Page 33 of Forced By the Bratva

As I came to stand by her, the guy stood up. “Try her again,” he said, grinning. He looked like a clown auditioning for a role at the circus with his mouth pulled from ear to ear.

Mila got on the bike and started it. The bike purred to life. “Oh, thank you so much, guys. What would we have done without your help,” Mila said smoothly. The guy on his knees, thinking he had fixed the bike, moved closer to her.

“You can always repay me in other ways,” he whispered.

“Sure,” Mila said, nodding for me to get on. “Get a pen. I’ll give you my number.”

As the men talked amongst each other, searching their pockets for a pen, I got on. Tapping Mila’s shoulder, she took off again. We made a wide turn at the end of the building and flew past the screaming men.

Once we left the dirt road, I saw Piotr and Konstantin driving behind us. I was glad they had followed. That place wasn’t pleasant. The smell inside was sickening.

We were all overjoyed that the mission was a success. I handed over all the evidence of their operations to Piotr. The men had an appointment with Ashan to discuss the next steps.

As they left, Mila tapped me on the shoulder. “Girl’s night?” she asked, grinning.

“Well, that sounds like fun,” I replied. “Will the guys be joining us later?”

“No,” Mila responded, pulling me by my arm. “Let’s get going.”

She scribbled a note and left it on the kitchen table before we headed out. She drove at her normal fast speed. The first couple of times I rode with her was a bit scary, but I was getting used to the speed.

We pulled in at a club I hadn’t been to before. Mila parked on the paving at the door. The parking area was well-lit. It was fancier than most of the places I had been to. It was a large building with a bright glittering sign that read, Ladies.

Entering, I noticed the tables were placed around the sides of the dance floor. At the back was a long bar counter with seats. In one corner was a pool table, dart board, and jukebox. There weren’t many patrons, but I suspected we were very early.

Taking a seat at one of the tables, Mila raised her hand and waved it in the air. A young blond woman in a pink skirt and top came waltzing over. “Hi, Mila, what’ll it be?” she said in a faint squeaking tone.

“Give me two regulars and shots,” Mila replied, smiling at her. As she walked back to the bar, Mila called after her. “Layle,” The woman stopped and turned back. “Keep the shots coming tonight, dear; we got some celebrating to do.” The woman nodded and walked to the bar.

“Mila,” I said, staring at the waitress.

“Yeah?”

“I don’t usually drink shots. Can I skip them?”

Mila laughed as she replied. “No, little sheep, you are going to celebrate with me. Aren’t you pleased we accomplished our mission?”

“Yes, I am,” I responded as the woman returned and placed the drinks on the table.

“Well then,” Mila added, lifting the shot. “Here’s to us.”

I lifted mine into the air and waited for Mila to continue.

“Down the hatchet,” she spouted and then swallowed the contents of the small glass.

I did the same. The hot liquid ran down my throat, burning as far as it went. I coughed and shook my head as I gasped for air. The glass was cold, but the alcohol felt like fire. Mila burst out laughing as she handed our glasses to the waitress.

“There you go,” Mila said, tapping my shoulder. “You’re now part of the family, and I will teach you how to drink.”

Lifting the glass of beer, I took a big swallow. It soothed my throat a little before the next round of shots came. I was feeling tipsy by the fifth or seventh round. I couldn’t remember how many I had drank. I realized I was getting louder and needed to get home soon.

Taking out my phone, I dialed Piotr. “Alyssa,” he said as he answered.

“Ye,” I replied. “Can you come get us?”

“Sure, princess, you sound a bit drunk. Are you okay?” I heard him say as I disconnected and returned the phone to my pocket.

We had another two rounds before Piotr arrived. “Girls…, really, Mila,” he huffed as he saw us.

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