Page 38 of Code of Captivity

“Thank you, Master. That feels so good,” I sighed, enjoying the heat and massage.

“Don't get used to it,” he said gruffly.

And he was back.

???

The room had a nervous energy, but that was all on me. Pyotr stood outside the bedroom, and I knew Master was meeting with Rurik, but all I could do was pace up and down his bedroom. I ran to the window with dread and excitement when I heard the cars. I was never meant to meet Rurik and certainly not like this.

There were two black SUVs. The first one had Rurik, Artyom and Maksim. In the second one, I didn't recognise any of the men. I wanted to bang on the window, but I was too scared to do anything. Adrik Ilyin was unpredictable, and I’d seen him at his worst.

When they vanished inside, I began pacing again. Seven men against Adrik and his gang were not enough. My eyes kept wandering to the clock, and seven minutes later, there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, Pyotr stood there.

“He wants you downstairs,” he said, avoiding my eyes. It wasn’t unusual. He did the same when he stayed with me at the ‘training’ centre.

I’d been given a pair of black leggings, and I wore Master’s white shirt over them. Underwear wasn’t high on Master’s listsince there was none. When we reached the office, he knocked on the door before opening it.

I nervously stepped inside, and Rurik stood up. Viktor reached for his gun, and I looked at him in horror. Master sat at his desk, but his eyes were on me as everyone decided to pull their guns out.

“Come in, Bunny,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. His eyes were two glacial pools of doom.

I ducked my head and walked to his desk.

“You've seen her. You can leave now,” Master said calmly, but I winced at the dangerous undertone.

I turned to face Rurik and his men. Artyom had his gun aimed at Viktor. I mean, if anyone had to die today…I shook my head at the thought. I had to try and get these men to stand down.

“I can’t appreciate it enough, Rurik. Thank you for coming and being the brother I never had, but I am fine. I promise you,” I said with a watery smile.

“Your message—” he began to say.

“I panicked. I took a bad job, and that's on me for not doing my due diligence. The suspicion was there, and I should have known better,” I said before glancing at his wedding ring. “Congratulations, I’m glad it all worked out for you.”

He glanced at his ring, and a smile briefly appeared before he glanced around at the men in the room. It swiftly faded.

“I needed to know you were safe,” he said quietly.

“You are testing my patience, Mr Abrosimov,” Master said, standing up.

I didn't know how to break the tension or diffuse the situation.

Rurik ignored him and looked at me. “I would be proud to call youSestra, Ania. If you ever need me, all you need to do is get in touch.”Sister.

I wanted to burst into tears, but instead, I went to him and hugged him. He paused for a second before he hugged me back.

“Thank you,Brat,” I said before I whispered words only he would hear. “I’m a survivor.”Brother.

I sniffed and pulled away from him, glancing at Artyom and Maksim. They all risked their lives to come here. Rurik was the only one who knew a little about my past. I’d known him since I was seventeen, almost a decade.

“Please go,” I said to them before I smiled at Rurik to take the harshness out of my words.

He stared at me for a moment before he glanced over my head. I heard Master walk behind me and felt his hand on my stomach before he pulled me back.

“TheKrolikis mine,” he said.

“May I have a word with you in private before I leave?” Rurik asked, and I glared at him.

I was so close to getting him to safety.

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