Page 165 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
“Do you have any information on her?” I ask him, hoping he can give me something.
“Like what?” he asks suspiciously.
“Where did you find her? What’s her background. My ear is close to the floor, and I know many people in this world. It might help me pinpoint this intel I’ve had to see if we have the right girl. The bosses won’t be pleased if you bring the wrong one’s home, will they.”
“Right, you’re right. I appreciate your help, man. All I know is that Nikolai found her at a party in The Hamptons one summer.”
Sergei and I look at each other, and that is all the information I need to know that Elena is alive, and this motherfucker has her.
“How long ago?” I ask, keeping my voice steady even though I am shaking with anger.
“Like four years ago I think.”
“That’s great. I’ll get on narrowing that info down for you,” Sergei cuts in.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it,” he says, and you can hear the relief in his voice.
“Maybe when you’re in London next you’ll get her.”
“Next time for sure. I’m on a hot trail of another jewel in Paris. I should have this one locked down in twenty-four hours, and then I can head to London and find Emerald.”
“We’ll be in touch.” I hang up the phone not waiting for him to reply. “I’m going to kill him. I’m going to rip him from limb to limb. I’m going to take my time and peel his fucking skin from his body, then throw him to the fucking pigs.”
Sergei gives me a wicked smile.
“I can’t believe she’s alive. Elena is alive.” I feel tears fall. “Fuck, I need to say sorry to Grace.”
Sergei arches an eyebrow at me.
“I was a mess yesterday thinking she betrayed me going into my office and then coming up with the story of Elena being alive. I thought she wanted to escape again. I blame the fucking bullet wound for my crazy mind.”
“I did the same thing. That’s why things are a little tense between us. Even after everything we’ve put her through, she still hasn’t escaped. I can see that she cares for you, Maxim.”
“I like her.”
Sergei nods. “I see that. I think she’s good for you.”
“She’s too good for me.”
“This life is a lonely one, my boy. If there’s a woman who understands your job and loves you nonetheless, then never let her go.”
“She doesn’t deserve to live her life like we do, constantly looking over our shoulders. With fucking bullet holes in us,” I say, raising my sore shoulder.
“Then maybe it’s time to hang up your guns.” Sergei smiles.
“And what, live happily ever after? I have too many enemies.”
“There are ways. There are always ways to get out of this business,” he explains.
“Yeah, via a pine box.”
“Maybe it’s time to let Grace go for the time being. The mission’s changed. We need to get Elena back and find Anna. I know in my heart that she isn’t dead, too.”
“What happens if I let Grace go and she doesn’t come back?”
“She will,” he adds confidently.
A huge smile crosses my face. “I need to apologize to my girl.” I disappear out of my office and make my way to her bedroom. I take the stairs two at a time unable to hold back my feelings for this woman. I know I’m going to have to get on my knees and beg for her forgiveness as I was horrible to her this morning.
