Page 7 of Paid for By the Bratva

With trembling fingers, I grab some cash from my purse and slap it onto the bar without waiting for change. The bartender watches me, his brow furrowed in worry, but I don't have time to explain and walk away, ignoring his protests to wait.

I don’t feel like I’m in control of my body, my legs forcing me to move through the crowded room.

As I push through the throngs of people, my mind races with fear. I remember the way his eyes had lingered on me when we first met, the way I ignored my intuition over how close he danced. The memory makes me shudder, and I quicken my pace, desperate for this nightmare to be over.

***

Taking a deep breath, I muster the courage to step out of the club and into the chilly night air. The sudden change in temperature sends goosebumps across my skin. I reluctantly make my way toward the alley, my chest hurting from anxiety.

This man is threatening to ruin my life. After I give him the money, I have to convince him to delete those photos and videos of us. They’re too racy—enough to ruin my life.

I round the corner into the dimly lit alley, a small semblance of relief washing over me when I spot Marv's familiar figure leaning against a wall, alone. Thank god he didn’t bring anyone with him. I’ve read enough horror stories to know how bad this can get.

But that relief is short-lived as his sinister grin spreads across his face and he eyes my figure, top to bottom.

"Ah, there you are, Sweetheart," he drawls menacingly. "Thought you might chicken out." His mocking tone and Cheshire cat grin turn my stomach.

"Let's just get this over with," I snap, trying to hide the tremor in my voice. "I brought the money. Now delete all the recordings and photos, and let me go."

"Slow down, Baby Girl." His laughter sends shivers down my spine. "You didn't think it'd be that easy, did you?"

My fingers clench tightly around the envelope full of cash, my knuckles turning white. "What do you mean?" I ask, dread pooling in my stomach.

"See, I've been thinking…" He steps closer, invading my personal space and making it difficult for me to breathe. "Maybe I need a little more insurance. You know, just to make sure you don't get any ideas about going to the cops or anything."

"Wh-what do you want?" I stammer, my mind racing with the worst possibilities. “And why the hell would I go to the cops? I want this behind me.”

"Another fifty grand should do it," he smirks, his eyes glinting with greed. "And maybe a few…favors along the way. Think of it as an ongoing business arrangement."

"Fifty grand?" I choke out, feeling the weight of his demands crushing me. "I don't have that kind of money! I sold everything I had to get you this."

His grin only widens, enjoying my panic. "Well, you don’t expect me to believe you now, do you? I’ve found you online. Zolotov. Powerful girl with a powerful family. You better find a way to get it, or those photos are going to make their rounds. You wouldn't want that now, would you?"

"Please," I whisper, my chest tightening with fear. "This isn't fair…"

"Life's not fair, Sweetheart." His voice is cold and mocking, chilling me to the bone. "You should've thought about that before you stripped off your clothes for me. You've got 48 hours. Tick tock."

"Marv, please," I plead, my voice trembling with desperation. "I can't get you that kind of money. I can’t take this to my family. Here,” I push the envelope in his hand. “Just take this, delete the photos, and let me go.”

I take a step back, now wanting to get down to convincing him about deleting what he has.

"Not so fast." He saunters closer, backing me against the alley wall. I shrink away from his foul, boozy breath. "The price has gone up. What I have is worth a lot more than you're willing to pay."

Panic and anger war inside me. I ball my hands into fists to stop them from shaking. "I already told you I don't have that kind of money."

"Then I guess Brothers Dearest will have to find out what a naughty girl you've been." He smirks. "Unless you're willing to do me a…favor." His eyes rake over me, and my skin crawls.

I stare at him, frozen. Trapped. What have I gotten myself into? There has to be another way out of this mess.

“There’s nothing more I can do!” I almost scream in desperation. My heart races in my chest, and I feel like I'm suffocating under the weight of my predicament. If only I knew someone who could help me, someone who could make this nightmare disappear. But I can't go to my family, not without exposing my own foolishness and risking their disappointment.

"You don't want those photos getting out, do you? Imagine the scandal," Marv steps back.

"Please," I whisper once more, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Don't do this."

He laughs a humorless sound that sends shivers down my spine. "It’s not much I ask for. You see, your brothers and I runin the…how shall I say this? Same circle. Their business dealings are of great interest to me.”

I gasp, the realization dawning fast. He’s from the Bratva? From everything he knows, he’s probably far more powerful than my family.

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