Page 105 of For a Price

I turn at the sound of the pakhan. He’s arrived with no shortage of soldiers himself, dressed to the nines in a perfectly tailored suit. He wouldn’t be the only one—most of the guests attending the society’s marketplace do so in fancy suits and dresses.

I’mthe outlier in a crewneck, cargo pants, and combat boots.

“Pakhan,” I say. “I didn’t realize you were here. You visit the marketplace?”

“Occasionally,” he says, smirking. “Some of the shows are very good. You can join my table.”

Together with his crew of men and mine, we bypass the guards at the entrance. I’m much more preoccupied withlocating Katerina as the pakhan prattles on about the state of our organization.

If I have to disobey his wishes and go off to the private rooms just to find Katerina, I will. If I have to tear every door in this place down to find her, I will. It could cost me my position within the bratva, but considering the circumstance, I’ve stopped giving a fuck.

I’ll do anything to find her.

We’re led into what’s a theater with dozens of tables and a large stage at the front. Giant bird cages hover midair, where I’m assuming the people being sold are made to stay until they’re purchased.

“Drink, Zver?” the pakhan asks.

A bottle of some of the most expensive vodka available has been delivered to our table.

I absentmindedly nod my head, more concerned with scanning the theater. Several women in scantily clad outfits have strut out to work the crowd and even help serving drinks. Each woman I study, searching for the one face I’m desperate to see.

Katerina.

The desperation inside me mounts. My pulse thumps faster, echoing in my ears.

I’m obsessed, no longer blinking as I scour the large room for her.

And then I see her.

Or a woman who looks like her identical twin—except she has dark hair. She’s up toward the front of the theater in the same sparkly bra and g-string as the other women.

I half rise out of my chair, staring hard at the woman to make sure.

She looks up as if sensing my presence, her expression so lifeless it’s deeply troubling. Our gazes connect and it’s in that second I’m launching forward.

It’s her.

My kitty cat.

* ublyudok -bastard

CHAPTER 30

Katerina

“Come.”

I’m collected from the bird cage like a pet being taken by its owner. Borys pulls me out of the cage and then drags me along with him by the wrist.

I’m in a daze as I’m taken backstage.

The raucous sounds of the theater fade away, replaced by the unnerving static in my ears.

The same three words pierce the fog that’s become my thoughts.

I’ve been sold.

I’ve been sold.

---