Page 35 of Forced Bratva Prisoner

Leon continues to watch me closely, and once we have our drinks, he leads us deeper into the party so that he can mingle with all of the guests. I find myself sticking very close to his side, because at least he is the enemy I know.

He seems to sense my unease, and to my surprise he slips his arm around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. I do find comfort in the gesture, even though I don’t know what he means by it.

We mingle with a lot of people who I recognize, and a lot of people who literally make my skin crawl with the way they look at me, but Leon doesn’t leave my side for one moment. He seems to be protective of me, which is confusing, but right now I am so grateful that I don’t even want to question it.

I am very observant of how he talks to people and treats them, and it kind of surprises me that he seems to be very well-liked. He has this social persona that is charismatic and charming. He commands attention in a very alluring way. I can also see that people have a lot of respect for him.

The night goes on, and inevitably I have to accept the fact that I need to go to the bathroom, and I can’t exactly ask Leon to go with me, because that would seem weird. I’m hoping that if I just hurry there and back, I won’t bump into anyone who is looking for trouble.

“Leon, will you excuse me for a moment? I just need to go to the ladies',” I say quietly.

“Of course, do you know where it is? Just through those doors and on your left."

“I do, thanks.”

He drops his arm from around my waist, and the coldness of its absence makes me feel more exposed.

I keep my head low and my eyes averted as I quickly make my way towards the house.

I rush into the bathroom and close the door behind me with a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, no one seemed to even notice me.

I spend a little time in the bathroom freshening up and take a deep breath. When I’m done, I prepare myself to move just as quickly and quietly, unnoticed, back to Leon’s side.

Stepping out into the hallway, I glance left and right and find no one there.

But when I turn the corner, I walk straight into the worst possible person I could have imagined. Rico Nunez is one of my father’s biggest enemies. He’s not just a rival, but an avid enemy of my father. They have had a number of close encounters with each other in the past involving violent shoot outs.

He recognizes me immediately.

I try to step around him.

“Where do you think you are going?” he snarls angrily. “Why did they invite trash to this party?”

“Rico, please, just let me go past,” I mumble as the anxiety begins to grow inside me.

He grabs my arm and spins me around, slamming my back against the wall. A sharp breath is shoved from my lungs at the impact.

Before I can make another move to get away from him, he grabs my throat and squeezes so tight I can’t breathe.

I kick him hard in the shins, but all this does is make him angrier.

“Who the hell do you think you are, coming here?” he breathes against my face, and the strong smell of alcohol makes me want to gag, but I can't even take in a breath.

“Your father owes me so much. And how could I miss this perfect opportunity to take it?”

I kick again, with no effect. I’m started to feel dizzy, and my head is throbbing with pain.

Rico pulls me away from the wall and slams me back into it, a small cry escaping my lips as I manage to take one breath.

“Shut up,” he snarls.

I grab at his hands, trying to pull them away from my throat, but he is far stronger than I am and far bigger. I am not in control in this situation, and when that reality sets in, so does the fear.

“I think you are coming with me.” He glances over his shoulder and sees that no one is paying any attention to us. He looks satisfied. “I’m taking you. Right now. This is too perfect an opportunity.”

He maneuvers me in front of his body with his hand clasped over my mouth, so I can’t call for help and starts pushing me into the house, towards the front door. He’s really going to try and kidnap me. There are so many people here, but he’s going to try.

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