Page 33 of Forced Bratva Hostage

I can’t hide my grin as I side-step towards the door. “Oh, that’s a good idea,” I say. “Sleep well!”

I move towards the door, hurrying out of the kitchen.

“You too, Tia,” she laughs, her voice carrying after me.

Out in the foyer, I’m smiling so wide my cheeks ache.

It’s so weird for me to admit it, but I love teasing the staff here, because they actually enjoy it. The staff have all taken to calling me Tia or Miss Tia. I like it. Boris always insisted that everyone call me by my full name, because it was more professional, but I like the nickname.

Back home, with Boris around, I think the staff just got terrified that they would get into trouble for my pranks, and they would get really upset whenever I did something.

Here at Andrei’s place, everyone goes along with it, and they’ve even started checking things before they use them.

I’ll be up in my room, and I’ll hear a squeal of laughter every now and then, and I know someone has come across one of my pranks.

They are all taking it really well.

It’s only Andrei who seems completely unaffected.

But that’s ok. I’ll come up with something more risky.

As I’m walking back up to my room, the thought strikes me.

Perhaps I haveonemore prank to do this evening before I go to bed.

Every night for the past few nights, Andrei has been out on his balcony, and the balcony just happens to overlook the pool. If I want to do something risky, this is the perfect opportunity.

I spin on my heel, changing direction and heading out into the garden. Thank goodness he gave up trying to keep me locked up like an animal.

A quick, sneaky glance confirms he’s there, standing near the edge with his arms resting on the balustrade, and my heart starts racing with excitement as I slowly walk to the edge of the pool.

I don’t want to look up and let him know I’m aware of him. I’d rather he thinks he has the upper hand here.

Slowly, I strip my clothes off, knowing that anyone might see me, but that’s part of the risk. The thrill of it adds to the fun.

I hesitate when I’m wearing nothing but underwear. I could dive in like this—but no, I wanted risk. I have to lose the lace as well.

When I wiggle out of the panties and bra, my heart is racing with excited satisfaction. He hasn’t moved. He’s watching me like a hawk.

There is steam drifting off the top of the pool.

I dive into the water. I’m so relieved it’s heated, because the nights are still on the colder side. I would have done the prank either way. Once I get an idea in my head, it’s very hard for me to let go of it.

The water feels incredible against my naked skin as I float on my back, staring up at the stars, waiting for Andrei to shout at me or finally show some kind of annoyance. I’ll be really disappointed if this prank doesn’t work, either.

How far do I have to go to get his attention? Does this man have an infinite amount of patience to use against me?

I scrunch my nose when I realize I’m not scared of him at all.

I’m scared of my own brother, and of his asshole henchman, Van—but I’m not scared of the guy who kidnapped me. I think that means there’s something wrong with me. Or maybe it’s a glaring truth about the place that I call home, one that I never wanted to admit.

Admit it or not, I know that the estate never felt like a home to me. My brother never felt like someone I could open up to or be safe around.

I feel more at ease in this mansion than I ever did on the estate. The staff is friendlier, and I’ve had the freedom to justbe myselfwithout worrying if my brother will get annoyed or tell me I’m in the way.

I always felt like I was in the way back home—like I should stay in my room because I wasn’t wanted anywhere else.

I haven’t felt that here. That’s pretty freaking weird.

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