Page 12 of Hunted By the Bratva
My fingers drum against the steering wheel. The rhythm was uneven, mirroring the chaos in my mind. I didn’t dare make a wrong move. Yes, there would be others if I did. But I had an unnerving feeling about it today.
No redemption, no recovery. She’s escaped me too many times. Vanishing just as I move in, and my plans crumble. But no more, this plan was crafted to perfection. Today, I will get her. This was revenge and nothing more.
The images of Zhenya, scared and in danger, burned in my mind. It keeps me going, keeps me sharp. This isn’t a game! It’s justice served cold and cruel. Clara is the key to it all. My way in, my leverage on Kolya.
She plays the part well. Always staying just out of reach but never far enough to lose sight. Her scent haunts me, clings to the air I breathe. Sweet, spicy, uniquely her. I crave her, it’s maddening. But today, I won’t falter. I’m focused. This time, I’ll get her. Revenge will taste sweeter than ever.
Arriving at the first location, I was surprised to find it was an empty lot. There was nothing, no building, no cars, no people. The second location had to be the one. I drove quickly, not wanting to miss her if she was there.
I pulled up outside the big building and waited. There were a couple of cars in the wide parking area, but not many. Most of them were closer to the building. The street was quiet, a little too quiet if you asked me. Then, I noticed four guards coming out of the building. They stood for a moment talking.
Two moved to one side and two to the other. They were moving towards the corners of the building. I watched and waited. I knew I had come to the right place. Once they went around the corners, I made my move. Jumping out of the car, I moved to the entrance. I sneaked into the building, moving slowly and quietly.
At first, it seemed like it was an abandoned warehouse. But as I moved through the floors, I saw people here and there in some of the offices. I wondered if it was one of Kolya’s workspaces. Yet, it was almost abandoned, and very few people were around.
Seeing Kolya and Clara chatting and laughing only intensified my anger. I hid around the pillar, clenching my fists to my sides. I swore under my breath. Kolya would pay for what he tried to do to my baby sister. This was one thing I would not be able to let go of. The sound of Clara’s laughter couldn’t even drown out the anger clenching my chest.
But I knew I had to be patient. I had to play this game right, otherwise I might lose. So, I waited patiently for Kolya to leave. Once he was gone, I was ready to move in on Clara and play her little game. I was hoping to soften her up this time.
I followed her as she headed to the door leading out of the building, staying in the shadows. Scanning the area, I ensured the guards didn’t see me. I stepped out before her, but that’s when I saw them.
She was being followed by someone else. Two men stood in the dark to the side of the building. They looked out of place and suspicious. They hadn’t seen me, and for that, I was grateful. I knew this wasn’t good. I would have to act sooner rather than later.
Clara was mine for the taking! I wouldn’t allow anyone to ruin this for me. There was too much at stake. I’ve worked hard, sacrificed too much, played this game of hers with precision. I wasn’t about to let it all fall apart.
The mere thought of someone else grabbing her made my blood boil. I could feel it bubbling beneath my skin, pushing me to the edge of lunacy.
How could Kolya and his men not see it? Were they all blind? Or worse… did he not care? I pondered that thought for a moment. If he did truly care, wouldn’t he keep her in his sight, keep her locked up? He wouldn’t let her walk alone, so free and unguarded.
Her scent hit me as the door opened. An alluring trail she left behind her. If she were my sister, I wouldn’t let her wear dresses such as the one she had on. It clung to her curves, driving me insane with lust. There she stood, and there the men waited, staring at her like she was their next meal.
Two strangers were lurking nearby like wolves. Their eyes were focused on her. I could see it in the way they sized her up, the subtle way they leaned forward. The pathetic gleam of lust in their gaze. They were practically drooling. It took all the restraint I had not to jump out and kill them.
My finger twitched as I ground my teeth. My jaw clenched so hard my head ached. I could feel the pressure building behind my eyes. One wrong move from either of them, and I would snaplike a twig. I would end them. I would burn the place down with them inside.
Clara had no idea the chaos swirling beneath my skin. Maybe she did. She walked out, swaying those hips like she knew I was there. All part of her game. But now, as she stepped out, she stopped and stood there. She was mocking me, daring me to make a move.
I could feel it. She plays her part so well that it terrified me. Yet, my lust for her was more terrifying, harder to control. She was like a sin wrapped in silk, a drug messing with my head, clinging to my mind.
For that reason, I wouldn’t allow anyone to get to her or hurt her. Not while I was still breathing. I would rip their throats out with my bare hands if need be. Clara was mine, even though she didn’t know it yet.
Chapter 8 - Clara
Walking out, I was relieved that I would finally have some time for myself. I glanced back at the dark building where I had just met with my brother. He had taken all his guards with him. But I didn’t care, I wanted some freedom. I craved it.
I breathed in the cool night air, standing for a moment in the practically empty parking lot. I loved my brother, but I was glad the meeting was over. Smiling, I headed to my car. I hadn’t decided where I wanted to go yet. But I had some time.
He gave me a week without any guards or check-ins. This was going to be great. His only command was that I go somewhere where no one knows our family. As I headed to my car, I thought of stopping at this little coffee shop down the road from my condo.
But I had barely pressed the button on my remote when I felt a hand covering my mouth and a strong arm wrapping around my waist. I tried to scream and fight, but I was lifted and dragged into the darkness.
My mind raced as I tried to overcome the shock and confusion running wild inside. Both Kolya and I were meticulous when selecting meeting spots. No one knew where we usually set them up at the last minute. Either he or I was followed. We never met in public, so no one could place me in the family.
This was the only city we ever met in, as he had no enemies here. The man pulled me into a car and closed the door. “Shh, quiet,” he huffed as he scanned the area.
“Iosif?” I asked, astounded as I saw his face.
“Stay low, we have to get out of here,” he added as he started the car.
