Page 35 of A Pawn in the Game
I let out something between a snort and a huff. “Of course. The brave wannabe leader won’t show his face in public in case something goes wrong.”
“Yeah, well, it works in our favor this time.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s half-praying for shit to really go down so he could get rid of us.”
“Luka,” Leon grits out. “You’re spiraling now. Of course, he doesn’t want us dead.”
I lift an eyebrow at him. He gets uncomfortable under my gaze, so he says, “We also came to another agreement.” He’s stalling, meaning that whatever comes out of his mouth next, I’m going to hate. “We’ll take Sophie with us”
“What?” I yell, my voice startling the people in the booth next to us.
“He’s right.” I level him with a glare. “Partially. She’s of no use to us currently. And it’s better than sending her finger in an envelope.” He shrugs.
Rage builds inside of me as I inhale deeply. The worst thing is, he’s right. Appearing in public, alongside your enemies, shows strength. But appearing in public, alongside your enemies, with your enemy’s kidnapped daughter shows balls.
“You know it will trigger a reaction from them,” he adds.
“Hmmpf.” He gives me a minute to think it through before getting up from the booth.
“I’ll arrange for a dress to be delivered to her.”
So much for me having a say in it. “Ivan will handle the dress.”
It’s a cheap attempt at taking some power back, but it’s better than nothing. I run a hand over my face before grabbing my phone. I quickly shoot the info to Andre and Ivan and get the hell out of the club. Toma’s men are not here, which means it’s a chance to get some rest at home. The dogs need me, too.
They rush to my feet as soon as I unlock the door. It’s the middle of the night, but I take them for a walk. They skip as if it’s midday on a warm spring day and I practically feel the tension pour out of me one step at a time.
I still hate the plan. But I’m going to be there. Nothing is going to happen. Not to my brother… and not to her.
Friday rolls around quickly. Our warehouse was in the papers yesterday, since it miraculously burned down like someone scorched it.
We also burned down two other warehouses, moving all our goods to new spots. It was a busy few days, and I barely spent any time at the club.
Ivan informed me a dress was delivered to Sophie, but knowing her, I’m not sure what to expect.
I can’t believe I ever thought of her as boring. She’s fiery, and principled, and so fucking smart. You never know what you’re going to get from her.
A pang of excitement hits my chest as I make my way down the stairs to the dungeon.
I unlock the door, only to find Sophie sitting at the little desk, her elbows perched on it, like she was waiting for me to come.
“What the hell is this?” She points to the clothing bag on the bed.
“A dress. You better hurry and put it on.”
“I don’t know what kind of game you think you’re playing, but I won’t take part in it.” She crosses her arms in front of her chest.
My eyes land on Marko, who lifts his arms in surrender motion. “There is no game. We have an event to attend.”
“And why would you need me to attend?” She huffs.
“Because your dad’s buddies will be there. And we want them to see you.”
Her eyes narrow even further. There’s no doubt she would kill me right now if she had the chance. “And you’re telling me that parading me around like a show pony to make your enemies angry isn’t a game I’m forced to play?”
She got me there. “I think you’re forgetting just where you are,mila.” I inch closer, towering over her. “This isn’t a question. It isn’t even a request. It’s a demand,” I spit out. “So take thisdress, get in the bathroom, and put. It. On. Unless you’d prefer me dressing you right here.”
Her eyes widen this time, shock evident in them, but she still doesn’t move.
