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“I… No, not today.” Crap, now I’m going to have to disappoint her some more. “I’m still dealing with this family crisis, but I’ll hopefully be available next week. Does that work for you?”
“That’s fine. In fact, why don’t you just shoot me a text when your schedule’s open.”
“I will. Thank you, I appreciate your flexibility.”
“Chat soon. Take care.” She ends the call.
I heave a relieved sigh. Not only did I get the job, but I have a wonderfully understanding boss. That personal assistant position puts me as her right-hand employee. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Practically giddy, and starving, I order breakfast from a nearby coffee shop that delivers. My order arrives via a member of The Manor’s staff, since for security reasons they don’t let anyone in from the outside—especially delivery people. I tip and thank them, then settle by the window to devour my black tea and pastry.
My phone pings and I glance at the message.
Dimitri
Meet me downstairs. Side door. Red SUV. See you soon.
That Bratva business didn’t take long at all. Not surprising as Maks has been leading the brotherhood since Dimitri was abducted. I’m so happy that he decided to elevate Maks’s position from bodyguard and driver to underboss. Maks deserves it.
I text him that I’m on my way down. Slipping on a pair of sensible heels, I grab my trench coat, wondering where we’re going. Dimitri didn’t say anything about us going out after he’s done with work, but he does like surprising me. I guess I’ll find out.
Is it really safe to go out? It must be, or he wouldn’t be picking me up outside. Plus, given the lengths that he was willing to go to keep me safe, I fully trust him.
I take the elevator down to the lobby and head toward the side exit. It’s a pick-up and drop-off zone. The sky outside’s overcast, dense clouds roll in, blotting out the sun. A threat of snow hangs heavy in the January air.
I immediately spot the red SUV and walk toward it. The windows are tinted, same with all of Dimitri’s vehicles, though I don’t recall this cherry red one in any of his garages. He’s more of a black SUV kind of guy.
My steps slow as a chill runs up my spine and over my scalp. Something feels… off, but I can’t pinpoint what. All I know is that my instincts are telling me to run.
I come to a complete stop just as the SUV’s doors open and men dressed in long charcoal coats step out. I’m about to bolt, when two men appear at my sides and catch me. I scream, but one of them roughly covers my mouth.
Kicking and trying to bite down on his gloved hand, I’m hauled into the back seat of the vehicle.
The doors audibly click as they lock.
Tires screech and we lurch forward.
Panic spikes through me, my heart thunders. This can’t be happening. Where’s Dimitri? He told me to come down here.
What the hell is going on?
The man in the passenger seat turns around and gives me a smile that doesn’t reach his cold, mossy green eyes.
Konstantin. I recognize him instantly.
No, no, no. This can’t be happening.
“Shh, little bird,” Konstantin says in a voice that’s too calm. “You’ve caused me so many headaches. Now you’ve brought this upon yourself because you won’t stay out of my way.” His gaze slithers down my body, undressing me with his eyes, and I shiver with disgust and fear. “You’ll fetch a nice price.”
My heartbeat kicks up. Cold terror settles in the pit of my stomach.
“Wh-what are you going to do with me?” Mindlessly, I clutch the pearls at my neck.
Wrathful delight shines in his eyes. “Have you ever heard of the skin trade? Human trafficking? I’m going to sell you. You’ll disappear, no trace left behind, you’ll never be heard from again.”
Fear lodges in my throat, choking me. Konstantin laughs in my stricken face.
As if to drive home his point, he takes my purse from one of his men and empties its contents out the window. My phone, ID, and everything is gone. My life’s being stripped away before my very eyes, replaced with my worst nightmare.
