Page 5 of Captured By the Bratva

I blink, taken aback. “What? No, he hasn’t.”

“Oh, he has,” Sarah insists, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “He’s been looking at you all night.”

I glance over at Nick, who’s laughing with a group of guys near the grill. He’s tall, with sandy blond hair and a charming smile. Sure enough, when he catches my eye, he quickly looks away, a slight blush creeping up his neck.

“See?” Sarah says, giggling. “I told you.”

I feel my cheeks heat up, a mix of embarrassment and flattery. “Well, I wasn’t exactly paying attention.”

“Maybe you should,” Sarah teases. “It’s about time you had a little harmless flirtation.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. “You’re incorrigible.”

“That’s why you love me,” she says, sticking her tongue out playfully.

We laugh, the sound blending with the music and chatter around us. Someone turns up the volume on the speakers, and a catchy song fills the air. Without missing a beat, Sarah pulls me to my feet, dragging me toward the pool.

“Come on, let’s dance!” she says, her excitement contagious.

We join a group of friends who are already dancing by the poolside, the rhythm of the music guiding our movements. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment, the worries of the outside world fading away with each beat.

Nick makes his way over, a shy smile on his face. “Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all,” Sarah says, winking at me. “Violet was just saying how much she enjoys dancing.”

I shoot her a look, but she’s already turning away, her attention now on another friend. Nick steps closer, and I can feel the warmth of his presence, a stark contrast to the cool night air.

“So,” he says, his voice a bit nervous. “Having a good time?”

“Yeah,” I reply, trying to match his casual tone. “It’s a great party.”

There’s an ease to being here, surrounded by friends and enjoying a night of simple pleasures. For a moment, I let myself forget about the complications in my life and the dangers that come with them.

Sarah catches my eye from across the pool, giving me a thumbs-up and a knowing smile. I laugh, shaking my head at her antics. She’s always been good at pushing me out of my comfort zone, and tonight is no exception.

Nick leans in a bit closer, his voice low. “You know, Sarah wasn’t kidding. I have been checking you out.”

I feel my cheeks flush again, but I meet his gaze, a smile playing on my lips. “I noticed.”

He grins, a little more confident now. “Well, maybe we can hang out more tonight. Get to know each other better.”

“I’d like that,” I say, and it’s the truth. Tonight, I want to enjoy the moment, to let myself be just another girl at a party, having fun with friends.

We continue to dance, and I lose track of time, the music and laughter echoing through my skull. After a while, I realize I haven’t checked my phone in a bit. I excuse myself from the group, telling Nick and Sarah I’ll be right back.

Nick nods, giving me a charming smile that makes me feel lighthearted and carefree.

I wander back to the patio where I left my things, scanning the area for my phone. It takes me a few minutes of searching, but I finally spot it tucked under a towel. I pick it up and notice several missed calls from my father. My initial reaction is to roll my eyes. “It’s not even eleven yet,” I mutter to myself. Why is he so concerned?

As I start to walk back towards the pool, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of my mind. My father always calls me on time, never super early. He usually has Caleb call if he can’t reach me. The fact that he called multiple times makes me pause. I turn back and decide to call him, a sense of unease settling in my stomach.

The phone rings and rings, but he doesn’t pick up. Now I’m really starting to worry. I bite my lip, glancing back at the party where everyone is still laughing and dancing, oblivious to my growing anxiety.

I quickly find Sarah, who’s chatting with some friends near the pool. “Hey, I need to make another call. Something’s up,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Sarah nods, concern flashing in her eyes. “Everything okay?”

“Not sure,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Just give me a minute.”

---