Page 17 of Claimed By the Bratva

I watched as he rose and walked to the window. He was more than just handsome. The jeans he was wearing framed his buttocks beautifully. His long, muscular legs also filled the pipes tightly. His shirt was just taut enough to highlight his upper body. The sun coming in made his black hair shine.

My stomach turned and twisted as I studied the fine specimen before me. I couldn’t pull my eyes away. I felt entranced by his manliness. My mouth opened as my tongue licked my lips. I felt my chest closing slowly as my breathing became harder. Shaking my head, I lowered my gaze, feeling guilty for the thoughts entering my mind.

Then suddenly, Anton turned and stormed at me. I jumped up, gasping as he grabbed me by the arms and pulled me up against him. “Joyce,” he whispered, looking deeply into my eyes.

My heart felt like it was about to jump out of my body as it raced. His hold was strong but gentle. My legs felt like Jello; Iwas sure if he let go of me, I would flop to the floor. Breathing in heavily, I placed my hands on his sides. “Yes,” I whispered back.

As he spoke, I could feel his hot breath tickling my lips. “I want to know how you are doing. Are you okay? Are you coping?”

My insides were all twisted. My emotions were on a wild rollercoaster ride as I swam into his grey eyes. I wanted to close mine and allow his lips to create sparks with mine. But something inside me kept me back. “It has been hard, but I am truly okay,” I breathed out, looking at his inviting lips.

“Oddly enough,” I added, moving my hands gently up and down his sides. “I have missed being in the safe house.” Lowering my gaze, I looked at his chest. The top two buttons of his shirt were open, exposing just a hint of the flawless muscles biding behind it.

“Yes,” Anton replied softly. “I agree; it feels strange not having you there anymore.” He tenderly placed his hands around me settling them on the small of my back as he pulled me in tighter. I could feel his heart beating in his chest.

Looking up at him, I smiled shyly as my body ached for more of his touch. I felt a warmth building between my legs as my insides fluttered. “We could always…,” I started saying but stopped as I heard people in the hallway.

Glancing at the door, I prayed they would just pass and not interrupt us. I wanted him to do more than talk. My body was screaming for his touch. Once their voices faded, I turned my attention back to the man whose arms were holding me up.

“Joyce,” he whispered again. This time, he leaned in, speaking into my ear. His lips grazed the fine hair on my neck. My body shivered lightly.

“Yes, Anton,” I replied, closing my eyes. I wanted him to go ahead, to explore my body. But it wasn’t something I would ask. He had to make the first move. I had to be sure he wanted it.

“I have to go,” he said, stepping back.

Opening my eyes, I looked at him questioningly. “What?” I asked.

He smiled, and I felt my legs wobbling as he let go. “I just came to check on you. I might again, but seeing that you are good, I must go now.”

I was stunned. My words caught in my throat as I watched him turn and walk away. I tried calling after him, but no sounds were coming out of my open mouth. A deep sadness watched over me as I moved to my chair and flopped into it.

“What just happened?” I asked, looking up at the ceiling. The rest of the day went by incredibly slowly. I was walking around in stupor most of the time, trying to figure out if he was interested or not. I had never felt like this with any man before.

He wasn’t the kind of man my family would approve of, but my mind and body wanted him. Hell, I felt sure even my heart wanted him. I was still moving around in a daze as the day ended.

It felt like I was moving mechanically as I heated some leftovers and sat down on my bed to watch a movie. I thought maybe tomorrow would be better as I lay back and closed my eyes.

Chapter 11 - Anton

“We have done it,” Alexandr spouted as he hung up the phone. “We are still on a trial alliance. But we have gained their trust, Anton!”

I smiled at my brother as I replied. “That’s great news. Now, what needs to be done next?”

Alexandr leaned back in his chair, staring at me. Alexandr spoke in his calm but authoritative tone. “I need you to go and finalize the alliance. I have booked a flight out, and it leaves in about two hours. Can you handle it?”

“Can I handle it?” I replied cockily as I got up. “You know I can.”

“Why? I thought it was done. We sent them everything we got.” Abram chipped in from the side.

“Yes, but…,” Alexandr said, shaking his head. “There are some things they want to double-check. Seeing that Anton is the one who got the intel, they requested him. Is that a problem?”

Abram shook his head, lowering his gaze as he replied. “No, I was just wondering when Anton will return to the warehouse.”

As I headed for the door, I heard Alexandr’s tone raise as he questioned Abram some more. “Is there something you can’t handle? If you need an extra set of hands, ask Akim!”

Turning in the doorway, I smiled at the two of them. “Calm down, the world isn’t ending. I’ll be back soon.”

Abram’s eyes narrowed as he gave me his most evil grin. “Yes, see you tomorrow,” Alexandr added, waving me out the door. Walking down the hall, I could hear them still going at it.

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