Page 10 of Claimed By the Bratva

Looking out the window, I giggled. “What’s so funny?” he questioned. I could now hear the curiosity in his voice.

Glancing at him, I turned my attention to the road ahead. “I have to say this is truly an upgrade to the previous trips you took me on.”

I could feel his eyes on me. It felt like he was burning the side of my face with his eyes. Glancing at him, he smiled and shook his head. “Okay, I know things were a bit trickier, but that’s over.” His voice was smooth as butter, and I felt my stomach twisting suddenly.

Turning my body, I stared at him, smiling. He glanced at me and back at the road a couple of times. I just kept on staring at him. After a while, he spoke. “You look like a girl with a new puppy; what’s up with you suddenly?”

Shaking my head, I giggled at him. I felt like that girl. “Well,” I said. “Not quite in that sense. But I was thinking that I have been upgraded to VIP transport service, wouldn’t you agree?”

“ Joyce,” he replied in a soft tone. “Just relax and enjoy the ride then, and shut up.” His tone went from smooth to friendly, making my insides turn.

Before I could reply, we pulled into a parking area. Looking out the front window, I was in awe. The place was lit up like Vegas. It was amazing. Anton was a real gentleman as he came around, opened my door, and held his hand out to me.

After taking his hand and getting out, a young man approached us. Anton handed him the keys to his truck, and he went to park it. He smiled at me as he placed my hand on his arm. I hesitated at first, pulling back. I can stand on my own, you know,” I said in a light tone.

“I know,” he whispered, leaning toward me. “But do you want us to look angry entering this fine establishment?” Glancing at him, even his eyes appeared to be sparkling.

Straightening myself out, I allowed him to guide my hand to his arm. Gripping it firmly, I smiled at him as I spoke. “So, where shall we sit, dear?” I could hear the sarcasm in my tone, but he didn’t seem to mind.

Anton led me inside and moved to a corner booth. With a slight bow, I held out his arm showing me to move in first. As I sat down, I couldn’t help but stare out the window. He was right; the view was magnificent. I was so focused on it that I almost slipped right off the seat and onto the floor.

As he caught my arm and assisted me to the chair, I saw him fighting hard to keep his laughter in. Glaring at him, our eyes met as he moved around and slid in on the other side. My heart started racing, and sweat formed in the back of my neck. Anton cleared his throat before breaking the contact and looking up at the waiter approaching.

He ordered a bottle of semi-sweet white wine as he took the menus from the young man. I wondered how much he actually knew about me. First, he brought home my favorite pizza and now he ordered the only wine I drank.

Studying the menu, I glanced up now and then as I felt his gaze on me. There was an unspoken interaction between us as we tried to decide on a meal. Once the waiter returned, I had made up my mind and placed my order. Anton glanced at the waiter and then at me as he spoke. “I’ll have the same,” he breathed out.

Anton took out a cigar from his jacket pocket as the waiter left us. “You know those things are going to kill you?” I spoke softly.

“Well,” he said, grinning. “If they do, you no longer have to worry about me holding you, do you?” Anton placed the cigar down, folded his arms, and leaned onto the table, staring into my eyes.

For a moment, the air felt thick. I felt my grin dissipating. “Relax,” Anton added. “I am a man of my word. I will let you go once you have completed your part and delivered the last details.” He sat back, picked up the cigar, and smiled at me.

The lightness of earlier had disappeared altogether, and I felt trapped. I tried to smile at him, but my face didn’t want to move as I wanted it to. Lifting my gaze, I looked out at the view behind him.

“Joyce,” he said. I could hear the intensity in his tone and looked at him. “Let’s pretend you and me are here willingly.”

Turning my head, I narrowed my eyes in thought. I was confused and sure he could see it. “What are your plans for the future?” he asked.

I studied his face to see if he was truly interested in knowing. He appeared sincere, so I decided to share with him. “Well,” I started. “I made sure to put in more than my share. I am working for a promotion to another department.”

Looking down at the table, I shook my head, feeling my mood drop as I continued. “I can only hope to achieve my goal soon. I was sure I would, but now I’m not so positive about it.”

“You really like your work?” Anton asked softly.

“Oh, yes, I do. I have been fortunate to land my dream job so early in life. I have learned so much and meet interesting people regularly.” I replied, sipping some wine. “So,” I added, speaking slower. “Now that you know more about me, tell me about your work or something important about your life.”

“Are we now playing ten questions?” Anton retorted. Grinning, I shook my head in response. “Okay, no problem, then that’s what we’ll do.” He added, sitting back and killing his cigar as the waiter brought our food.

“It’s only fair,” I added, watching the waiter leave.

Anton turned his head sideways, grinning as he replied. “Ok, I suppose you have a point.” Clearing his throat, he continued. “I am not an only child. I have four siblings.”

I was astounded at his audacity. “Really,” I spat back at him. “This is what you decide to share with me after you know so much about me? That’s too basic; I want to know about your life, your work, or something important.” Shaking my head, I took a bit of my salad and stared over his shoulder out the window.

Anton laughed out loud. It was a soothing sound coming from deep within him. Looking at him, I felt my mood lifting again. It was the first time I had heard him laughing like that.“You didn’t say that; if you had been more specific, I would have shared something else,” he huffed as he stopped laughing.

“Alright, you can go again, but be sure to specify what you want to know more clearly,” he added. “I’m sure my work isn’t what you truly want to know about. It’s boring, believe me.”

---