Two cars pulled out as I took a left on the corner. Turning off the truck’s lights, I slowed and pulled into an alley. I watched as they raced past. Pulling out, I headed home. I rubbed my shoulder as I drove off, knowing it was almost dislocated. Something snapped. It felt like a raging fire, but at least it was still usable.
I was about two blocks from home when my phone beeped. Checking the message, I noticed Iosif had sent me four others already. I had left it in the truck and wasn’t aware of it. Checking the text, I swallowed hard. He wanted me at the party as soon as possible.
Glancing down, I knew I had to change. My shirt was torn, and I was a mess. I sent Iosif a message back to let him know I was almost there. Stopping at the front door, I quickly headed upstairs to my room. The house was too quiet. I wondered where Grace was.
Once I was changed and looked respectable, I quickly scanned the house. There was no sign that Grace had been there. There was a hollowness in the pit of my stomach as stress started creeping in.
I took out my phone, ready to call Iosif and let him know I wasn’t coming, and it dawned on me. The sisters must have taken her to their house. Yes, I felt sure that was what happened.
No more delays, I decided to get back in my truck. I would pick her up after the event. Iosif was a patient man, but only had so much of it. Stepping on the gas, I rushed to get to the event.
There were many cars parked outside. Pulling up, I passed the parking attendant. I parked my own truck. I needed to know where it was at all times in our line of business. Luckily, I found a spot not too far from the side door. I headed in quickly and looked for Pavel.
He was standing by the bar, talking to Iosif as I approached. “Finally,” Iosif huffed as I joined them. “I thought you were going to stand us up.”
“Never,” I replied solemnly. “Traffic was thick.”
“Well, get to it,” Iosif added as he moved to his brother sitting at a table to the side.
“That was a fantastic race,” I said, shaking Pavel’s hand.
“Thanks,” he replied, beaming. “You said so earlier.”
“I can’t ever say it enough,” I added, tapping his shoulder.
He beamed at me, speaking in a lower tone. “I felt so free; I love being on the track. It helps me forget all this horrible business we do.”
Feeling my heart bleeding for him, I squeezed his shoulder as I responded. “I know, I’m so sorry, but now we have to mingle.”
He sighed deeply, nodded, and headed to the other side of the bar. There were many new faces. Lots of people we have never seen before. Most were standing in little groups throughout the room.
Scanning them, I tried to find the ones that were looking for a special kind of business. After speaking to three groups of people, I was ready to call it a night. I wanted to go get Grace and go home. She was almost one too many during the race. I had fought hard to control the desire growing in me. But now, I had done my bit.
Turning around, I looked for the Chernykhs. They were still seated next to the bar. Avgust saw me staring and waved to summon me. I knew he wanted to know about the intel and the man. Walking toward them, I was determined to give them a summary of the events and leave.
“Avgust,” I said as he rose.
“Tell me!” He huffed in his usual harsh tone.
Clearing my throat, I leaned closer, so I didn’t need to scream over the music. “The second address is the one we want. But there are many men. I’ll take a team and return tomorrow.
“Okay,” he replied. “Now get back out there.”
Instinctively, I wanted to argue, but I knew it would be futile. Turning back to the room, I tried to find Pavel. I would let him know I was leaving and then sneak out. This way, he could cover for me.
As if my thought had summoned her, Grace appeared in the doorway. She was dressed in a tight blue evening gown with a slit up on her one leg exposing her left thigh. The dress hugged her breasts perfectly. She looked magnificent and, to my astonishment, appeared to fit in.
I felt my blood boiling as I watched my brother approach her. I stood frozen by her elegant beauty. I was practically drooling, but couldn’t let my emotions show. Letting out a deep sigh, I tried to rein in all the conflicting emotions, spreading like wildfire through me. Anger, pride, joy, concern, and even desire fought a battle like never before.
What was she doing here? Where were the sisters? I was filled with pride, realizing she had blended in and looked like part of the crowd. I watched in awe, unable to move. My hunger for her is at the point of no return. I wanted to strip her naked and devour her.
Chapter 12 - Grace
I stopped as I walked through the door at the party. Fiddling with the hem of the dress, I tried calming my nerves. Understanding the Bratva world slightly better, I knew this wasn’t just any normal party.
The Chernykh sisters did a fabulous job. Even though I was nervous, I was excited to show off my mini makeover. I felt like Cinderella going to the Ball. The sisters made me look so good that the room went silent as everyone turned and stared.
I caught Makari staring from across the room as Pavel joined me. He pushed his arm through mine as he spoke. “Well, look at you. Don’t you just clean up nicely?”