Page 53 of Brutal Bratva King

“Nope,” she says, getting annoyed with me. “It’s almost six. I’m shooting home to change, then going straight there. My brothers are all going to be home late, so I want to make the most of the night without them bothering me.”

“Ruslana—“ I sigh, seeing my own defiance in her. I have been just as determined to get my brothers back for being annoying, but I never threw myself at some random stranger for revenge.

“Anya—“ She rolls her eyes. “Don’t be like my brothers,” she warns me and I can sense that she won’t put up with metrying to boss her around. I have to find another way to handle this and keep her safe from her own petty ideas.

“OK, send me your location, I’ll meet you there later. I need to change. If you don’t go to Black Cat just let me know so I know where to go.”

“Yay!” she shouts, wrapping her arms around me and spinning me as she hugs me.

When Ruslana is gone, I am filled with panic. I don’t know what to do. I should go after her, but I promised Rodion I wouldn’t leave the house. We are just starting to get on well. I don’t want to ruin things between us.

But it’s his sister.

He would be furious if he found out I knew her plan and didn’t stop her.

I pace around, working myself up into a tense ball of anxiety. Finally, after an hour, I decide to tell Rodion. I know he’s busy. He shouldn’t have to deal with this shit right now. But not telling him, I think, will be ten times worse.

I send him a message because I don’t want to interrupt anything.

Me: Rodya, your sister was just here and she’s really angry with you guys for chasing her date away last night. She’s hell-bent on getting revenge by going out dancing tonight while you are all busy.

Rodion: Fuck’s sake. That girl has no clue. She didn’t understand how slimy that asshole was. I will send my guards after her. They’ll drag her home and lock her in the room if they have to.

Me: No, that’s a terrible idea. You will only make it worse between you guys. Let me handle this. I’ll go with her and keep an eye on her.

Rodion:Not a chance. I’ll send my men. My sister is not your responsibility.

Me:Actually, she is my family now. And trust me when I say this is the best way to deal with it. If you send your men, she will only get more rebellious. I saw how agitated she was today. I will make sure she is safe, and I will call you if anything happens. I promise.

There is a long pause before I get a reply.

Rodion: Put live location sharing on your phone. And I want you to message me if anything happens at all. Anything. Please be careful, princess.

Me: I promise, I will be. Don’t worry about it, focus on your work.

I’m glad I told him. Now I can help her, and I don’t have to lie to Rodion. It also lets me know that he trusts me, which makes me smile.

I haven’t been out clubbing in a long time. All those drunk idiots who hang out in those places started to annoy me long before I married Rodion. I guess at some point, you just outgrow it.

I choose a tightly fitted, short red dress and my black with red bottom heels. Slipping my phone into a clutch and pulling my hair up into a high bun, I look in the mirror to make sure I’m ready.

Ruslana messages me just as I’m leaving the house.

Ruslana:I’m here. It’s already busy. You better be coming.

She attaches her location.

Me: Awesome. I’m on the way. Don’t start the party without me.

I have no intention of going there to party. But I do need her to think that is my plan.

Taking my own car because I won’t be drinking, I head straight towards Black Cat Club.

I haven’t been there in ages, but when I park outside, the bouncers recognize me straight away and let me in with a warm welcome.

Ruslana is easy to spot. She is laughing loudly and hanging over a guy at the bar. I watch for a moment. She takes a shot and leans into the guy. He doesn’t look anywhere near as tipsy as her. I head over to them to make my presence known to the guy just so he realizes she isn’t alone here.

Then I sit at the bar and order a soda water, so I don’t look completely out of place.

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