Page 30 of Hunted By the Bratva
“Come on,” Iosif said as he took my hand and led me to the door. As we stepped inside, I gasped. I felt my eyes widen as I studied the paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces around the room.
Iosif slowly walked forward, as I studied the paintings to our sides. A painting on an aisle to the left of us caught my eye. As I stopped studying it, Iosif leaned closer and whispered in my ear. “These are all made by amateurs like you and me.”
I felt a chill run down my spine as I looked at the art in a new light. The painting that had caught my eye was of a young woman around my age. It was an outline of her profile. She seemed to be naked and covering her body with her hands. Her facial expression clearly conveyed the humiliation she felt.
I got a light fright, as a deep Spanish voice spoke behind me. “Do you like that one?”
Grabbing my chest, I took a deep breath as I slowly turned into Iosif’s arms. It has become an instinct when I get frightened. The man standing behind us was an elderly gentleman. If I had to guess, I felt sure he was in his early or late fifties.
“Clara,” Iosif said. “Meet Lucas, the owner of this gallery.”
Iosif held out his hand, and the man shook it with him. “Lucas, this is Clara,” Iosif added as he glanced at me.
Relieved that Iosif knew the man, I also extended my hand. “Nice to meet you,” I said, smiling at him. “Yes, I like the painting,” I added as I turned back to look at it again.
Leaning closer, I tried to make out the small signature in the bottom corner. I looked at Iosif and back at the painting, rubbing my eyes to ensure I was reading correctly. Straightening out, I turned to Iosif. “You’re shitting me,” I exclaimed.
My mouth fell open as I noticed the shade of pink invading his cheeks. I was dumbfounded and out of words. No one would ever believe me if I told them that one of Russia’s most feared men could wield a brush.
“He’s amazing,” Lucas said. He stepped closer and tapped Iosif on the shoulder as he continued. “He visits us every six months to paint.”
Iosif placed an arm around me as he led me to a back room with more paintings. Scanning the wall, I noticed there were six more paintings with his signature. I was stunned, speechless.
Stepping out of his grip, I moved closer and carefully studied each. I felt his hand on my shoulder as Iosif spoke behind me. “Clara, we have to leave.”
Turning to him, I nodded. “I’ll be back next month,” Iosif said as we headed for the door. I was quiet as the driver took us to our next destination. My mind kept going back to the paintings.
We stopped at the docks. “Are we going home so soon?” I asked. I wasn’t ready to leave, not just yet.
Iosif grinned as he got out. “No, we're taking a trip,” he replied.
I got out and followed him to a speedboat. He assisted me in getting on before starting her up. “You can drive a boat as well?” I asked. He was just full of surprises.
He smiled softly at me as we left the harbor, entering the open seas. He drove around for a bit before I saw the island coming into view. It was breathtaking. As we got closer, he stopped and turned off the boat's engine.
Looking around, I felt confused. “Why did you stop? Do you intend on getting rid of me?” I asked as he tossed the anchor over the side.
He laughed as he opened a bag and took out a blanket. He stepped closer, handing me a small box. I opened it and found a bright pink bikini inside. Iosif opened the blanket and threw it over me. “I might as well do it while you’re wearing that,” he whispered.
Looking through the small opening where he held the two sides of the blanket, I rolled my eyes at him. I turned around and stepped out of my dress, replacing it with the bikini.
“So, what now?” I asked as I pulled the blanket down. My curiosity was at high peak. My mind is racing through different scenarios.
“Now we swim the rest of the way,” Iosif replied, diving into the water.
I stood for a moment in disbelief. Shaking off my fear, I jumped in and started swimming after him. The island wasn’t that far, so I knew I would make it there. The cool water was soothing, breaking the heat of the sun above us.
As I came closer to the beach, I turned and floated on my back for a bit. I wasn’t ready to get out; the water was calming. I tried to remember the last time I felt this alive, this happy. But I couldn’t. There was something seriously wrong with me.
How could I be this happy while I was a captive? He kept saying it was for my safety, but I wasn’t sure. I laughed lightly as I turned and swam the rest of the way to the island. Iosif was waiting on the beach as I got out.
He held up a towel and wrapped me in it. “How…” I started asking.
“I sent my men out here earlier,” he explained, laughing. “The look on your face is priceless.”
Of course, he did. I couldn’t help but laugh with him. Turning in his arms, he held me for a moment. “We have a long way to go,” he said, turning away from me and pointing at a path up the mountain.
He took my hand, and I felt his fingers intertwining with mine. “Come on, let’s get up there,” he added.
