Page 29 of Hunted By the Bratva
The drive to the airport went by quicker than I expected. I slept through most of our flight. Once we landed, a car took us to the docks, where we got onto a yacht. We sailed around the coast of Mexico while Iosif’s men ensured that Mexico City was safe. As well as the harbor we pulled into, and the road to the city.
The warm wind of Mexico rushed through my hair. The ocean parted as the yacht glided through the water. I scanned the horizon, marveling at the ocean’s vastness. It stretched at times further than the eye could see.
I laughed softly as we hit a wave, and I was lifted into the air. At that moment, it felt like I was flying. My heart started racing as I caught sight of the shore. My eyes widened with excitement, and my breath caught in my throat as excitement rushed through me.
Soon, we would be on land, and I could roam freely. The boat increased speed for a short time, hitting more waves as it went. Closing my eyes, I reveled in the light spray of the ocean water in my face. As the boat anchored in the harbor, Iosif turned and spoke to me. “Have you enjoyed your trip so far?”
Smiling at him, I could feel my heart rate increase. “Yes,” I replied, clinging to the bars on the side of the yacht. I looked back at the ocean, feeling like a little child. “I’ve never been to Mexico. What is the plan of action for the day?”
Iosif took my hand and headed to the exit. He spoke softly as we got off. “Wait and see.”
He led me to a helicopter waiting for us. It was a two-hour flight inland. I couldn’t keep my eyes from the scenery as we flew over Mexico. We landed on top of a roof, seemingly in the middle of the city. Once we stepped out into the street, the car was waiting.
“Let’s walk,” I suggested as I pulled him by the hand. “We’ve sat all day.”
“Okay,” Iosif replied, waving at the driver.
We walked side by side through the streets, stopping at various shops. The driver drove a short distance behind us, ensuring they were close should we need a ride.
As we moved towards the inner city, the streets filled with people. Iosif stopped in front of a large store, pulling me towards him. “This is Ropa Fina,” he said, pulling me into the store.
“Yes, it means high-quality or luxurious clothing,” I shot back at him. The store was so big, it almost occupied an entire block by itself.
“Do you speak Spanish?” Iosif asked, raising his eyebrows at me.
Shaking my head from side to side, I replied, grinning. “No, but I can see.” I turned in a circle, pointing at all the clothes. We spent about an hour inside, as Iosif insisted on buying me some new clothes.
We also visited a jewelry store and had lunch at a five-star restaurant. By the time lunch was over, I was already bored.
Iosif paid the bill and took my hand as we walked back out onto the street. “What’s bothering you ?” He asked.
Pulling him to a stop, I smiled softly as I replied hesitantly. “Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy life's fancy things, but am used to them. I was hoping this trip would offer things outside of my comfort zone.”
Raising his hand, Iosif indicated for the car to come closer. As he opened the door, he replied in an amusing tone. “You’re telling me that you’re tired of your lifestyle?”
I felt my heart racing as I got into the car and shifted across the seat to make space for him. “Yes,” I replied, laughing softly. I realized how stupid it must sound, but it was true.
“Well,” Iosif huffed. “I never thought I would ever hear anybody say something like that.” Turning to the driver, he continued to speak. “Please take us to the first stop.”
Looking back at me, his expression turned serious. “You do know, we would eventually have to talk about everything that’s happened,” Iosif said.
Rolling my eyes at him, I exhaled loudly. I knew he was right, as the danger looming around me had not settled. “I know,” I replied softly. This was not a conversation I was ready to have. “Could we talk about it later?” I asked.
“No,” Iosif huffed. “You’ve been putting it off for too long. Clara, we need to discuss this.” His tone was firm, and I knew there would be no room for argument. However, being me, I didn’t care.
“I’m currently in no danger, am I? You said that I would be safe with you. Is that no longer the truth?” I shot back at him. Sitting back, I leaned my head against the headrest. I glanced at him, smiling as I batted my eyelashes.
His brows furrowed, and he mumbled under his breath. I was sure he thought I couldn’t hear him, as he swore. I smiledbroadly at him as I spoke up. “So, where are you taking me? Is it somewhere with special meaning to you?”
There was a sparkle in his eyes as he breathed out heavily. “Yes,” he replied shortly.
Moving closer, I placed my head on his shoulder. “Thank you,” I whispered. We sat in silence, listening to the radio playing, as the driver took us to his secret place. Before the car came to a stop, I noticed we had turned onto a gravel road.
Looking out the window, I wondered what was so special about the old, rustic building. “Is this it?” I asked.
Iosif opened the door and got out. “Yes,” he replied.
Standing before the building, I noticed a small board stuck on one side. “Art?” I read aloud. The building itself was quite beautiful, even though it appeared to be in ruins.
