Page 5 of Claimed By the Bratva

“You know,” I said as I walked to the desk in the corner and picked up the chair. Heading back, I placed the chair before the couch backward. Straddling it, I continued. “My mother always said, if you pull your face like that, it will stay that way.”

Leaning forward, I gently stroked her cheek. Her skin felt like warm Egyptian silk. “You surely don’t want that, do you?” I inquired. I wanted to close my eyes and pull her closer. Licking my lips, I could almost feel her kiss.

Joyce pulled back as she protested. “Please, don’t touch me.” She shifted sideways and jumped up, running for the door.

As I caught her by the arm, I swung her around, embracing her. “Stop, Joyce,” I huffed. “I know all about your cousin Jax,” I added, hoping to get some cooperation from her. I started walking with her in my arms back to the couch.

My palms felt sweaty as my heart rate increased. I could smell vanilla in the air. It reminded me of a freshly baked cake my mother used to make. It had a pleasant, warm odor as it came out of the oven. I couldn’t resist squeezing her tightly before pushing her back to the couch.

Filled with memories of a long-forgotten past, I struggled to regain my composure. Pacing around the couch, I shook my head to clear the past from it. I had a job to focus on. I couldn’t allow her to get into my head.

“Why do you think knowing Jax gives you the right to kidnap me?” Joyce spat at me as I sat back down. I saw something flicker in her eyes, but it dissipated as quickly as it appeared.

I chuckled at her totally innocent appearance. I could see the confusion on her face. “It seems you can’t grip the severity of it all,” I said. “Well, let me clear it up for you then.”

Joyce shifted as I spoke, and I paused for a moment, watching her. Her green eyes were surely the most striking of her features. Don’t get me wrong, she was a beautiful woman all around. But her eyes were something else. I had never met anyone with such penetrating eyes.

Feeling my breathing becoming harder, I took a deep, steady breath as I looked down at the floor between us. I couldn’t let her see the effect she had on me. I couldn’t explain it either, but I knew I had to push my feelings aside. Clearing my throat, I spoke in a deeper tone, hoping she wouldn’t hear my sudden affection.

“I know your cousin is a criminal. He’s been in prison and shunned from your family, has he not?” Glancing at her, I could see pain in her eyes. “I know what he has done and is still mixed in with,” I continued. She tensed up as I spoke, but it didn’t stop me. “I also know how deep he is mixed in. Your company and related jobs don’t allow people to work in the industry with ties to criminals. It is one of the cardinal rules.”

At this, she flinched. I could see fear crossing her face. Joyce parted her luscious lips as if she wanted to reply butthen closed her mouth, turning her head away. “Before you say anything, let me clear it up some more,” I added. “If you think you’ll simply go out and find other work, think again. I will ensure you are never hired in this field.”

“What do you want from me?” she uttered. I could hear the defeat in her tone. For a second, my heart sank. I didn’t want to do this anymore. “You could have tried asking me first; maybe I would have agreed.”

This wasn’t what I wanted, but it was the only way to get through. “I know you wouldn’t have,” I chuckled, thinking about how she would have reacted if I had just asked. In my mind, I could see her screaming for security, and then I would have had to make a new plan.

“I like things to be done quickly, quietly, and right the first time. Threatening you is the only way to ensure you understand the seriousness of the situation. But don’t think for a second, I won’t see it through, understood?”

She nodded in agreement as she spoke softly, looking at her hands. “So, what do you want from me?”

After taking a deep breath, I spoke calmly. “All I need is information. I am sure you have it or can get it if you don’t.

Joyce looked up at me, her eyes burning into my soul. “What kind of information?” she inquired.

Leaning forward, I smiled as I continued. “I need basics such as floor plans for the south docks. I need the guard's schedules and patrol patterns. I need to know how to pack and label so packages won’t be opened to start with.”

Lifting her hands and waving them in the air, she protested. “I don’t have access to such things. Getting it will take some time. I don’t know…”

Knowing where she was going with this, I interrupted. “That’s not all I require. I also need to know what kind of shipments are delivered at what intervals. Who’s in charge of receiving and signing off?”

“I don’t know. I’m an intern. I am not privileged to such details.” Joyce protested.

“Maybe not, but I’m sure you can get it,” I replied, trying to stay calm. She kept on making excuses. Tasha checked her clearance. We felt sure she could get what was required. “Stop playing with me, Joyce. I need the information, do you understand?” I asked, standing sharply.

“Yes, but I can’t get all of that from here. How do you think I must access anything from outside the building? If you let me go, I can try. I can see what I can get you. I promise you I don’t know anything.”

Tears slowly started making their way down her cheeks. Joyce lowered her head and breathed in slowly. I felt bad for spitting orders at her. She was so innocent. But I also knew she was the only one we could use at the facility.

Shaking my head as I rose, I tried to figure out why I was suddenly flooded with sadness. This wasn’t me. She was a mark, and I have never had issues separating work and life.

I crossed my arms over my chest and wondered if I could trust her. Every fiber of my being screamed danger. Yet, my heart was leaning the other way. Then again, I had no other options, I reminded myself. “Okay,” I said, turning to face her.

“I will let you go for now…” I glared at her, pointing a finger. “Know this, if you make one wrong move, you will regret it. So, behave, or you will drown in the consequences.”

Joyce nodded. “I understand; now, can I get back to work before anyone notices I am missing?”

“Yes,” I replied, heading for the door. Glancing back, Joyce was on my heels, looking eager to leave. I assisted her into the back of the van again and buckled her in. “This is for your safety,” I said, sliding the door closed.

---