Page 60 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

"Adley, Emory," I said, my voice low and urgent. "I need you to go to the bedroom and open my window. I’m going to barricade the door.”

Emory's eyes widened. "But what about you?"

I forced a smile, hoping it looked more confident than I felt. "I'll be right behind you. Just need to make sure we can buy ourselves some time."

As they hurried to the bedroom, I could hear the sound of heavy footsteps on the stairs outside. My heart pounded in my chest, but I pushed down the fear.

I quickly placed a chair under the door handle and locked the door.

"Pippa!" Adley hissed as I slipped inside. "What's the plan?"

I helped them push the dresser in front of the door, my muscles straining with the effort. "We're getting out of here," I said, moving to the window. "Fire escape. It's not ideal, but it's our best shot."

As I showed Adley and Emory the way to the fire escape from my room, I could hear the main door of the apartment being kicked in. The sound sent a chill down my spine, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand.

"Ladies," I said, gesturing to the now-open window, "after you. And whatever you do, don't look down. Go straight to the roof and then take the stairs down. Press random elevator buttons. Throw them off our tracks and listen, do not look down. Do not wait. Each one of us should go separate ways once we get up there."

The metal of the fire escape creaked under our weight as Adley and Emory clambered out. I cast a frantic glance over my shoulder, hearing the intruders tearing through my apartment. My hand instinctively went to my stomach, a fierce protectiveness surging through me.

"Go, go!" I urged, my voice barely above a whisper. "Up and then take the stairs down."

As Emory's feet disappeared above me, I swung one leg out the window. The cool night air hit my face, carrying with it the faint smell of garbage from the alley below.

Just as I was about to pull myself fully out, I noticed someone trying to open the doors to my balcony. If anyone saw us out here, we would all be caught.

"Shit," I muttered, my heart racing. I had to buy Adley and Emory more time.

In a split-second decision, I ducked back inside, grabbing the heaviest object I could find—a ceramic lamp from my bedside table. With a silent prayer, I hurled it at the door.

The hammering at the door paused momentarily. "She's inside!" a gruff voice shouted. I heard footsteps come away from the balcony and the pushing against my bedroom door got fiercer. Adley and Emory would be safe.

I darted to look out the window and saw that the path was clear. Good. By now, they should be on the roof. This is my chance to head up now, while they’re trying to open the goddamn bedroom door.

I scrambled onto the fire escape, my hands trembling as I pulled the window closed behind me. The metal grating swayed slightly under my feet as I turned, my breath coming in short gasps.

Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open with a thunderous crash. I froze, my body pressed against the brick wall of the building.

"Where is she?" someone growled.

I held my breath, willing myself to become invisible. The fire escape creaked softly, and I silently cursed its betrayal. The shock wore off and I realized, I needed to run now.

I grabbed onto the railing, prepared to rush up when a face appeared at the window.

Chapter 22 - Abe

The shrill ring of my phone pierced through the quiet of my study. Adley's name flashed on the screen, and I answered with a grin. "What’s my brother done now? Told you that you were too good for him."

Her panicked voice wiped the grin off my face. "Abe! We're under attack at Pippa's new apartment. We’re on the roof and—" The line went dead.

My blood ran cold. Pippa. Adley. I’m guessing Emory is with them too. They’re under attack. The words ricocheted in my mind as I leaped to my feet, knocking over my chair. I felt terrified but there was no time for that shit.

I burst out of my study, bellowing, "Ivan! Vlad! We've got trouble!"

My brothers appeared in seconds, concern etched on their faces. I filled them in rapidly, my words clipped and urgent. "Adley called. Attack at Pippa's. Line cut off."

Understanding dawned in their eyes. We'd been through this drill before, but never with so much at stake. Pippa's face flashed in my mind, and I clenched my fists. If anyone touched a hair on her head…

"I'll grab the gear," Vlad said, already moving.

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