Page 35 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

Anton gave me a smirk and then turned his attention to Abram. “It’s on schedule and going as planned. There have been no issues of late. So, I think we can proceed with business as usual.”

“Excellent,” Alexandr added. “Tasha, is there anything on your front we need to know about?”

“Well,” Tasha said. “It appears the Chernykhs are letting up on the Vasilievs a little. Their workload has come down, for which all of us are grateful. Vadik is currently busy with operations for the Morozovs. I am working with Evelina, searching for the company circulating the new street drug. Other than that, all is good.”

“Okay, sounds good. Keep me updated on the new drug, please,” Alexandr replied.

Tasha smiled and nodded as she responded. “No problem, will do so. But as I said, everything is running smoothly.”

Anton suddenly cleared his throat. He shifted in his chair and added his voice. “Yes, everything on our side is also going well. I have sorted the trucks. The warehouses are secure, and we’ve added new guards to our homes.”

“Excellent, well then, I guess the meeting is done,” Alexandr said, getting up. He stood in the door as we got up and started heading out.

Taking my hand and shaking it hard as I got to him, he leaned closer as she spoke. “Akim, please set up the meeting. I think the sooner we get it done, the quicker we can all rest. Plus, I want to meet the woman who placed that smile on your face.”

Grinning at him, I nodded. “Sure, bro, no issue. I will find out when she is available and send you a message. Then you can check your schedule and let us know.”

He nodded in reply and let go of my hand. This meeting went better than I could have imagined. I felt happy and excited.The new meeting would also be the perfect time to introduce her as my girlfriend.

I intended to officially ask her out at dinner. This way, we could do things right. I knew my family would love her as much as I did. Stopping halfway across the driveway, I glanced back at the house. “Had I just thought that?” I asked myself.

Well, this evening is just full of surprises. I was happy with how things went and decided to call Zhen. I wanted to tell her how much my family loved her work. Besides, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to tease her a bit.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed her number. I listened to it ringing as I walked to my truck. Ti stopped as I got there. Unlocking the door, I tried again. It wasn’t like her not to answer me.

Then I remembered she had scheduled overtime as she wanted to complete a project. Looking at my watch, I realized she could very well still be at the office. I took a deep breath, feeling a slight nagging concern creep in. “No need to panic,” I told myself.

Hopping into my truck, I pulled out a bit too fast. I looked in my mirror as the pebbles and sand filled the air behind me. If Alexandr saw this, he would have a field day with me.

Placing my phone in the dash bracket, I redialed her number. Was she so busy, she didn’t even hear it ringing? Something felt off. Ending the call, I pressed a bit harder on the gas. I didn’t want to attract unwanted attention, but I had to get to the office.

I had barely gone five blocks when the alarm bells went off on my phone. It vibrated so badly that I couldn’t see which alarm it was. I knew it was one from the office building. As Itook the next turn, I saw it was the fire alarm. Looking up, I saw smoke rising in the distance.

“No,” I shouted as I floored the gas. I no longer cared if the cops picked up on me. I had to get to the office. I hoped she wasn’t inside, that she had made it out. I drove like a bat out of hell, swerving left and right through the traffic, swallowing the trepidation building up.

Chapter 18 - Zhenya

Zoning in on my work, I tried to finish it as quickly as possible. I wanted to get out. I wanted nothing more than to join Akim on our special dinner date. We’ve been planning it all week, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

There was the opening of a new fancy restaurant that he wanted to try. I have never liked the glamour of life, but for him, I could go. He also sacrificed for me, so it was the least I could do. Besides, people have said the food was divine and a must-try. I knew there was one in the capital, on the coast, and somewhere else, but I’ve never been.

It was hard to contain my excitement. Just being with him made life worth it. I had just filed the last of the paperwork and could almost leave. I heard a blaring alarm as I decided to get a last cup before finishing the projections.

I jumped as I had never heard it before. I closed my ears with my hands. It was deafening. Scanning the hall and office, I saw no reason for the alarm. I wondered if it was a break-in. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the growing fear. I had no idea what was happening, and it made me uneasy.

Looking around, I tried to decide what weapon I could use. I finally decided on the standing lamp. Unplugging it, I turned out the bulb. Taking it by the top, I swung it as if it were a baseball bat. This might work, but it was a bit heavy.

Deciding I needed something better, I left my office. I crouched as I moved towards reception. Looking around, I found nothing better to use. Then it dawned on me, the kitchen.

I slowly made my way there. If it were a break-in, that would be the best place to hide. Plus, it had lots of weapons.However, if it was another attempt on my life, I was probably not safe anywhere. The best I could do was prepare myself.

Entering the kitchen, I gently closed the door before looking through the drawers. The biggest knife I could find was a bread knife. Staring at it, I whispered. “I guess you’ll have to do.” Besides, I didn’t have any other options.

The alarm stopped ringing. Opening the door just a smidge, I peeked out. I didn’t hear or see anything out of place. Then, the alarm started up again. Closing the door, I sank down in the corner. “I have to call someone,” I said aloud, realizing my phone was in the office.

Opening the door slowly, I considered running back to get my phone. But as I looked through the place, I noticed it was quickly filling with smoke. A fire? I could now also smell it. I saw red flames licking the walls towards the stairs and elevator.

There was no way out. I slammed the door shut and looked around frantically. The window was too small to fit through. I placed some towels on the floor by the door, trying to keep the smoke out.

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