Page 48 of For a Price

My eyes widen at the sound of gruff laughter that follows. The pakhan laughing at Roman’s comment.

The visit doesn’t last much longer. They exchange a few more words, reverting once more to Russian, before I hear thefootsteps of several men moving around the room. The pakhan and the men he’s brought with him are leaving.

The front door thuds shut and Roman orders around one of his staff members.

“Ensure they make it downstairs to their cars and they don’t need anything else from us.”

“Da, brigadier?*.”

I realize Roman’s probably headed back into the bedroom a few seconds before it happens. The mirror and dresser below the air vent is abandoned for one of the chairs by the window. Though I wasn’tintentionallyeavesdropping and I couldn’t understand most of what was said, I don’t want Roman to know that I was.

The door opens seconds after I sit down, Roman walking inside.

“Devochka, you behaved yourself. I am shocked.”

“It was that or wind up with my head on a pike, remember?”

“That was the sovietnik. The pakhan can be more… reasonable. Depending on the situation. But he is still the pakhan. Which means anything he wants, he gets.”

“So it seems.”

“I have work to do. I won’t be back for several hours. Remember the rules. You are to stay here. You may leave this room, but not the penthouse. Do you understand?”

“Yes… but where are you going?”

“None of your concern. I will return this evening. My staff has been instructed to be respectful of you and get you anything you need.”

“Even Polina?” I arch a brow and fold my arms, aware my tone comes across slightly jealous.

“Yes, even Polina. But they have also been informed about the rules. Which means you better behave yourself. I will be notified the moment you don’t.”

Roman leaves the room with little else said. I sigh as the door shuts and I’m left alone all over again.

Outside the window, the morning sky brightens into a soft blue adorned with fluffy clouds. It’ll be such a nice day out and yet I’m stuck in here.

A captive pet for a Russian mob boss.

It sounds so outlandish, I wouldn’t believe it if it weren’t happening to me.

But my body still aches from the beating it took at the hands of Leonid and the massive bed calls my name. Roman said I’m to sleep here with him every night. He probably wouldn’t mind if I take a nap in his bed while he’s gone… right?

He’s been surprisingly gentle about the whole attack and my recovery.

I crawl onto the bed and settle down, out within seconds of my head touching the pillow.

It’s early afternoon when I next open my eyes. It takes a while to convince myself to move. I could lay here for a few more hours and hope Roman will be back soon like he said he would be.

You could explore the penthouse.

Without him around.

On your own for the first time.

The thought’s enough to convince me to get out of bed. I cautiously draw the door open and wander into the hall. The rest of the penthouse is quiet except for the occasional sound from a passing staff member. A cook in the kitchens rummaging around or one of Roman’s guards shifting from his designated post.

Everyone who I do come into contact with gives a respectful nod, confirming what Roman said. They’ve been briefed about my presence, explicitly told to be polite.

After exploring the wide halls and spacious rooms, I wind up in the home theater. A butler-like man checks in on me, asking if I need anything.

---