Page 58 of Stolen By the Bratva King

“Lawyer,” the guard grunts, sliding his key into the lock and twisting it. “Get your things from your room. I don’t have all day.”

“I’m really going to miss your sunny disposition,” I grin at him.

His face reddens deeper, his lips thinning. “You’ll just be replaced by another smartass.”

“Lucky you.” After a month of being trapped inside this godforsaken place, with a few calls between Vlad and my lawyer, it’s time to put this place in my rearview mirror.

I grab my book and shower shoes, my few jail uniforms to be replaced with my real shoes and clothes. Then I march towards freedom.

Vlad is leaningon the hood of the car, the sun glinting down on him. His cigar smoke curls a trail up to the sky.

I spread my arms out and inhale a deep breath. “Ah, fresh air.”

I reach Vlad and he stands up, clapping me on the back as we draw in for a brotherly hug. “Good to see you at long last.”

“It’s been a minute,” I agree.

“You look well.” He pulls away. “Maybe a bit thinner.”

“Well, you know, all the cafeteria slop is so appealing I couldn’t get enough,” I joke.

Vlad laughs and hands me a cigar. “Congratulations on your release.”

“I owe you,” I say and cup my palm around the end of the cigar to light it against the wind.

“You know we can’t run things without you,” Vlad says.

“True, which means we need to get out of here and get to work.” I jump in the passenger seat.

“Where’s Hazel?” My stomach knots a little when I realize she isn’t here to pick me up.

Vlad cranks the engine, blowing more smoke out the open window. The only reason I ask is because Vlad told me he’s kept in touch with her. “She’s been staying at the condo.”

“Mycondo?” I don’t hide my surprise.

“Yep.” Vlad nods, spinning the wheel as he backs out.

“Why?” I’ve been talking to Vlad frequently enough that this should have been something he mentioned to me before now.

Vlad glances at me. “Just relax. I didn’t want to stress you out any further than you already were.”

“Why did she want to stay at my condo?” I’m reeling at this information, trying not to lose my temper on my best captain, trying to understand why he wouldn’t tell me this from the start.

“She didn’t tell me.” Vlad makes a right turn.

“You didn’t ask?”

“She told me not to ask her too many questions.”

“Why didn’tyoutell me?” I press.

“Like I said, you had enough worries on your plate inside,” Vlad explains.

I adjust myself in the seat, leaning back. “That’s something you should have told me during our first phone call.”

“I didn’t know how long she planned on staying. I didn’t want to get involved. She acts cautious around me, anyway. I didn’t want to make her more uncomfortable.”

“Did you stay at the house too?” I grill him with my eyes.

---