Page 24 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

Even from here, I could see her beauty. Her sleek body, perfectly sized breasts, and ass were prominently on display in the dress she wore. She was the kind of woman I was sure most men fantasized about.

My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride as I stood there watching. I could be sure if what I was feeling was anger, jealousy, or disappointment. Maybe it was a little of all mixed in one.

Suddenly feeling sick and unable to breathe, I knew I had to get out. I needed to leave. Seeing him with her was only making me doubt myself. I didn’t need this kind of drama in my life.

Glancing around as I headed for the door, I tried to see if my brother was still there. I didn’t see him and assumed he had gone to the bar, bathroom, or maybe he had left. I was sad but felt relieved that he didn’t see me. If it were one of my other overprotective brothers, there would have been hell to pay if they saw me.

Stepping out into the cool evening air, I inhaled deeply. My anger was boiling. How could I have been so careless and stupid? What was I thinking? He wasn’t a one-woman kind of man. I should have known better.

Walking toward my condo, the wind rustled the leaves on the top of the trees. Looking up, I wondered if it might rain. The air was surely cool enough, and it had an earthy smell.

My heels clicked as I stomped down the street. My mind was distracted by images of Akim and that beautiful blonde.Reflections of them in shady situations blew around inside my head. Clenching and releasing my fists, I tried to calm the emotional turmoil inside.

After several blocks, I felt my rage starting to calm. Feelings of disgust and disappointment replaced it. I walked from the bustling business area and entered my residential area. Looking back to see if Akim had maybe noticed and come after me, I spotted a man not far behind.

He stopped and looked up into the sky. Something about his actions felt off. I swallowed hard as I turned back and continued to walk. Mentally, I reminded myself to keep an eye on him.

After the recent events, and not knowing who the target was, I couldn’t be too careful. Plus, I was still a bit shaken by everything. The light turned green. I started walking again. I glanced in some of the store windows now and then, checking if he was still there.

As I got closer to home, the traffic and the people lessened. There were some stores in my neighborhood, but most closed around eight.

As I ran, I noticed all the shops were closed, and the street was deserted. I hadn’t seen another person for the last two blocks except for the stranger a little distance behind me. Looking into one of the store windows, I caught a glimpse of his reflection.

I had to look again as I could swear he was carrying a gun. On my second look, I knew for sure. My head felt like it was suddenly swelling as the realization of the situation hit home. Without thinking, I took off running. I heard the man cursing before the soft whistling sound came past my head.

Did he really just shoot at me? I was glad he missed, but I felt the bullet graze my ear. A thin line of blood ran down my neck. It was hot yet felt cold at the same time. I let out a shout as I ran faster than I had ever before in my life. I was slightly amazed that I could run like this in heels.

My heart jumped into my throat. I knew my life depended on the distance I could place between us. There was no time to think. I had to allow my body to react.

Turning on the next corner, I ran into a group of young men and women exiting a bar. As I struggled through them, I heard their protests and grunts, but there was no time to waste. I had just gotten through them when I saw the opening of a dark alley. I quickly considered my options. Enter the bar, ask for help, or run to my condo.

Glancing back at the group, I decided they seemed drunk and distracted. Looking at the bar, I saw the sign in the window had just changed and now read ‘Closed’.

My building couldn’t be far. So, I decided to make a run for it. Ducking into the alley, I stayed against the dark wall, going a tad slower so I would make less noise. Exciting the alley, I saw the condos looming up front.

Glancing back, I realized that I had lost him. But I had no intention of stopping. My calves were on fire, and my lungs were battling to keep up. As I turned the corner, I saw my building coming into clear view.

Stopping, I stood for a second on the corner, hiding in the shadows. I had to ensure no strangers were lurking or suspicious cars waiting. Not seeing anything out of place, I rushed over the street and entered on the side. I skipped the elevator and took the stairs.

Slipping off my heels, I ran up the stairs to my condo. My hands were trembling so badly that I had difficulty entering the correct pin. The door clipped open on the third try.

I practically fell into the apartment. Scrambling to my feet, I shoved the door closed and bolted it. Turning, I exhaled deeply as I slid down the door.

Shivering and scared, I wrapped my arms around my knees as I sat against the door. What was happening? The attacks kept on coming. I had to tell someone, but who?

My brothers would be furious with me. They will surely lock me up and throw away the keys. They just see me as a subordinate. So, calling them wasn’t an option. I let out a small scream as my phone rang.

Throwing out the contents of my purse, I searched for my phone. Staring at the name on the screen, I felt my throat closing. Tears stung my eyes as it felt like the world was closing in on me.

Chapter 13 - Akim

It felt like I was losing my mind as I scanned the room, but couldn’t see Zhen. How could she have just left without a word? I walked through the people in disbelief. Heading to a quiet corner, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

It rang and rang. After a minute or so, the call ended. I tried again and again several times. But she didn’t answer. Cursing under my breath, I tried once more. I didn’t want to give up. She had to understand that this wasn’t how professionals behaved.

If there had been an emergency, she should have told me. My anger had almost risen to a point of rage. I wanted to smash something. Not answering was worse than leaving without a goodbye.

As I was about to hang up, she answered. There was a second of silence before her voice came through. My anger instantly turned to worry as I heard her shaky tone.

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