Page 36 of A Pawn in the Game
“Would you rather we start mailing your fingers? Because that was plan A,” I ask a hypothetical question, before turning back towards the door. “You have ten minutes. Make yourself look presentable.”
I make my way to the bar, tapping my fingers on the dark wood surface. Mia, or whatever her name is, approaches me, sticking her teeth into her bottom lip.
“I need a drink.”
“Sure.” The teeth release her bottom lip and her tongue snakes out to lick it. “What can I get you?” she asks, her gaze roaming over me.
Fucking tux.
“Rakia.” We added it to the bar, though no one outside of the family drinks it.
“Coming right up.” There’s a pep in her step, which I’m pretty sure is meant to make her ass jiggle.
And don’t get me wrong—she has a good ass. A great ass, if I’m honest. She’s been flirting with me ever since the first time I saw her. But the stress has been affecting my sex drive greatly.
With all the shit going on, fucking her is the last thing on my mind.
She brings the shot glass, filling it with see-through liquid and I down it in one sip, signaling her to pour another.
Maybe sex would relieve some of the stress?
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out, only to see Marko’s text.
Marko
She’s ready.
I down the other shot, unbutton one more button of my black shirt, and go back downstairs.
I’m cranky and pissed off. Sophie is, too, that much I know. Which means she’ll make me crankier and more pissed off. I barge into the room, ready to fight, before my breath is knocked out of me.
The dress she’s wearing is modest, with only her arms on display, but it fits her like it was made for her. The burgundy fabric traces her sculpted form, widening at her hips and trailing down to the floor. Unlike the typical messy bun, her hair is now loose around her shoulders, falling down in gentle waves I’m pretty sure women pay good money for. There’s not a speck of makeup on her face, but her cheeks are rosy, probably from rage.
I clear my throat. “Ready to go?”
“It’s not like I have a choice, do I?” she responds, walking towards the door. It’s then I notice her steps are awkward. She has heels on, and she’s likely not used to them.
Ivan did well with her outfit. Well, his girlfriend did. I just hope the rest of the night goes well, too.
CHAPTER 19
Sophie
My heart thumps loudly in my ears as we walk up the stairs. We reach the top step, make our way through a short hallway, and Luka opens a door, letting us into the bar area.
This is the closest to freedom I’ve come since I was kidnapped.
The wooden bar shows clear signs of wear and tear, and the leather booths are chafed. Smoke darkens the walls, and the whole place reeks of cheap cologne. It isn’t packed but there are a few people here. If I screamed for help, would they help me?
A mirror covers the wall behind the bar, a generous number of liqueur bottles lining the bottom half. I lock eyes with a server in skimpy clothes, and her nose scrunches with disdain. I guess that is my answer. Everyone here is loyal to Luka. Or at least scared of him.
Still, I’m getting out tonight. It might be just for a night, but I’m getting out. People who support my dad will be there. Maybe they’ll try to help me. My breathing picks up, but so does my stomach. As far as I’m aware, they’re another mafia family which is hardlyreassuring.
Loud thump of the bass quiets as we exit the club and approach the black Range Rover parked outside. Luka tries to help me in, but I slap his hand away. I haven’t worn heels in…well, ever, so I barely escape twisting my ankle. Still, after some maneuvering, I climb inside on my own.
I expect Luka to take the front seat, but it’s already occupied, so he climbs in after me, crowding the space. Leon and Ivan sit in front, both clad in tuxedos. Luka is wearing a tux, too. His tattoos are covered and if I didn’t know better, I’d say he looks civil. It must be tailor made, considering his sheer size, but it’s still tight around his biceps, the fabric straining against the power of his muscles.
“Ready?” Ivan asks from the driver’s seat.
