Page 70 of Sergei
Before she had a chance to ask what was going on, I charged into the bedroom and started changing my clothes. My pulse was steady, but my mind was running wild with names and possible problems. In a matter of seconds, I was dressed and pulling onmy shoes. I was slipping on my belt when Lina stepped into the doorway.
“Is everything okay?”
“Don’t know yet.” I stepped over to her and kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll call Bog and send him back up.”
Without saying anything more, I brushed past her and out the door. I wasted no time getting to my car, and in a matter of minutes, I was pulling up to the casino. I jumped out of the car, and my guard already had the door open and waiting for me when I reached the front.
Inside, I walked in to find Viktor and Jenson standing next to two men I’d not officially met, but I knew all about. I’d looked into them months ago when Lev called to warn me that I had some unwelcomed interest in the casino. When I caught them on camera, I had Jenson look into them.
The first was Rolan Sidorov.
He was short and round with thick shoulders and an even thicker neck. He was built for breaking bones, not making deals. He’d spent years running errands for higher ups, doing their dirty work without ever earning a seat at the table. His small, close-set eyes darted around the room, assessing the room and everyone in it.
And then there was his buddy, Timur Vasiliev. He was younger and thought his tailored suits and polished boots made him someone worth noticing. But underneath, he was still just the muscle for the man giving the order.
They hadn’t been around in weeks. I thought that meant they’d come to their senses and moved on, but clearly, I was wrong. When they spotted me, they lifted their chins and straightened their stances, trying to make themselves look more intimidating. It was almost laughable.
I didn’t break my stride as I walked passed them and ordered, “Office.”
Viktor and Jenson stepped in behind them, and without a word, the four followed me upstairs. Once we were inside the office, I closed the door and faced them. “What’s this about?”
Rolan took a step forward and gave me a smile like a dog baring its teeth. “We have a proposition for you.”
“I’m not interested in anything you have to offer.”
“I think you’ll be interested in this.”
“I doubt it, but let’s hear it.”
“We’re offering your VIPs an exclusive opportunity.” He adjusted his cuff like he was a car salesman with a deal that couldn’t be missed. “A chance to purchase their very own personal servant… one who will meet any need. No limits. No questions.”
My blood ran cold and hot at the same time.
I knew exactly what they were talking about.
These servants weren’t up for auction by choice. These were women and children who’d been trafficked and branded as property. I stepped in front of him and growled, “Not happening.”
Timur’s mouth twitched like he’d been waiting for my response. Rolan only tilted his head and pushed, “You might want to rethink that.”
“I don’t need to rethink a goddamn thing!” I roared. “Get the hell out of my office!”
Rolan’s expression didn’t change, but the room suddenly felt heavy. He twisted his shoulder, popping his back, and Viktor moved behind him, watching and waiting. Rolan looked me dead in the eye. “We know about the girl.”
My pulse stopped and my jaw dropped ever so slightly.
It was enough.
He saw it. The flicker. The weakness.
“There are people who would be very interested to know she’s alive and well. They would also be interested to know that she was with you.”
“Was?”
Ignoring me, he continued, “I get it. She’s a beautiful woman. Quiet and well-trained. She knows how to keep her mouth shut and head down.”
“A woman like her is rare. She’ll bring a high dollar.” An evil smile crept over his smug face. “You really shouldn’t leave a woman like her home alone.”
Fuck.
