Page 7 of The Bratva King's Claimed Bride

Then, more silence.

The man doesn’t even hum along to the radio.

I need to plan my escape. I may be easy to kidnap, but I’m not easy to hold onto. I just need to time it right.

A part of me is curious about who has taken me, but another part doesn’t want to find out. I have plans for the Milovs, and I don’t need anyone interrupting them.

It feels like we’re driving forever, and I just keep going over the plan. They’re going to put me down somewhere, and I’m going to dart off and get out. I’m a fast runner. I did track in high school.

I also have this desire to find out who these people are that have kidnapped me. Mostly so I know who to avoid in the future, but also because an enemy of my enemy is my friend, you know, that whole malarkey.

He hits a bump, and I try not to make a sound even though I know that’s going to leave a bruise later.

And another bump.

He slows down, and I feel like we are nearing our destination. I must remember to be dead weight in his arms, or he’ll know I’m awake. I shut my eyes and breathe evenly.

The van pulls to a sudden stop, and I clench my jaw. This guy really doesn’t give two shits about hurting me.

I hold still, relaxing all my muscles and hoping this dumbass doesn’t drop me.

He opens the van door and drags me onto his shoulder. His shoulder digs into my stomach, and the smell of cigars and aftershave fills my nostrils.

He grunts slightly and carries me up the steps. I quickly peek through my eyelashes as we enter a mansion. I hope he doesn’t take me too deeply into it, or I won’t be able to find my way back out. I’m tempted to open my eyes again, but what if someone sees me?

What if he senses I’m awake and ties me up?

We walk for a short distance before I’m put down on something soft. It must be a sofa.

There’s a moment of silence, and then I hear a gruff voice ask, “You didn’t hurt her, did you?” He’s quiet, as though he’s worried about waking me.

My captor must still be in the room because I hear his voice next, “No, she struggled a little, but I overpowered her easily enough.” I hear footsteps walking away from me.

“I’m surprised the Milovs didn’t notice and follow me. That was my biggest worry.” His voice is a little further away.

They both sound like they’re further away when the other man talks. “I was going to use her as ransom, but I think I have bigger ideas for her. Did you really need to drug her?”

Yes, asshole, did you really need to drug me?

I peek at where they’re standing and see they are on the other side of the room. The one who took me is somewhat facing me, but if I’m quiet and fast enough, I can get away.

“She struggled; I told you. It was easier that way than have her cry out to her brothers and cause a scene.”

The older man almost seems amused. “Is a little girl too much work for you?” he scoffs. “I would think you’d be stronger than that.”

I see my kidnapper square up to his boss, and I know they’re distracted enough. I slip off the sofa and tiptoe to the door, slipping out. I look around and quickly make my way to another door. No, that’s not the way out.

I go down the hallway a little.

I can hear them talking behind me. I don’t have much time. They could discover I’ve gone at any moment. I leave the hallway and take some stairs down to the front entrance hall.

Yes, the front door.

I hurry toward it, and I’m so happy to have found it. I don’t hear the footsteps behind me.

Suddenly, there’s a presence pressed against me, and a hand slams the door I’m opening shut. “I think not.”

“Let me go,” I demand, turning to look at the man. He has a scar on his cheek, but his eyes are surprisingly expressive.

---