Page 60 of Innocently Captured By the Bratva

Lara grins, pride shining in her eyes. “That's my girl. Go get your man.”

I know I can't delay any longer. After attempting to pay the bill, which Lara wouldn’t allow me to settle, and sharing a tight hug with her, I step out onto the bustling street. The evening air feels cool against my skin as I walk briskly toward my rented apartment.

The city lights flicker to life around me, and my heart beats rapidly in anticipation. I need to see Mark to tell him how I feel before it's too late. I pull out my phone, ready to set my plan in motion.

Mark's number lights up the screen. My heart pounds wildly in my chest.

This is it. Time to lay my cards on the table.

I take a deep breath and hit call, lifting the phone to my ear. The line trills endlessly. Maybe he won't answer. Maybe this is a sign I should wait-

“Quinn?” Mark's gravelly voice stops my spiraling thoughts.

“Hey,” I say softly. Silence stretches between us, the weight of unspoken feelings hanging heavy.

I force the words out in a rush. “I miss you. And I know I said I needed space, but...I was wrong. I don't want to be apart anymore.”

Mark inhales sharply. When he speaks, his tone is guarded. “What are you saying?”

“That I want to try again. For real this time. No more pretending, no more games. Just you and me, seeing where this goes.” I grip the phone tightly, vulnerable in this moment. “If you want that too.”

The line goes quiet. I picture Mark running a hand through his dark hair, those stormy eyes searching for truth. Finally, he lets out a shaky breath.

“Hell yes, I want that. Want you. I only ever wanted you, Quinn.” His voice drops an octave. “Get back here and I'll show you how much.”

A thrill races through me at his words. I grin into the phone. “I'm on my way!” I say, and end the call.

Just then, a figure emerges from the shadows, blocking my path. I freeze, my breath catching in my throat as I recognize the man standing before me.

“Hello, Quinn,” Charlie says, his voice deceptively calm. “I think it's time we had a little chat.”

My heart pounds as I face Charlie, his presence an ominous shadow in the dimly lit street. “What do you want?” I manage, my voice tight with fear.

He walks closer, pushing me against the wall. The next thing I know, I feel something hard and cold pressed against my stomach. Instinctively, I reach for it to protect myself and my baby, only to discover it’s a gun.

I pale, my hand dropping to my side. “Charlie, no!” I beg, tears rising to my eyes.

A black van pulls up, two feet away from us. “Get in the car.” He tilts his head towards the vehicle, the gun pointed straight at my stomach.

Chapter 24 - Mark

My phone buzzes, and I grab it, my heart skipping a beat when I see Quinn's name flash across the screen. I answer immediately, a smile playing on my lips. “Hey, Beautiful. I’m waiting to see you. How far?”

“Hello, Mark.” The voice on the other end is distinctly male and definitelynotQuinn's. I clench my fists as the blood gushes to my ears. CharliefuckingLetvin.

“What the fuck are you doing with Quinn's phone?” I demand, my voice low and dangerous. Fear claws at my throat, threatening to choke me.

Charlie chuckles, the sound sending a chill down my spine. “Now, now, is that any way to greet an old friend?”

“Cut the bullshit, Charlie. Where is Quinn?” My hand clenches the phone so hard my knuckles turn white.

“She's...indisposed at the moment. But don't worry, she's still breathing.For now.” He pauses, letting the threat hang in the air. “I think it's time for a little chat, Mark. Just you and me. I'll text you the address. Come alone, or the next time you see your precious Quinn, she'll be in pieces.”

The line goes dead, and I'm left standing there, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged animal. Fuck.

I wait for Charlie to text me the address, and in the meantime, I conference call my siblings. They should know where to go if something happens to me.

Abram is the first to speak. “What's up?”

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