Page 14 of Gilded Cage (Kovalyov Bratva 1)

She forces me to sit down on the white sofa facing the window and gets to work on my face.

I concede defeat and let her do what she wants to. It’s easier than arguing.

My thoughts float aimlessly as I stare out at the LA skyline.

I can imagine Papa’s voice in my ear.Sit in your cage and be quiet, little bird. Sit and smile. It doesn’t matter if you’re happy or not. Just keep smiling.

“Earth to Esme! Where’s your head at, girl?”

I blink and focus on Tamara. “Doesn’t matter,” I mumble. “How about we head to the spa now? I’d really love to get out of this room.”

She doesn’t argue. We get our bags and head down to the spa with two of my new guards in tow.

I notice Tamara checking out Ansel. He’s the taller of the two guards and he’s got a pair of tattoos on his face, which contribute to how dangerous he looks. I’m willing to bet anything that’s a large part of why she’s attracted to him.

“I wouldn’t go there,” I mutter to her as we enter the spa, leaving my guards stationed at the entrance. “Matter of fact, I wouldn’t get involved with anyone who works for my father.”

Tamara snorts. “What makes you think I want to get involved with him?” she asks. “I’m just interested in fucking him.”

She says it casually, but it leaves me reeling. Maybe because it’s just such a foreign idea.

What must it be like to do something just because you can? Just because you feel like it?

The spa has exactly two tones, pearly greys and muted ivories. I know it’s meant to promote calm and healing, but to me, it feels lackluster, completely devoid of personality or life.

We’re greeted by a petite blonde woman who is as pale as her surroundings.

She leads us to a private room, which is, surprise surprise, as white and dull as the rest of the spa.

“Please make yourselves comfortable,” she says with a smile. “I’ll be back with some refreshments for you both.”

The moment the door is closed, I turn to Tamara, feeling the immense need to unburden myself. “He’s trying to marry me off, you know. My father.”

Tamara’s eyes grow wide. “You’re only twenty-two!”

“Apparently, that doesn’t matter,” I say. “Nothing I want matters. And I don’t think it ever will.”

“You need to get out of here.”

“Yeah.” I nod. “That’s exactly what I need to do. But I can’t see a way out of this life.”

“No,” Tamara says, shaking her head, “I mean, out of this spa. What you need is to take control of your life, and it starts with baby steps.”

I roll my eyes. “That’s an elaborate plan to get yourself to a club tonight.”

Tamara puts a manicured hand on my leg. “Okay, forget about me. What doyouwant to do today?”

“Does it matter?”

Tamara squeals in delight and claps her hands together excitedly. “Then it sounds like my plan is the winner!”

I just sigh. “Have you forgotten the two armed guards waiting outside this spa for us?”

She rolls her eyes dismissively. “Please, girl. I’ve been sneaking out since I was thirteen years old,” she says. “Those two don’t scare me. If they happen to catch us… well, they’ll just have punish us, won’t they?” She winks flirtatiously.

I can’t help but laugh. “You’re insane.”

“Come on. Let’s go,” Tamara says enthusiastically. “Pretty please?”

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