Page 1 of The Ties That Bind
Ambush
Brie was grabbing a quick snack before heading upstairs to work on her next film when she heard the screeching of multiple vehicles braking abruptly, and car doors slamming, just outside their house. Taking a quick peek through the window, she let out a frightened gasp when she saw four black utility vehicles parked outside and an army of men dressed in black suits walking up to the door.
Grabbing Hope, Brie rushed to Sir’s office to tell him what was happening.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he pushed Brie toward the back door. “Go to Durov’s while I find out what these men want.”
“Don’t face them alone,” she cried. “Come with me.”
Glancing at Hope squirming in her arms, he commanded, “I don’t know their intentions and it will give you time to escape.”
Brie knew Sir would give his life to protect them and whimpered when he shut the door behind her. Racing to Rytsar’s with her daughter clutched against her chest, Brie banged on his door, hoping against hope he hadn’t left for Russia yet.
While she waited in agony for someone to answer, Brie kept glancing back at their house, praying for Sir’s safety.
Rytsar opened the door dressed in a robe that was open but cinched at the waist, showing off his muscular chest. He smirked when he saw her. “Have you come to play before I go,radost moya?”
Brie shook her head and rushed inside.
His expression instantly changed as he grabbed Hope from her. “What’s wrong?”
Brie could barely speak as she panted, “There are men…lots of them…”
Rytsar frowned. “Where?”
“At the house. Sir insisted on staying behind.”
Rytsar growled, calling out to Maxim. “Mobilize my men, now!”
Guiding Brie to Hope’s room, he stated, “Stay here and remain quiet until I command otherwise.”
Before he shut the door, Rytsar whistled for Little Sparrow. “Watch over them,Vorobyshek.”
Brie heard the sound of an electronic door bolt locking into place. She glanced around the room, staring at the colorful murals painted on the four walls. They were of different landscapes in Russia. Because they were life-like outdoor paintings, she’d never noticed that the room had no windows.
It suddenly dawned on her this was actually a panic room.
Tears sprang to her eyes when she realized Rytsar had planned for this moment with the sole intention of protecting Hope. He knew there were those who might come for him seeking retribution.
Hope picked up on Brie’s fear and cried out, squirming in her arms. Brie immediately smiled to calm her daughter and walked over to the white rocking horse. She helped Hope onto it. “Hold on tight.”
She kept her tight smile, rubbing her pregnant belly while she slowly rocked the horse. Both she and Little Sparrow listened intently to the sounds of the men organizing on the other side of the door.
Suddenly, the air was filled with Rytsar’s laughter.
Little Sparrow started dancing excitedly at the door.
In a matter of seconds, Brie heard the bolt being pulled back as the burly Russian, dressed and armed for battle, opened the door.
“There is nothing to fear,radost moya.”
Brie stared at him in disbelief, too stunned to speak.
“It seems your cavalry has arrived,” he stated, petting Little Sparrow’s head.
Brie shook her head in disbelief. “What?”
“The men you saw are here about your film.”
