Page 67 of Forced Bratva Prisoner

“It’s almost eight. I waited a bit longer because I thought—I just wanted to wait for you.”

“But—" I glance at my watch. I’ve been sitting in my office for three hours thinking about what he did to my family. I can’t believe so much time went by and I didn’t even realize it.

“I’ll be right out,” I say with a tight smile. I’m still finding it very difficult to look her in the eyes after what I said about her. I’ll kill Sasha.

I shake my head and stand up. My legs are stiff and sore from sitting for so long.

Making my way downstairs to the dining room, I do my best to change the expression on my face and have an outwardly normal appearance. When I walk in, Sasha is seated and waiting for me. Our food is on the table, steaming and ready.

“Crumbed pork schnitzels with mushroom sauce, roast potatoes and creamed spinach,” she says as I sit down.

“Looks great,” I sigh.

“Did you have a long day? You look exhausted.”

“Yes. It was just a long day, that’s all. I had a lot of complicated things to deal with.” It’s not like I’m lying to her. What had been going on in my head was complicated.

Sasha is quiet for a little while, waiting for me to talk, but I don’t know what to say. So, eventually she tries her best to make conversation.

“I’m reading a new book. For once, it’s not a murder.” She laughs. “It’s about this team of people who travel the world saving sea life, like dolphins and sharks. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but they really catch you emotionally with each rescue they do.”

“Mm.” I nod, chewing slowly. “Sounds interesting.”

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf.”

“Surf?” I ask, confused.

“You know, surf. Like on a board, on the waves.” She laughs again, but it sounds nervous. She can tell something's wrong with me.

“Oh, right. I’ve never been surfing, either. I’ve got a jet ski at my one holiday home in Hawaii, and I’ve been parachuting. Also, base jumping. My cousins and I were into some adrenaline sports when we were younger.”

“That’s incredible. I want to try all of those things. You know, now that I’m not ever going back to my father, I've been thinking about the things in life I missed out on that I want to try.”

“Your father,” I sigh.

She turns her head down towards her plate and pushes her food around with her fork.

Do I tell her he called today? All it will do is cause tension for her. Then I might have to tell her what the conversation was about, and I don’t want to go into all of that.

For now, I am going to keep it to myself. What does it have to do with her, anyway? It’s between her father and me.

We eat the rest of the meal in silence.

Then Sasha excuses herself, telling me she is going to bed early and will be reading, letting me know I’m encouraged to get an early night, too, because I look like I need one.

I watch her walking away and guilt eats at my insides.

I clench my jaw and drum my fingers on the table.

I am exhausted, but how will I be able to sleep with all these thoughts in my mind?

Memories haunting me, emotions dark and festering.

I stand up and walk over to the liquor cabinet, pouring a double whisky.

I drink is slowly, standing outside on the balcony watching the stars glittering in the dark sky. For a change, it's clear and not clouded and grey. The air is still biting with a cold chill.

When the drink is gone, I feel a little more at ease, and I climb the steps towards the bedroom.

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