Page 12 of Bratva Queen

I turned and walked away. The sound of my boots echoing in the hallway was deafening, but when I stopped to look back at her and saw her face dropped into her hands, her shoulders shaking slightly, my hearing hollowed out.

I left, hardened and cold. No matter how badly I wanted her, it wasn’t worth risking her life.

* * *

With a smile,Stepan placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “You’re my right-hand man, Aleksei. My best friend. I trust you with my life. No one else. For that reason, I’m assigning you as Isabel’s bodyguard. From now on, you’ll watch over her, protect her.” He made his way back to his dressing mirror and pulled his shirt straight.

Fuck.

He wanted me to be her bodyguard?Yebat’... he didn’t realize the risk of that. I wanted to be loyal to him, but this was like walking on the edge of insanity. I would certainly lose my mind if I had to spend more time with her… yet, I didn’t want to lose my life.

“I will.” I grew somber, deep in thought about how I’d handle this. When I looked up, the sight of him struggling with his arm sling awoke another train of thought.

“Maybe you shouldn’t do business with that man again,” I said, motioning to his sling. “Especially if I’ll be watching over Isabel and not guarding you anymore.” No matter what kind of reputation the bratva had, it wasn’t a usual thing to be shot at. Especially not the boss. I didn’t like the position he was putting himself in with this particular deal.

Stepan weighed his head to the side. “Dima may be a rough bargaining prick but he’s a great asset. The shit he can provide is pure. Fuckingamazing. I could peddle loads of it. Imagine the profit, Aleksei.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Sometimes you have to take a few punches to get to the good shit.”

I scoffed lightly in disagreement. “How can we trust a man who we’ve never heard of before? He has no references, no bratva family or connections. We won’t even know where to look for him if shit goes sour again.”

Stepan waved away my concerns, careless as ever. “You worry too much,priyatel’.”

I shut my mouth. He was the boss.

“I’m going to Isabel’s for the evening,” he announced, adding a little cologne.

“Isabel’s?” I asked. “What do you mean?” He’d never been to her apartment. Why would he go there? I remembered the fact that I’d been there, outside her door, very clearly, and it put me on edge.

Stepan smiled. “Her mother got my phone number from the landlord and called earlier. Said she wanted to cook me dinner as a thank you. Kind woman. Even apologized for the short notice, but said that Isabel would be home soon, and she’d love for us all to eat together.”

He smiled, satisfied. “If I can win over her mother, maybe Isabel will finally give herself up to me.”

My insides churned to the point of nausea.Give herself up to me. What, like a fucking cooked pig on a silver platter? Like she needed so much convincing just to let him touch her? Wasn’t that sign enough that she didn’t truly want him?

In my position, however, there was nothing I could do but nod and wish him good luck.

Chapter5

Isabel

I’d just gotten home from visiting Inessa when I stepped into the apartment and saw my mother frantically sweeping the floor, pushing past me in her bustle.

“Uyti s dorogi!” she scolded. Get out of the way!

My eyes scanned the room, landing on the kitchen table where three plates were set.

“Why are there three plates? Is Oleg home?” How would that be possible? He was in the military, and, as far as I knew, he wouldn’t be home for a long time. Maybe he was released early for some reason.

My mother chuckled, dumping the dustpan into the trash. “No, dear. Stepan is coming over.”

Stepan?

My cheeks flushed at my mother’s mention of his name, instantly sending my heart into overdrive as I quickly hung up my bag and coat.Stepan’s coming over? Yebena met!Holy shit!I hadn’t seen him in weeks and now he would be here.In my home.

“Why?” was all I could muster.

On one hand, I was excited about his coming arrival. He was a handsome man and respectful at the club, even if pushy about dating me. He kept me from having to deal with other, sleazy patrons. After his absence lately, I realized how his presence at the club had made me feel confident and safe. On the other hand… my stomach twisted in anticipation. Did he know what happened between me and Aleksei? Surely not. Judging by the absolute fear in Alek’s eyes that morning, he would never tell.

I knew that was why he ended the kiss. Because of Stepan. But my stupid heart couldn’t get over the anger in his voice, the way he looked at me with something like disgust. The way he was sovehementlyagainst touching me. It was enough to break any girl’s heart.

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