Page 11 of Knocked up by the Mafia

“Not going to make me sit in the trunk?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “I think you’ve earned a little trust. You know, telling anyone where we are endangersyourwell-being, not mine.”

I nod and slip into the passenger seat and buckle up. I’m nervous to see Ivan, but I want Ivan to know what’s happening. Daniel drives in silence toward Ivan’s house, and as he approaches the gate, a guard steps up to his window, which he rolls down.

I lean over Daniel and start speaking in Russian. I want to alert him to the fact I’m being kept against my will so he can tell Ivan. Maybe that way, they can surprise Daniel. Before I can say anything, though, Daniel turns to me and tells me to remember why we’re here, except he tells me in Russian. The asshole speaks Russian.

I nod. “I know.” The guard nods and waves us through as the gate slides open.

Daniel doesn’t look at me as he says, “If you think anyone can detain me, just know that I can free myself. I will kill your family and everyone in this house. Including Ivan.”

I nod. I was caught off-guard that he speaks Russian, even with his accent. He pulls up to the house and exits the car. I wait for him to open my door, and we walk toward the house. A guard stops him and searches him for weapons. Then they search me. This surprises me even more, but I suppose they don’t know where I’ve been or what I’ve been up to, so they need to be safe.

We’re led inside by one of the guards. I don’t see Tori, Roman, or Ana anywhere. The guard stops outside Ivan’s study door and gestures for us to enter. I walk in ahead of Daniel and hold my head up high.

Ivan is standing at his desk, leaning on his hands. “Natalia. Where have you been? Who is this?”

“This is Daniel, my husband,” I say, trying to keep confident. I just wanted to show you we’re fine, that no one’s hurt and that what I’ve been saying is true.

Ivan looks at Daniel and says, “Name your price to release her from this marriage.”

“Ivan…” I start to say.

“Quiet,” he barks at me, looking back at Daniel. “Property? Money? What do you want to give my cousin her freedom? I’m open to negotiations.” Ivan stares him down, but Daniel doesn’t flinch.

“Didn’t you hear her? I’m her husband. I’m not holding her prisoner, Mr. Volkov. Marriage was both our choice.” He looks at me.

I nod. “He’s right. He asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

Ivan slams his hand onto the table. “I will not stand for this. I know this a bullshit cover-up.” He glares at me. “You are a special Bratva member, and I am not having your freedom taken from you by some Irishman. I don’t care how powerful he is.”

I keep quiet as Daniel engages with Ivan, insisting that I have freedom and choose to remain with him. They start raising their voices at each other until I can’t take it anymore. I raise my hands in the air.

“Enough! I am not a piece of property to be argued over. You cannot go to any court and lay claim to me.” I glare at both of them and then look sternly at Ivan. “I am choosing to stay with him, Ivan.

He glares at me. “You can stay here at my house. I’ll order it.”

I shake my head. “No, I am going with Daniel.”

Daniel steps forward. “And if you try to stop me, you will quickly find out who I am and regret your choice.”

They stare at each other before Daniel turns and takes my hand, leading me out. None of the guards try to stop us, so Ivan clearly heeds his warning. Daniel is fearless in threatening Ivan, but I also know my cousin is strategic, and he’ll want to find out who exactly Daniel is before he makes a move.

Daniel opens the car door for me, and I get in. He slips into his seat, and once we’re buckled up, we leave, the gate opening without pause. I don’t look back as we drive off. I know Ivan will want to track us, but I have a feeling Daniel would easily lose anyone tailing us. He’s been in this game long. He’s been anonymous his entire life; now is not the time he will get caught out.

Chapter 8 - Daniel

It doesn’t take them long to reveal that they’re following us. It’s so obvious that it makes me wonder if Ivan is all that good. I’m not impressed, judging by the amateurs he hires. I keep calm and lull them into a false sense of security. Natalia looks at me.

“You’re going the wrong way.”

“Your cousin is having me tailed by some junior asshole with no sense of discretion,” I comment.

“You’re driving rather slowly for someone who doesn’t want to be tailed,” she comments. She doesn’t look back, though, which I appreciate.

I turn down a road and head toward a high-traffic area that I know is quick-flowing. At the last minute, I speed up, check the traffic and skip the stop street, pulling into traffic, and then I pick up even more speed. I weave through traffic effortlessly, and it doesn’t take long to lose the idiots.

“Your cousin’s going to be annoyed with them.” It’s a simple statement.

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