Page 74 of Virgin Bratva Hostage

“Avraam asked me to look out for you. He wants to make sure you’re safe,” Dex says, sitting on the sofa, reading a magazine. He flicks the page and his eyes graze over the information in front of him.

How does this man have such endless patience?

“And whereisAvraam? He’s hardly ever home anymore?” I say in another huff. I know it’s not Dex’s fault that Avraam is avoiding me—and I doubt he can tell me why—but he’s the only person around. So he’s the only person I have to talk to. And he’s the one who gets the brunt of my frustration.

Dex shrugs, pulling his mouth to the side. “He’s busy,” he replies with a short, blunt answer, putting an abrupt end to the chat. His eyes are back on the pages of the magazine. Cars and racing—bleh.

I roll my eyes. “You aren’t much of a talker are you?”

He chuckles, “My wife says the same thing. She gets annoyed with me too.”

I swing my legs over and sit on the sofa like normal person as I turn to face Dex.

“You’re married?” I ask, perking up, suddenly curious about him. It’s strange how I never consideredwhohe was, his life or what he does outside of working for Avraam. I guess it wasjust that way because I never interacted with him apart from him helping Avraam to keep me prisoner in the beginning. This is the first time I’ve been alone with Dex. The first proper conversation I’ve ever had with him.

“I am,” he nods, looking up at me for a moment.

I laugh. More short answers. “How long have you been married for?”

“Seven years now. And before you ask—yes, it’s been the best seven years of my life.” The smirk on his face and that bright shine in his eyes tell me he really loves his wife. I grin, enjoying the new direction this conversation is moving in.

“Wow, that’s so amazing. I’m really happy for you. I don’t think I’ll even find someone who is willing to put up with me for that long,” I laugh.

“Of course, you will. You’re still so young. You have plenty of time. You’ll meet someone, you’ll fall in love, have some kids and build a beautiful life for yourselves.”

I look him over, scrunching my eyes. Hedoeslook like the type of person who would make a good dad. “How many kids have you got?” I ask, once I’ve come to that conclusion.

“Two. A boy, and a younger girl. Here—“ he leans his body to the side and scratches around in his pocket, searching for his phone, then holds it out to show me his screensaver which is a picture of two beautiful children. “Lucas and Shona,” he says proudly. “He’s seven and she is five. Both of them are a handful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Dex and I fall into a long conversation about family, how we love them and how annoying they can be. We are laughing all afternoon and the time goes by in an easy, relaxed way.

I really like him. He’s a good person with a good heart and he sets me at ease which is much more than I can say for another, certain person who works for Avraam.

“Did Avraam set any rules about whether or not you are allowed to take me off of the property?” I ask, hopeful that maybe he can take me to the mall. “I’m so tired of looking at these same walls over and over again I’m going a little crazy.”

Dex pulls his mouth tight and narrows his eyes, scrunching his nose as he considers the commands he was given by Avraam. I know I’m pushing my luck, but hey, there is no harm in trying.

It’s been days since Avraam took me on our date and there is nothing to do but read in this house. I’m tired of reading. I need to get my outside-world-fix. I need to see people, and things, and enjoy some noise and some color.

Dex sighs.

“He told me to watch over you and make sure you were safe at all times.” He narrows his eyes. “If I did take you out of here and something happened—he would never forgive me,” he says.

I grin, thinking I might be onto something. “Ok, but he didn’t give you anyexplicitinstructionsnotto take me out—right?”

“Yeah, he didn’t—,“ he says cautiously.

Dex looks worried about where this is leading.

“So—will you take me to the mall? I just want to walk around for a bit. Do a bit of shopping, look at things. I’m so bored here I’m going crazy. Please, Dex.” I throw him my best attempt at puppy eyes.

His expression tells me he doesn’t like this idea at all. Setting the magazine down he is still scrunching his whole face up. “I don’t know, Ruslana. It’s not a good time to be seen in public. I think it’s a lot safer in the house—on the property. Why don’t we go out into the garden and walk around there?”

“Why? What’s going on? What changed?” I huff.

“Someone at the mall might recognize you. Look, I don’t want to piss Avraam off. He’s an incredible boss—but only when you do your job properly. He doesn’t appreciate people who mess around and—“

“Please, Dex. I’m sure he won’t mind if you’re with me. And I promise to listen to you.”

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