Page 16 of Claimed By the Bratva

Joyce jumped out. Joyce turned to close the door. She looked at me as she replied. Her voice filled with a calmness. “I hope it helps, good luck.” The door slammed closed, and I sat watching as she headed up the driveway to her door. Once she was inside, I drove back to the safe house.

Sitting in my truck staring at the house, I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t just sit there. Pulling my phone from my pant pocket, I looked at the screen. Dialing Tasha, I knew I was overstepping, but I had to. This time, as she answered, she sounded slightly irritated. “Tasha, you good?” I asked.

“Yes, what can I do for you, Anton?” Tasha replied curtly.

I shook my head. I knew I had been bothering her quite a bit lately, but this morning, I wasn’t the friendliest. But I needed this. “Can you tap into her phone for me and link the calls to my laptop? She has delivered what we wanted. I have let her go. I just want to ensure she doesn’t speak to anyone about our deal.”

This was only partially a lie. I actually only wanted to hear her voice and learn more about her. I couldn’t just let go of her.

Tasha sighed as she replied. “Okay, it’s done. Anything else?”

“No, thank you,” I replied, feeling strangely relieved. Opening my laptop and placing it on the passage seat, I logged into the line. As soon as there is activity, I will be able to hear it. Starting my truck again, I headed to see Alexandr. I had the files on me. We need to get the information to the Morozovs.

Once the intel had been passed on, I could put all my focus into something else. Over the weekend, I caught up with Abram on our operations. Early Monday morning, I headed out. I went back to the coffee shop across from her work. I sat there monitoring her movements.

She came in before everyone else like she used to. Most of her morning was spent on emails, filing, and writing reports. Just before lunch, she received a call. I listened intently as she discussed some work issues. Her voice was like a fresh spring breeze to my beating heart.

I waited until dusk to see her leave. I knew this struggle wasn’t good for me. I had to let her go, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I followed this insane routine for the rest of the week.

Between breakfast and lunch, I would check in with Abram to ensure our business didn’t suffer under my newfound hobby. What I was doing was wrong in every sense of the word. My heart and mind were fighting a constant battle.

I tried a variety of methods, including meditation, focusing on work, and excessive training sessions at night. But nothing cleared my mind. By Friday, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to see her and speak to her.

Chapter 10 - Joyce

I spent the weekend working in the garden, trying to clear my mind of Anton and all that had happened. Nothing I did at home appeared to help, so I decided to come in earlier than usual. The last two days had been torture.

For some reason, I couldn’t get Anton out of my head. He had crawled into the deepest corners of my mind. Whenever I thought I could focus on something else, something reminded me of him. There I was, feeling lost all over again.

Taking on more work, I tried to bury myself in it. I had to find a way to move forward. I struggled to keep images of Anton from invading my mind. The harder I tried, the more my mind focused on him.

As the week progressed, I worked longer hours. I took on more clients. I even started assisting some of the other employees with their work. But nothing I did alleviated the sense of incompleteness I felt.

Friday was only half a day. Stepping into the office, I already feared having to go home. The morning started like every other. The office building was void of any life when I entered. After making a fresh pot of coffee, I poured myself a cup and went to my office.

Switching on my computer, I tried to overload my mind with waybills, shipment instructions, and client requests. By lunch, I had worked through everything. As I sat back in my chair, I turned to the window. I noticed a light breeze blowing outside as the trees swayed left and right.

My mind drifted off, and I was back at the safe house with Anton. Shaking my head profusely, I rose from my chair, angry. Storming out, I decided to grab lunch outside. Maybe the freshair would clear the cobwebs. I pressed the elevator button and waited.

I was ready to step in as the doors opened but froze in place. I blinked rapidly and then rubbed my eyes. Was I imagining things now, I wondered as Anton came out of the elevator. Reaching up in disbelief, I softly touched his cheek. I had to make sure he was real. “Anton,” I breathed out, still trying to wrap my mind around him being there.

He stared into my eyes as a smile formed on his lips. “Hi, Joyce. Can we talk?” He said as he took hold of my hand pulling it down.

My mind filled with questions as I glanced around. Luckily, no one was in reception as my reaction would have raised a mountain of enquiries. “Yes, yes,” I replied quickly. Turning, I led him back to my office. He held my hand tightly as we moved, and I didn’t even try to fight it.

His touch was warm and unexpectedly comforting. I was glad to see him and felt my stomach turning as we walked. Stepping into my office, some clarity entered my foggy brain. Turning swiftly, I pulled my hand from his and moved around my desk. I watched as Anton closed the door and stepped up to my desk.

He smiled as he came closer, placing a package on my desk. I couldn’t believe he was here. Did he miss me, or did he want something else? “I thought we could have lunch,” he said smoothly.

Still stunned by his appearance, I nodded as I sat down in my chair. “Sure, have a seat,” I replied, waving him to the chair beside him. My voice sounded a bit shaky, and so did my insides. Clearing my throat, I wiped the influx of images from my mind. I had to stay focused until I was sure of his intentions.

He spoke as he took out two containers from the bag. “I had to swing by and find out how you have been.” I watched guardedly as he placed one down before me.

I wasn’t sure if he was truly interested to know how I’d been or if he wanted to squeeze me for more intel. Opening the container, I answered carefully. “I’m good, thanks.” Looking from the food before me to Anton, I pondered on what he could want from me.

“Any exciting developments going on around here?” he asked a bit too casually.

At this, my walls instantly went up. “What is this, Anton?” I questioned, feeling sure he just wanted more information. “I gave you all you asked for; why are you here?”

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