Page 42 of Claimed By the Bratva

“Just stay in the car, miss, something feels loose. I’m just going to check the wheels,” he responded, closing his door.

He was beside my door when I heard a metallic sound, and then he went down. There was someone outside my door. Shifting on the seat backward to the other door, I felt my heart racing as my breathing became difficult.

I instantly thought I was going to be kidnapped again. I got ready to scramble out the other side and scream as loud as my lungs could when the door swung open. “Joyce,” a man’s voice echoed through my mind.

My skin was wet and cold as fear had taken control. Blinking rapidly, I studied the face that came closer. “Jax!” I spat. I was stunned to see him there beside me.

“What are you...” Jax placed a finger over my mouth before I could finish.

He appeared slightly frantic as he kept looking around. “You’re not safe, Joyce,” he replied softly.

“What do you mean I’m not safe? You are the one who just knocked out my guard.” I replied, feeling frustrated and confused.

“No,” Jax spat at me angrily. “That is not what I meant. Anton is dangerous. He is bad news. Please just trust me.”

He glanced around quickly. “Believe me, I am only looking out for you,” he pleaded.

I didn’t understand how he could possibly know about Anton. I had not seen Jax or had any form of contact with him for a century. “Jax,” I spat. “What the…,”

“I don’t have time for this, Joyce,” he rudely interrupted me. “I have to go before more arrive. But I promise I will contact you again.”

Jax gave me a weak smile before turning and disappearing into the night. Sitting back, I tried to come to terms with what had just happened. I was brought out of my thoughts as I heard the driver coughing outside.

Moving quickly, I got out and helped him up. “Are you okay, miss?” he asked, trying to catch his breath.

“Yes, are you?” I asked.

“I’m fine. Please get back in and let me take you home.”

Nodding, I got back in the car. The driver shook his head as he sat down behind the wheel. “I’m so sorry,” he said, pulling away.

I had no intention of sharing what had happened with anyone and hoped the driver wouldn’t either.

Chapter 23 - Anton

Walking up and down the length of the foyer, I had to see Mila. I wanted to ask Joyce to be my girlfriend. I wanted to make us somewhat official. But I didn’t know the first thing about relationships.

My entire life, I have devoted myself to my family. I’ve only ever had fleeting relationships with women. But Joyce was different. I had to do it right. If I was honest with myself, I feared she would reject me. I had to know what steps to take. The best way to approach this and Mila would know.

Walking through the house, I started searching for her. As I cleared floor by floor, my mind wandered back to all my quick relationships. Come to think of it, I had never been with one girl for more than a week.

I knew I was out of my league and my mind. My longest relationship, which lasted a week, was in high school. I had no clue what steps to take. I eventually spotted Mila on the third floor. She was talking to one of the maids.

“Mila,” I called out as I got closer. She turned and smiled at me. “Sorry, can I have a moment of your time?”

“Of course,” she replied. “Meet me in my office in five, okay?”

I nodded and headed to her office. She wasn’t there yet, so I walked up and down the hall until she arrived. “You look tense,” she said, entering the office and walking to her desk. “So, what happened that you need to see me?”

I sat down, feeling my heart beating in my throat. “I want to ask Joyce out officially.”

Mila smiled as she interrupted me. “That’s great, Anton. I think you make a good couple. You look happy together. So, how is that a problem?”

Sighing deeply, I felt my frustration building. “I think things are good, but I don’t want to mess it up by saying the wrong thing.” Rising from the chair, I walked to her window before continuing. “On top of that, I don’t know how to go about it. I have never had the need for proper antics.”

I turned swiftly as Mila started giggling. She looked at me with softness in her eyes as she spoke. “There are very few you can screw something like this up. It is basically impossible. My advice to you would be not to be like everyone else. Be yourself and do it your own way.”

Feeling grateful, I gave her a warm smile as I walked towards the door. “Thank you, Mila.”

---