Page 37 of Innocent Bratva Virgin

Ugh, I should’ve learned sign language.

Stalking toward him, I snatched his phone off the arm of the couch and quickly downloaded the TalkBack feature to his keyboard and messaging app. Ivan had the gall actually to chuckle to himself, and Abe was always a barrel of fucking monkeys when it came to my refusal to speak.

I really do hate them sometimes.

But after a few moments, I’d typed up a message and had the phone read it off, returning to my spot against the support beam while it played.

“I’m not going back, and it’s not like that. I was shot for fuck’s sake, and I happened to be right near her office. It seemed like the best move at the time. I didn’t expect to see the fucking Italians at the same damn hospital Emory took me to.”

“Emory, huh? Well, you should tell your dick that you don’t like her because he’s leading the charge right now.”

Abe’s assessment—while technically speaking not incorrect—was a kick to the sack, and I was so ready just to clock the asshole. It seemed like it would be much easier to fight him instead of having this stupid convo about my feelings.

Because I didn’t have any.

Ivan scoffed, just as annoyed with Abe as I was. “Christ, Abe. Just try being a person for once. You know? Maybe take a few seconds to process before the words fly out of your mouth?”

Abe just shrugged, leaning back against the armchair he was using and crossing his legs. His ankle rested on his other knee, and I was so damn tempted to kick the damn thing outfrom under him. He looked so damn smug, and I’d had it up to here with his fucking attitude.

“Nah. I’m good. Besides, it’s not me who needs the wake-up call.” Abe swiveled his gaze over to me. “You’re as bad as Ivan was, Vlad. And methinks you just need to admit you’ve got a thing for the chick so that we can just be done with it.”

I rolled my eyes, going back to the phone and typing up a message for the TalkBack.

“Need I remind you both, the Italians fucking shot me. I think I have every right to want a little retaliation. I mean, I’m your brother, right? Where’s that righteous family rage?”

Ivan ducked his head, the corners of his mouth turning down.

“Oh, trust me. They’ll fucking pay, little brother. Butunfortunately, Abe has a point. You need to admit that you wouldn’t have gone to Emory or brought her here if you didn’t have feelings for her.”

I really wasn’t in the mood to have this conversation, or the one I’d left upstairs, for that matter. So, it looked like my options for the evening were pretty limited. I was content to fuck off to the library upstairs,butwe needed to discuss a plan for tracking our targets down.

After a quick response, I let TalkBack change the subject for me. “So, how are we going to find these guys? Do you have any leads or anything about where the Italians are holding up these days?”

Rolling his eyes for the umpteenth time tonight, Ivan adjusted in his seat. As he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, I could see the gears in his head switch, flipping to threat assessment mode.

“Yeah, I’ve got some ideas.” Ivan gestured at the other armchair that wasn’t holding Abe’s dumb ass. “Why don’t you have a seat?”

I had no choice, really, but anything was better than going back to that room with Emory and being cooped up in there with her arguing.

At least…that’s what I told myself.

Chapter 15 - Emory

Vlad’s book collection was pretty impressive. He had several classic titles that I enjoyed, along with quite a few newer books that I was very interested in reading, except not right now. The idea of losing myself to a book wasn’t nearly as appealing as usual, and I couldn’t bring myself to fall back asleep.

I’d given it the old college try, too. I laid down on the pillow, but after forty minutes, which I’d verified by looking at my phone, I just couldn’t do it anymore.

“Ugh. You’re not sleeping, Emory. And this…sucks.”

When I had insomnia back home, I would review case notes or go for a late-night run. I couldn’t exactly do that right now. I’d get lost in those trees for sure.

I wonder if they have a home gym? The brothers seem like the type.

Getting up, I pulled on my sneakers again and went for the door. I tested the knob. Vlad hadn't locked it, so I slipped into the hallway, intent on finding out if a treadmill was one of my new “hotel’s” accommodations.

However, the house was so much larger than any I’d been to. Even with the glass walls, it was challenging to navigate, and I was not sure where what I was looking for would be kept. I wasn’t keen on going downstairs and potentially running into Vlad, so I stuck to the second floor.

There was a staircase that went up as well, but it was narrow and only had one door at the top. I had a feeling that it was the attic or something, and since I hadn’t seen Adley again, I had to assume that her room must be up there.

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