the damsel in distress. Cindy returned about half an hour later dressed snuggly in a warm tracksuit.

Standing, I held her chair as she sat down. “Now we can celebrate,” I said, handing her a cocktail. Holding my glass in the air, I continued. “To Cindy, who got us access.”

Cindy tapped my leg, grinning. “It wasn’t all me,” she said, glancing around. “We all had a part to play. Without everyone's help, we wouldn’t have got it done.”

“Yes,” my three companions said in unison. They developed that habit a couple of years back while teasing me about another job. At times, it wasn't enjoyable, but tonight, it was suitable for the evening.

As we finished our first round of cocktails, Piotr’s phone rang. He looked at the screen and walked out to the back. After a while, he came back grinning.

“And that smile?” I inquired, wondering who had called.

“Well, we did it!” he said. “That was Ashan; the family had decided to destroy everything. All the notes, formulas, and any files even remotely noting the bioweapons.”

“Wow,” Mila said, placing down the vodka she was pouring. “Everything?” She sounded genuinely stunned.

“Yes, they said they don’t believe anyone should ever have such weapons,” Piotr added, picking up a glass. “Salute. To us.”

Mila handed us each a glass. We raised our glasses, toasted, and then took a swallow. The taste of vodka without mix must have been new to Cindy as her face pulled up into a knot. She was gasping for breath, waving her hand before her mouth as if it were on fire.

Laughter filled the room as I pulled her into a tight hug. I tried to speak in a soothing tone. “It’s okay; just breathe normally. It will pass now.”

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