Page 39 of Claimed By the Bratva

“Yes, it appears so.” She spoke. “How do you keep an eye on all of them?”

“Well,” Lorin said, glancing at me. I nodded, letting her know it was fine to share this with Joyce. “If you follow me, I will take you to the control room.”

Lorin took us out the other door to the backyard. On one side was a large playground and a pool area on the other. To the back was a reasonably new building we added to the property. Most of the kids were in school. Three little ones were playing in the park and a nurse sat watching them.

We entered the back building, which housed the guards, cleaning staff, and groundskeepers. In the middle of the building was an office. Joyce gasped as we entered. The walls were filled with monitors. Each room, hallway, and section of the yard had a camera. The feed of these came to the central security room.

I had noticed that Joyce was an inquisitive person. Does the security company also work for your family?” she asked, studying the monitors.

“Yes, and all our places have a similar set-up. These kids are important to us and deserve a good life. The cameras ensure no abuse or other bad things can happen.”

Joyce pulled on my arm, stopping in the middle of the backyard. Turning to her, she smiled as she spoke. “You are doing a good thing here.” She lightly kissed my cheek before we headed out to my truck.

As we pulled out, she glanced back. “Are we going home now?” she inquired, putting on her seatbelt.

Grinning, I shook my head. “There is something else I want to show you. But first, I have to go get something.”

“Oh,” she replied. “What do you need to get?”

Grinning wider, I shook my head. I liked her curiosity. So, I decided to keep her wondering. “Wait and see.”

Joyce let out a deep breath as she stared out the window. Soon, I drove us into a parking garage. I headed to the bottom level, where we stored some of our extra vehicles. Once we stopped and got out, an attendee came over. He handed me the two helmets I requested and the keys to my bike.

Nodding at him, I took Joyce’s hand as I spoke. “This way, doll.”

“What’s this,” she uttered as I gave her a helmet. “I didn’t know you ride a bike.”

Grinning, I spoke as I assisted her to put the helmet on. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

After pulling mine on, I got on the bike and waited for her. Glancing at her, I could see she was unsure of how to get on. “Step on this footrest,” I said, showing her where it was. “Lift yourself and put the other foot over, then sit down.”

As she got on and sat down, I pulled her arms around my waist. “Just hold on; you’re going to be fine,” I added. Starting my bike, I felt her clutching harder. “Relax, it’s not that bad.”

I took it slowly. Pulling out of the parking garage, the sun was bright, but I was expecting it. I stopped and waited. Once my eyes had adapted, I knew she would be fine. I felt her head resting against my back as I drove through town. On the outskirts of town was a nature park, and this was where we headed.

Entering the park, I took one of the mountain roads leading to the top of a peak. There was a camping spot my father had brought us a couple of times. It had the most amazing view.

Stopping at the top, I tapped her leg as I spoke. “You can get off now.”

Joyce slid off the back seat and stood for a moment beside me. “That was amazing,” she huffed as she removed her helmet.

I took it from her and placed it with mine on top of the gas tank. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I replied.

I took out a blanket from the saddle bags and placed it on the ground. “What’s this?” She asked, pointing to it.

Laughing, I spoke softly as I pulled a small picnic basket from the other bag. “I thought we could have some snacks while up here.”

Swaying, she looked at me surprised. “Well, well, look at you being wild and mysterious,” she replied teasingly.

“Oh, doll, you’ve only barely seen the surface,” I chuckled as I placed the basket on the edge of the blanket.

As I took her hand and helped her down, I noticed a glint in her eyes. “Oh, is that so?” she questioned. Her expression wasa mixture of innocence and curiosity. “So, you’re not the big bad wolf; you’re the big bad softy?”

I laughed as I sat down next to her. “Only for you, sweets,” I whispered, kissing her cheek.

She smiled and looked out at the mountains below. I loved seeing her so happy. Taking out the strawberries, I noticed her smile widening. When I placed the bottle of whipped cream next to it, Joyce giggled. “And that?” she inquired, raising her brows.

“I’ve heard that it is the new trend for dates,” I replied. Picking up a strawberry, I covered it in cream and held it out for her. I watched as she leaned forward. Feeling her lips on my fingers, I had to close my eyes and savor the moment.

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