Page 54 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Looking up, I saw we had lost about a fourth of the building. Large fires and smoke were coming out of the rest of it. People ran from the building like chickens without heads. Others were held up or dragged by coworkers.

Pushing my body to move, I stood up, holding my head. The ringing had started to subdue, but it throbbed like I had been hit with a baseball bat. Taking slow, painful steps, I headed closer to assist in getting everyone out.

Not only was everything sore, but I also felt stiff. It felt like I had sparred with ten men and lost. Getting closer to the building, I looked at the people outside. There appeared to be two critically injured, and another five or so with less fatal injuries. “We didn’t lose any people,” the henchman suddenly spoke next to me.

I jumped and turned to face him. My heartbeat sat in my throat. “Let’s get that fire out, and the injured must be taken into town,” I breathed out.

We had to use the people who were able to assist. We couldn’t afford to lose everything inside. I had to ensure we didn’t draw the attention of the fire department or the cops. Frustrated, I sent out a text to both my brothers. ‘Need help on site.’

Collecting all the extinguishers and hose pipes we could, we started battling the fire. It took us just under half an hour to calm the fire and lessen the black smoke rising into the air. Once it was basically out, I sent Grace a text as well. ‘Stay hidden. Something has come up. I’ll come as soon as I can.’

She sent me a thumbs-up emoji, which brought a slight smile to my lips. Putting my phone away, I headed back into the building. The workers and guards were trying to sort out what could be salvaged. I got so focused on getting things sorted that I didn’t hear my brothers arriving.

“Holy shit! This is a mess,” Pavel’s voice rang through the building. Glancing up, I was pleased to see them.

Vadik was glaring at Pavel as he gently tapped him behind the head. He appeared to be annoyed with Pavel. Pavel had a way of making light of the most serious situation, which was just his way of coping. But Vadik was obviously not in the mood for his shenanigans.

Vadik did a quick sweep of inventory with me while Pavel assisted in getting the usable stock into the side that hadn’t burned. The shipments we lost in the fire were minor, and most could be replaced within days.

I exited the building and sent a text to the Chernykhs informing them of the situation. Turning to head back in, I saw Vadik approaching me. As he came to stand by my side, he spoke calmly. “Do you need help with anything else?”

“No,” I replied quickly. “These bastards are just a bit slippery, but I will get them.”

Vadik laughed lightly as he responded. “You take everything on, and one day, it’s going to break you.”

I noticed Chernykh’s man approaching us. “Let me just sort this out,” I said, turning to leave.

“You can go. I know you have to get to Grace. If I need help, I’ll ask our little brother,” he said, pointing at Pavel.

I tried giving him a calm grin as I replied. “Thanks, I’ll catch up later.”

He smiled at me, nodded his head, and walked off to talk to Chernykh’s henchman.

Turning, I approached Pavel rapidly. “Give me your keys. You can take the truck,” I grumbled, stopping before him. “I’m going to get Grace and take her home. Vadik is staying to clean up.”

Pavel produced the keys and took mine. “No problem, see you at home,” he said as I headed to his car.

Not wanting to waste any more time, I started up his car and floored the gas pedal. I raced through town to the mall. Fear had started to take hold. I felt a heaviness pushing down on my chest. I hoped she stayed hidden and was okay.

As soon as I got out, I dialed her number. “Grace, I’m here,” I said as she picked up.

“I am close to a coffee shop and a fancy restaurant. There is a family bathroom between the two. That’s where I went in,” she said.

I managed to smile through the dread I felt as I replied. “I am almost there.” She hung up before I could ask her to stay on the line.

Shoving my phone back into my pocket, I scanned the directions board. Looking at where Pavel said he left her and where she said she ran, I saw the coffee shop and restaurant marked clearly.

Heading to the location, I found the family bathroom she said she had gone into. “Grace, it’s me,” I called out, entering the bathroom. The words had barely left my mouth when a stall door slammed open. She barreled into my arms. Grace wrapped her arms so tightly around me that I felt the air leaving my lungs. She laid her head against my chest as she cried.

I was relieved to see her and held her tight. “You’re safe now,” I whispered, kissing her head. We stood for a while. I just wanted her in my arms. Moving my hands down to her sides, I pulled back a tad. “Grace,” I said as she looked up at me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She nodded as she stepped back, holding her arms outstretched. “See,” she said, turning them. “No marks, no holes, no bruises.”

Laughing, I pulled her into another tight hug. “I’m glad you’re good. But I think we should move now,” I added, opening the bathroom door.

The shops had started closing, and fewer people were around than earlier. This was good as the men wouldn’t have cover to hide if they were still around. Checking all around us as we moved, we walked briskly out to Pavel’s car.

It was faster than my truck, so I used it to get to Grace quicker. Opening the door, I assisted her in. Once I got in on the driver's side, I smiled, feeling more relaxed. She was safe now. I couldn’t wait to get her home.

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