Page 4 of Claimed By the Bratva

Placing the pen down on the pad, I wondered what this stranger was up to. “I don’t think that is necessary. What information do you need?”

He looked around the room before answering. “Basic details such as weight limits, scheduling needs, validation times, and such. I might also need to get a list of prohibited items.”

Raising my eyebrows, I felt suspicion infiltrating my mind. “What products does the company generally import and export?” I questioned.

“Mostly electronic gadgets,” he responded quickly.

Pulling open the second drawer, I pulled out a stack of papers. I collected a list and scheduling procedure papers. Handing them to him, I rose from my desk. “Here is what you need to know,” I said as I walked towards the bullpen door. “Can I walk you out if there isn’t anything else?” I added, wanting to get rid of him.

He stood as I opened the door. Turning to me, he appeared cheerily. “Could I get your number should I have more questions?” he said.

Walking back to my desk, I removed a square paper from the holder. After scribbling on it, I handed it to him. As our fingers touched, I felt a heat shooting through me. My stomach turned again, and a smile formed on my lips without cause.

Looking down at the floor, I strode to the door and held it open. He spoke while he moved out of the room, glancing back at me. “Thank you again for everything.”

Feeling obliged, I walked behind him to the elevator. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. My mind, body, and heart all appeared to have different agendas. The doors opened, and he stepped in.

At last, it was over, I thought as I watched him get on the elevator. But he held out his hand as he spoke in a low tone.“Thank you again, I hope you don’t mind if I call.” His smile and entire body language screamed at me.

Stepping into the elevator, I reached out to shake his hand. His grip was firmer this time as he grabbed my hand with both of his. “I really feel you must come with me. My boss has many more questions,” he whispered as the doors closed behind me.

“I’m sorry, I really can’t do that,” I breathed out, pulling my arm back with all my strength. Realizing I wasn’t going to be able to free my hand, I turned to press the emergency button.

My heart felt like it was suddenly beating in my throat. My mind raced with all the possibilities, with all the bad things that could happen. Reaching out, I opened my mouth to scream, but nothing came out.

He let go of my hand and pulled me into his arm as his other hand closed over my mouth. “I tried getting you to come willingly, but you just wouldn’t. I’m sorry, but I really must insist,” he whispered into my ear.

I noticed the basement button was highlighted. I tried to recall him pushing the button, but I couldn’t. It seemed like my mind had left the building. My heart pounded in my chest as it dawned on me that I was being kidnapped.

As the doors opened, I felt his grip around my waist intensify as he picked me up. My feet were dangling just off the floor as he moved swiftly through a couple of rows of cars. He stopped in front of a silver van. It only had windows for the driver and passenger. The back section held none.

He pressed a button on the remote in his hand. I wasn’t even aware he had it in his hand. The back door slid open. Lifting me, he stepped inside. There was a bed in the back with straps attached to the sides. Kicking back, the door closed behind us. “Ifyou scream, you’ll regret it,” he whispered before removing his hand from my mouth.

Subduing the urge to scream, I felt my skin going cold as he pulled a roll of tape from the box beside the bed. I wondered what I had done to get myself in such a situation. He moved quickly, binding my hands, and then placed a piece of tape across my mouth.

Once that was done, he forced me onto the bed and strapped me in. I watched him move between the front seats and slip onto the driver's side. My mind flooded with images of girls’ bodies being found on the beach, in the woods, in skanky motel rooms.

I closed my eyes as the van started moving. I felt my tears running down the sides of my face. What was this man going to do to me? I tried regulating my breathing as fear settled. But I wasn’t going to go easily, I decided. Once we stopped, I would fight.

Chapter 3 - Anton

“Stop your struggling; you are only making it worse for yourself,” I spat at her as I dragged her from my van to the door of one of our safe houses. Joyce dug in her heels, dragging her feet, trying to slow me down. Her body heat penetrated my chest.

She was a fierce storm bubbled up in a tiny bottle waiting to explode. I found this extraordinarily sexy and felt my heart skipping a beat. Even though she was most likely half my weight, the way she twisted, turned, and fought made holding her a bit tricky.

Joyce struggled all the way to the door. Ensuring I had a good grip, I pulled the keys from my pocket. Luckily, we had fitted automatic doors. I could not see how I would have managed to use a key with her in my arms.

I heard the door click as it unlocked. Grabbing her with both hands again, I lifted my leg and gently kicked at the door. It swung open with ease. Pulling her in was slightly problematic as she kicked her feet hard to the sides, wedging us.

Tired of fighting, I leaned back, picking her up as I twisted. Her feet came loose instantly, and I stumbled backward. Once inside, I turned and kicked back at the door. As it shut, I heard the clicking as the lock took hold.

We were in the living room with two double couches in front of us and two single ones to the sides. Moving forward a bit, I shoved her towards the couch. She landed softly on it and turned at lightning speed. As she tried to get up, I blocked her.

Standing before her, my heart raced as I breathed in her sweet innocence. I wanted to reach out and caress her smooth cheek. Keeping my desires constrained wasn’t something I hadto do often. But I knew I couldn’t allow them to cloud my judgment.

“Settle down, Joyce,” I huffed, pulling off the tape I had placed over her mouth. “There’s nowhere to run. Everything is locked down. This is a safe house. You can scream, bang the doors and windows, hell, you can go crazy, and no one will know.”

The beautiful blond woman before me puffed up like a fish. She glared at me angrily. I couldn't help but smile as her cheeks pushed out and small frown lines appeared across her nose.

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