Page 18 of Claimed By the Bratva

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Pulling up to my house, I took a deep breath, pushing all thoughts of her away. I had to focus. I grabbed my go bag and left for the airport.

I was struggling to focus, as images of Joyce kept trying to distract me.

Getting into the back seat, I was glad she insisted, seeing that I didn’t think I should be driving. The limo pulled up to the front entrance. The place looked spectacular. It was something to behold at night. I must bring Joyce here, I thought as I approached the doors.

A big man was waiting for me. He opened the door and waved me in as he spoke. “Ivan is in the office.”

I nodded and stepped past him, heading to the bar area. I was about to enter the bar when I felt a hand close around my arm. Dropping my bag, I swung around frantically, lifting my hands in readiness. Sergei grinned at me as he took a step back.

“Sorry,” I huffed, lowering my hands and picking up my bag. “I was just on my way to see Ivan.”

Sergei shook his head, stepped closer, and spoke loudly to be clearly heard over the music. “Follow me.”

I didn’t hesitate and followed him up the stairs. On the third floor, we turned right, heading down one of the many passages the den held. Sergei stopped by a door about halfway down the hall and knocked.

Ivan’s deep voice boomed through the door, filling the quiet hallway with his words. “Come in.”

Sergei opened the door and ushered me inside. Ivan was standing towards the back of the room with a glass in his hand.He smiled as he poured whiskey into another glass on the table beside him.

“I was surprised when the guard let me know you have arrived,” Ivan said, picking up the glass and holding it out for me.

Glancing at Sergei, I shook my head lightly as I spoke. “Thanks, Ivan, but I’ve had enough on the plane.”

He chuckled and gestured for me to take a seat.

“I was only expecting you tomorrow,” Ivan added as Sergei joined me.

“Yes, I know,” I replied, smiling. “But we don’t like leaving things for later. The sooner we can get it done, the better, right?”

Ivan’s grin grew as he moved around and sat down opposite us. “I like how you and your family do things,” he commented.

Returning his smile, I took out the files I had brought with me. “Here are the details, business documents, and everything you need for the new drug company. All has been handled and is set on our side,” I said, handing it to Ivan.

He scanned through the file and gave it to Sergei. Sergei went through it slower, making sure it was what they wanted. “This is great,” he said, closing the folder and giving it back to Ivan.

Ivan stood up and pushed the glass of whiskey my way as he spoke. “We are now allies and friends. Welcome to our world.”

Standing, I picked up the glass as he poured another for Sergei. I knew this one I would have to take. It was to celebrate the alliance. “Thank you,” I said, holding my glass up.

Ivan and Sergei gently bumped their glasses into mine as Ivan spoke again. “One last thing.”

“Yes,” I nodded.

“When the first shipment arrives, our men won’t be in place yet,” Sergei added. “We will need your family to receive and safeguard the product. Just for a week or so until our people are settled.”

“No problem,” I replied, grinning at them. “It is done.”

“That’s how business should go,” Ivan said, swallowing the content of his glass and slamming it down on the table. “This calls for a celebration.” Ivan grinned at me and headed for the door.

Turning, I was about to protest when Sergei bumped my glass again as he spoke in a softer tone. “No use protesting; Ivan won’t take no for an answer. Swallow and follow.”

Slightly confused and in shock, I did as Sergei asked. The whiskey burned as it flowed down my throat. Taking a deep breath, I placed the half-empty glass down and followed the two men.

Entering the bar, I noticed the corner booth where four guards stood was empty. “This way,” Ivan announced loudly, heading to the booth. “Keeping it flowing,” he shouted to the bartender as he sat down.

“We have been doing some digging,” Ivan said as Sergei, and I took our seats.

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