Page 15 of Hunted By the Bratva
She struggled all the way back. She had a lot more spunk and energy than I had imagined she could have. I wanted to laugh and scream at the same time. This was the second time she was doing this.
The guards had already loaded my bags into the car, and the driver held the door open. “Thanks,” I said, pushing her inside.
Clara scrambled across the seat and tried opening the other side door. But she realized there was nowhere to go as it was locked. Getting in next to her, she turned and kicked at me. I grabbed her legs and held them tightly on my lap.
“Let me go, or tell me why I am here!” she demanded.
“Okay, okay,” I finally gave up. “There were men following you. I noticed they were about to kidnap you. This was the only way I could think of keeping you safe. I saved your life!”
She glared at me, but I felt her relax slightly. “Let me get this right?” she said. “You are saying that I was about to be kidnapped, and then you kidnapped me to save me? How’s that any better?”
I wanted to smile so badly, but managed to keep it in. “No, not at all. I just took you with me to keep you safe,” I replied.
Her eyes told me she didn’t believe me. But I wasn’t about to admit that she was right. She sat frowning as the driver turned out of the airport. Clara pulled her legs up and sat staring out the window.
“Home, sir?” the driver asked. I realized I couldn’t take her to the home I shared with my brothers. There would be too many questions. Plus, they might disagree with what I was doing.
“Just take us through the city for now,” I said as I pulled out my phone.
I glanced at Clara as I called Avgust. “Hey,” I said as he answered. “I need you to do me a favor. Look on the outskirts for a place for me. Buy a fully furnished place and send me the details.”
“What?” Avgust breathed out.
“Just get it done, I’ll explain later,” I added before hanging up.
Clara studied my face as I stared at my phone screen. I was sure she had just as many questions as my brother, but they would have to wait. I wasn’t ready to share my plans with anyone. My phone vibrated, and I saw Avgust had come through for me. I jotted down the address.
Smiling, I handed my driver the note with the address. He nodded and headed to my new home. About an hour later, he pulled up to the large iron gates. He jumped out and pressed the button on the wall. I would get the remote from Avgust once I had Clara settled.
He had just gotten back in when the gates opened. Tall, thick trees lined the driveway. They ran for quite a bit before the sides cleared and the mansion was exposed. To one side weretennis courts and what looked like a mini golf course in the distance.
On our other side was a giant swimming pool with a waterfall on one end. It was truly spectacular. I was impressed that Avgust had found such a gem in the allotted time he had. As we neared the house, I saw the fountain in the middle of the driveway with a roundabout.
As the driver turned by the garage, which was surely enough to hold six or more vehicles, I looked at the mouse. It was an old-style mansion with a great rustic appeal, just as Avgust had described. Yet, he assured me the inside was equipped with the latest technology and amenities.
The driver stopped and got out. I glanced at Clara, who was admiring the house. This was a new area for our family. I was building something better. Getting out, I moved around to her side, where the driver had opened the door. Holding out my hand, I was glad when she took it. To my relief, she was behaving as I led her inside.
Chapter 10 - Clara
It has been a couple of days since we arrived here. I felt sure Iosif believed that I had settled into this new routine. It was time to make my move. I couldn’t wait to leave, but I had to pick the right time to do it.
After my morning routine, I headed to the kitchen for a light breakfast. Somewhere today, I would find a gap and get out. I felt sure of it. I made some eggs, sausage, and toast. As I sat down, Iosif came in.
“Good morning,” he said cheerily. “Any plans for the day?”
“Not much,” I replied after swallowing the bite I took.
“I was thinking we could go out for supper if you felt up for it?” he asked, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.
“Sounds nice,” I responded as he left.
After breakfast, I strolled around the house for a bit. I went to the gym and did my mid-morning pilates. I felt energized and took a quick shower before going for a swim. By lunchtime, I was burning to get out.
Walking through the house, I noticed it was quieter than usual. No guards were around, and I was sure Iosif was still in his office. Walking to the front door, I thought I would just try it. It was surely locked, but I would never know if I didn’t try.
I wondered where his staff had gone. There weren’t many, but they seemed to have great skills at avoiding me. I had only seen three in the week I had been staying here. As I suspected, the front door was locked. It had a keypad, and I didn’t know the code.
Moving on, I entered the living room. Outside one of the windows was a big bushy tree. As I stood examining it, I felt sure I could hide in it if I had to. I could see the front gate from where I was standing, and there were four other bushy trees on the way there.
