Page 53 of Impregnated By the Bratva

If I stepped outside, they would grab me, I thought, stopping and looking at a shop window. Leaving the mall wasn’t a good idea. No, I had to stay inside where there were people around us.

As if by magic, the mall suddenly filled with people. This was my chance, I thought, weaving through them. I could escape if I could just lose them before I got to the doors.

I tried making sense of it all, but my mind kept drifting. How did they find me? Could it be a mere coincidence? Shaking my head, I knew it couldn’t be. Things like this didn’t happen. There was no such thing as a coincidence.

Looking back, I saw they were still on my heels. I was almost in full panic mode. Breathing in slowly, I hoped to calm the anxiety. If I allowed it to take hold, the battle was lost.

Taking a chance, I entered the next shop. Moving in behind a rail of clothing, I peeked through the dresses to see if they were still following me. My heart stopped as I saw two of the men looking in through the shop window.

Turning, I looked around frantically. I had to change what I was wearing. Grabbing a hat and coat, I moved to the sales counter. “Only these, please,” I said, breathing in hard.

“Are you alright, miss?” the sales lady enquired.

“Yes, thank you,” I said, handing her my card while I pulled on the coat.

“Thank you for your business,” she said as I headed out.

Before reaching the door, I put on the hat and pulled it slightly down to cover my face. Glancing at the exit, I saw two more men hanging around. I lifted my phone and took a couple of photos before heading to the ladies’ bathroom.

Once inside, I locked myself in one of the stalls. My hands shook, my legs felt numb, and my heart raced as I closed the toilet lid and sat down. I had to do something, but what?

Chapter 25 - Makari

My phone rang, distracting me from the email I was reading. Getting up, I pulled it out of my pocket. It was Pavel. I knew I had to take it. Walking to the window, I stared out as I swiped right. “Yes, Pavel, what’s up?” I huffed.

His voice broke as he spoke. His unsteadiness caused my throat to close instantly. “I lost Grace. I can’t find her. I’m sorry.”

My mind cut out all the other noises and everything happening around me. All I could think of was finding her. If the enemy had gotten to her, what would they do? My heart raced, and it felt like the blood in my veins was boiling.

“I’m on my way! Why was she alone? Never mind, just don’t stop looking,” I breathed into the phone.

My tone was cold and harsh. My brother was silent for a moment and then said softly. “Okay, don’t worry, we will find her.”

I slammed the phone on the table before putting it back in my pocket. Cursing, I headed out. With my keys aimed at my truck, I pressed the button to unlock it. I heard the click go off twice, and then my phone rang again.

Pulling it out again, I felt frustrated. But once I saw who the call was from, I answered swiftly. My heart fluttered as I heard her voice.

“Makari, I’m hiding in one of the bathroom stalls. I saw the man, but he wasn’t alone. I couldn’t find Pavel. I’m scared. Can you come and get me?”

I answered her without hesitation. “I’m coming. Stay hidden. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.” I paused before asking her about the one thing I didn’t want to do, but I knew I had to. “Grace, did you take any photos of them?”

“Yes, yes, I’ll send them to you,” she whispered.

Relief flooded me as I heard my phone pinging. “Thank you, just stay where you are,” I said and hung up. Looking at the images she sent, I was proud. She had managed to capture their faces. That would be of great help. ‘I hope they are okay.’ The message with the images read.

Smiling, I knew these would keep her out of Chernykh’s way while I hunted the men. I sent her a quick reply as I moved closer to my truck. ‘I’ll be there soon. These are excellent. Now stay hidden.’

Knowing I had a little more time, I turned and looked for the Chernykh henchman in charge. I saw him talking to one of the guards at the side door. Heading towards them, I suddenly got swept over by an ominous feeling pushing up from the pit of my stomach. I stopped and scanned the area.

I realized this warehouse was almost identical to the others where we have had issues the last couple of weeks. It appeared that one of our buildings was selected as a target per week. Something was going to happen, and I felt sure it would be here.

It was outside the city, like the others. Each one was either for storing, manufacturing, or shipping goods. This one was another of our storage warehouses. Deciding to trust my instinct, I started running towards the men, screaming as I got closer.

“Get everyone out, something's wrong, get the people out!”

The henchman turned his head, staring at me as if he didn’t understand a word I was saying. Before I reached them, a huge explosion went off, rocking the ground I was running on. I felt the shake vibrate through my bones as I was blown backward.

My body was flung through the air. I landed hard against the side of my truck. A loud whistling sound rang through my head. I groaned as I slid to the ground. Pain shot through every inch of me.

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