Page 21 of The Bratva's Auctioned Bride
“Angelika, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Diomid was right about the guys looking for you. Word on the street is that they’re really pissed off and want revenge,” he says.
“They want revenge because they kidnapped me and tried to sell me? Are you serious? This can’t be happening. I just want to come home,” I sound whiny. It’s the frustration.
“I know you’ve been through a lot, Angelika, but please. You need to stay with Diomid for a bit longer. Until this all blows over. For now, they don’t even seem to know who was responsible for your rescue, so they don’t know who to go after. Sit tight there.”
“Jaro, I’m going crazy here. I need…”
“You never told me what actually happened,” he interrupts me. “I didn’t ask before because I’m sure you needed some time to process. But how did they get to you?”
My heart somersaults three times and then slams into the pit of my stomach.
My throat closes, and my eyes flare in horror.
“What happened?” I stammer, my mind racing. “Um.”
Shit, shit, shit. Why didn’t I prepare for this question? Obviously, it was inevitable. I was so focused on being annoyed with Diomid, I didn’t even think about what I’d say.
“Angelika?” Jaroslav says, testing to see if the line is still connected.
Desperation floods me like a tidal wave. My heart races faster, and my head begins to spin.
To my surprise, Diomid steps closer to the phone. “She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, man. I don’t think Bardil even planned it. I think it was an opportunity he saw and took. This was his fault. Not Angelika’s. She just got unlucky.”
My eyes lock onto his, and my heart beats slow. He covered for me. Why did he do that? He could have ratted me out or said I went clubbing. By now, he knows I snuck out and my brothers would kill me for it.
“Yeah, I imagine that snake would grab at any chance he could,” Jaroslav sighs.
Guilt knots in my stomach. I was reckless. And Diomid is now protecting me from my own mistakes.
Jaroslav is still chatting. “We’re just glad you’re safe, Angelika. We’re all sending our love. Call if you need anything, ok. But Diomid is right—you must stay hidden. Use this time to rest as well. I’m sure he’ll make sure you are comfortable. And most importantly, safe. I’ve got to run, guys, but call again soon, ok?”
“I will,” I say. “Good-bye. I love you guys.” My voice breaks a little as I hang up. The weight of my own stupidity sits heavy on my shoulders. A soft sadness glimmers through me, and I bite at my lip to fight it.
When I look up at Diomid, his eyes are gentle and tender as he watches me.
For a moment, I’m lost in his beautiful face, making me remember how he made me lose myself in pleasure only a few nights ago. How he stole my breath and took my virginity.
Wow, it feels like a lifetime ago.
I shove the thought from my mind as my body tinges with desire.
Now is hardly the time to be thinking of such things.
But still, my eyes drift over him again, my heart rate spiking, my body heating at the sight of his post-gym flex.
I clear my throat loudly and try to push away the inappropriate memories flickering through my mind.
Angry with myself and the situation that I put myself in, I lash out at Diomid.
“You can’t keep me any safer than my brothers can at home, and you know it,” I snarl.
He doesn’t even try and hide the smirk that lights his gorgeous mouth.
One corner of his lip curves upward, and I notice the shine in his eyes right away.
“Is this funny?” I snap harshly.
My cheeks are flushed red from frustration. I can feel them burning.
