Page 74 of Stolen By the Bratva King

Veronica beams. “Now go knock them dead, girl. You own the room in that dress.”

My pulse spikes. “Alright, you’ve hyped me up. I’m ready.”

“Youarethe moment!” she calls out as I walk away.

Standing at Robert’s office, my nerves threaten to pull me under. I’m sweating. I remind myself there’s a bigger picture to focus on now.

Without knocking, I strut into the room, hips swaying, smirk back in place where it belongs. Robert looks up from his desk. When his jaw drops, I ascend to the sky. He blinks at me as if he’s just waking from a dream. It’s a vision I’ll cherish for a long time.

“Hazel?”

“Hi, Robert.”

“What’s going on?” He doesn’t try and mask his confusion.

“I just wanted to give you this.” I toss a thick manila folder on his desk in front of him.

He looks at the folder, then up at me. “What’s this?”

“My dedication to the story,” I explain. “Arealstory.”

He tries to give me his power trip frown and his chastising chuckle. “Does this have to do with that bratva boss?”

“His name is David,” I say. “Don’t worry. This will be the most trending story of your entire career. You’re welcome.”

He straightens his shoulders, his jaw ticking. “I’m assuming you want the credit?”

Now it’s time for me to turn the snide laughter around on him. He has no power over me anymore. “I don’t want anything from you, Robert. I quit.”

Robert’s face drains of color. His cheeks are sallow, his lips thin. He opens his mouth, closes it. Before he can stammer out something snarky to me, I whip around, turning my back to him forever.

I walk out of his office, my shoulders heavy with the emotion of all the times I’ve had to leave with tears brimming. Discouraged, feeling like my potential had just been crumpled beneath Robert’s controlling fist.

When I walk out of that room for the final time, all that weight leaves my body and it’s like I’m rising on a cloud.

Let Robert have his story. The police have their case. My work here is done, and I get the biggest prize in the aftermath. David.

My bratva hero, my loyal and attentive, nurturing and loving, big bear of a man who would stop the world from spinning to protect me and our little bundle of joy on the way.

I don’t have time to stop by Veronica’s office because David is waiting for me downstairs, but when I get to the lobby, I send her a text.

I did it! I’ll call you soon!

I slide my phone in my purse and take a deep breath, shaking with adrenaline and exhilaration.

David is parked on the side of the building in his white BMW.

When he sees me, his brow furrows with worry. “How did it go?”

I jump into my seat and toss my hair off my shoulder, grinning and giddy. I lean over and give him a long, deep kiss.

His eyes glaze when I pull away.

“It went great,” I chime. “I told him I quit.”

David smiles. “Good for you. They don’t deserve you.”

“Butyoudo.” I clamp my hand over his on the gearshift.

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