Page 47 of Bratva's Stolen Bride
“Your cleverness had two advantages. It brought us together, and it has found your sister.” I put one finger beneath her chin and lift it to place a soft kiss on her forehead, then her lips. “Now let’s go in and tell the others.”
Everyone turns as we walk onto the deck.
“Well?” demands Greenwich.
“Taylor is with an exclusive, private ballet troupe—” Payton says.
“She’s a soldier?” interrupts Harlsden.
“She’s not a troop. Troupe is the word for a group of ballet dancers,” I snap. “Under-educated idiot,” I add under my breath.
“It’s secretive, and the girls who dance are basically prisoners,” Payton continues.
“Which is why she hasn’t contacted us.” Hayley’s face is full of distress.
Greenwich pulls her into his chest, both facing forwards. “We’ll go and get her.”
“It’s not that easy.” I heard some of the conversation and read Payton’s notes. “We’d need a contact to get a seat at a show, and the PI only has one. They’re going back to Russia and doing a performance for the Volk Bratva.”
Greenwich makes an injured sound.
“Who is that?” Payton asks me.
“A Bratva even I wasn’t stupid enough to get involved with,” I reply. “I wouldn’t be welcome.”
“Neither would I,” says Greenwich, regretfully. “We’ll just have to fight our way?—”
“And risk Taylor getting caught in cross fire? Absolutely not,” I interject.
“Surely we can—” Richmond begins.
“He’s my old boss.” We all fall silent as Harlsden swigs his beer casually. “The Pakhan of Volk,” he clarifies unnecessarily. His rolled-up sleeves reveal a jagged, geometric wolf as he lowers his arm. The sign of the Volk Bratva. Greenwich and I see it at the same time, and exchange a look.
How did he get out alive?
“I’ll go.” Harlsden shrugs. “It’ll be messy, but I have business that could plausibly take me there.”
“This would be a suicide mission,” Richmond says, scowling. “If they find out you’re part of the London Mafia Syndicate, they’ll string you up.”
“Fun.” Harlsden nods grimly. “I’ve been a bit bored recently.”
Payton nibbles on her fingernail.
“I think it would be better if Greenwich and I—” I don’t like the man. He’s not trustworthy.
“No.” Richmond steps forward. “This is my call because Taylor Love was last seen in my territory. And Harlsden is the best person to do this. We’ll fund the trip.”
“And I’ll provide a bonus if you bring Taylor back safe,” Greenwich says.
Harlsden rolls his eyes. “I have plenty of money.”
“And untouched,” I growl. I don’t trust this svolach.
“Of course,” Harlsden scoffs. “It’s just getting one girl away from a dance group. It’ll be fine.”
I’m momentarily appeased. Then I look down at Payton, drawing her to me instinctively as she smiles up at me.
If Taylor is anything like her sister, Harlsden might find this mission more difficult than he expects.
