Page 52 of Trapped By the Bratva

Wealthy, powerful, and deadly.

“And if you have enough money already…” She watched me set the envelope on the table and slide it over. “How much is he paying you?”

“You’ll never know.”

She slitted her eyes, scowling fully. “Greedy bitch.”

“Says the lazy ass who has never worked a day in her life.”

“I’m talking about you. Not me. How much are you making for this rich bastard?”

“I’m not telling you a single fucking thing.” I tapped my finger to the envelope, and she snatched it closer to her chest, as though she worried I’d take it back. “You asked me for that amount. And that. Is. It.”

“You must be making bank, huh?” She just wouldn’t quit.

I scooted my chair back to stand and leave. “This was the last time. I will not speak with you ever again.”

She grabbed my wrist and forced me to sit back down. “You'd better tell me who you’re working for. And how much he’s paying you.” She clenched her teeth. “Or else.”

The guard cleared his throat and stepped closer. I registered his presence. He stood right there, in my peripheral vision, glowering down at her.

All right. I’m liking this security thing now.I grinned.

“Get your hand off her.Now,” he ordered.

Melissa released me and flicked her fingers, as though she was disgusted to have ever touched me at all. “Oh. Is that how it’s gonna be now?”

“Are you finished here, Ms. Durmont?” the guard asked.

I stood, nodding at him. “I am.”

“Hey, asshole,” Melissa sneered as she leaned back in her seat. “I’m aMs. Durmonttoo.”

“I don’t care if we were born sisters,” I told her as I retreated. “Don’t ever reach out to me again. Ever.”

With that, I turned and walked away. I heard and felt the presence of the guard behind me. I bet that if I glanced, I’d see him exactly three steps behind me, watching and supervising. Unlike the trip out here to see Melissa, on this returning walk, I basked in the comfort of knowing I wasn’t alone.

This guard didn’t care. He wasn’t a friend, just a hired thug expected to keep me safe because it was his job to do so.

I appreciated it. Yet, I wished I had someone who cared with me. Someone who would’ve stood up to my sister on my behalf because they wanted to see me happy and not stressed or harassed. Standing up to her by myself felt good, but it didn’t change how alone I felt.

As soon as I entered the mansion, I felt the opposite. It was impossible to feel like an outsider near Margie, and I was overjoyed to see her in the kitchen. Especially with the smells of her favorite homemade soup brewing.

“What’s that long face for?” she asked.

“Han. Ha!” Emily toddled closer with her arms up, and I grinned as I stooped lower to pick her up.

“Look at you, little princess. You’re getting so big.”

Emily thrust her arms up in aso biggesture.

“No long face,” I told the kindly housekeeper who seemed more like the main maternal presence in the household. “But, uh, I’ve had a long day.”

“Hmm.” She arched one brow at me. “I’m not sure I believe that. You’re not very good at lying.”

Dammit.Dmitri had said the same thing.

“Maybe because I neverwantto lie.” I took a seat with Emily on my lap. I didn’t want to keep her from her food. After I slid the plate and bowl over, she snacked away.

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