Page 20 of Claimed By the Bratva

“Yes, sure,” I replied in my usual cocky manner.

“Anton,” Alexandr breathed out. “Don’t take this lightly; if anything goes wrong, it's our heads on the chopping block.”

Grinning, I felt my headache slowly returning. “Yes, I know. I can do this.”

“Please be careful and keep informed of any developments,” Alexandr added before we hung up.

The delivery was scheduled for eight at the docks. I took some aspirin and sat with a cool cloth for a couple of hours, waiting for time to pass. I dozed off once or twice, and my mind returned to my vivid dream.

My alarm was set for seven once it rang, I got up and tried to push all thoughts of Joyce away. I had to concentrate on the job at hand. But she was making it complicated. It wasn’t her fault, but I couldn’t get my head back in the game.

Heading out, I wondered what she was doing. I thought that I could swing by her place once the drop has been handled as I pulled into my parking stop at the docks. Looking around,I saw a van parked close to a small fishing yacht that had just come in.

Getting out, I started walking towards the three men standing beside the van. I was relieved to see Mark, one of our best guys, with two other guards. We loaded the boxes, and crates and headed out.

I drove up front in my truck, then came Mark, and the other two followed on their bikes. The drive to the new warehouse was smooth as silk. I actually longed for some action, hoping to get Joyce out of my head.

We pulled into the warehouse, where six more of our guards were waiting. We were just done offloading the boxes and crates as a car pulled up. Mark walked with me as we went to see who it was.

A big, scary-looking man with an eyepatch got out of the car with three others. “This is private property,” I said lifting my hand to show them to stop.

“Ivan sent us,” the big man replied, grinning at the others.

“Oh, okay,” I replied hesitantly. “Let me just make a call then.”

Mark watched them as I called Sergei to confirm. Happy that they had also sent some men, I informed Mark that they would be joining them for the next couple of days. With everything set at the warehouse, I headed back home.

As I was falling asleep, I decided to go see Joyce after my morning check-ins.

The morning went well. By ten o’clock, I was done with checking the new warehouse and a meeting with Abram.

Sitting down at my usual spot across the street from Joyce’s office, I noticed her coming outside. My heart was racingas I felt the blood draining from my body. She was everything I could want in a woman.

She stopped halfway down the block and turned. A man had come out after her and seemed to be calling her back. Joyce stopped and waited for the man. From where I sat, it looked like she was arguing with him.

My heart stopped for a second as I rose from the table, almost shoving it over. I didn’t like the way things looked. No man had the right to fight with Joyce. As I headed across the street, I noticed their conversation wasn’t angry. No, this guy was flirting with her.

Rage surged through me as I stepped onto the curb and stormed at them. Joyce appeared uncomfortable, but I would take care of it for her.

Chapter 12 - Joyce

“Bellamy, oh my dear, Bell,” I said softly, trying not to hurt Bell’s feelings. “I’m sorry, but I…” My words disappeared as I saw Anton approaching us at an incredible speed. Bellamy started working here about two months back. He was a nice guy but not my type. He had made passes at me since day one, which I had just ignored.

But today, he was like a love-sick puppy following me around. I was about to break his heart. I just needed to find the right words. But now I had none as the disturbing look on Anton’s face was slightly frightening. I could see he wasn’t happy, but I wasn’t sure why.

Bellamy glanced over his shoulder as Anton reached us. There was no time to react as I stood frozen, watching the scene unfold. Anton grabbed Bell by his collar. He turned rapidly, lifting Bellamy into the air. Then, moving forward, he pounded him against the building wall. I could hear the air leaving Bell’s lungs as a deep ‘puff’ sound came out of his mouth.

“Hi,” Anton spat at Bellamy. “I’m Anton. Joyce, she is my girl. Do we understand each other? Whatever you were trying to do here won’t work.”

Bell’s face turned white as the wall he was up against. He nodded desperately as Anton spoke. “And who are you then?” Anton added. I felt my stomach turning as my breakfast appeared to be pushing back up. It felt like I was going to be sick.

I could see Anton’s grip was too tight. Bell’s mouth opened and shut, but nothing came out. “Anton,” I heaved at him, finally able to find my voice and move my body. Stepping closer, I slapped his arm repeatedly. “Let go of the man. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Anton glanced at me as he slowly lowered Bellamy back to his feet and loosened his grip. The look in his eyes was one of disappointment. I couldn’t understand what was happening.

“I was just leaving,” Bell heaved out as he pushed Anton’s hand away. “I work here with Joyce,” he added, looking at me.

He squirmed sideways against the wall past Anton before revolving and briskly heading back in. Anton turned to face me. I couldn’t help my body's reaction. Before I knew it, I had slapped him across the face.

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