Page 17 of Bratva Bastard

Two hours into my shift, I texted Wanderson, knowing he would be clocking in soon. I asked him if he’d seen those Russian men from earlier near the hotel premises, though my message remained unread for fifteen minutes before I decided to put my phone down and get back to work.

Fortunately, Maxim entered the bar, allowing me the perfect opportunity to speak with him about those creepy guys and the vixen. He nodded his head in greeting, but instead of sitting at the bar, he chose a table at the other end of the room.

I tried to make my way over to his table, but we were unusually busy for a Tuesday. However, I kept telling myself I’d get to him when I’d finished with these other customers.

But when the beautiful woman from earlier walked into the hotel bar, my heart sank. Not only because she was plotting against Maxim, but the look in his eyes when he saw her tore through my heart.

Why? It’s not like we’re dating or anything. Why would I feel so rejected from one look?

After only a few minutes of flirty glances exchanged between the two, Maxim took the bait and approached the woman.

I couldn’t hear their conversation, but the woman gestured for him to sit down. They talked for a few minutes, the conversation flowing. The woman laughed, a smile planted on her face as she ran her finger along his forearm.

“Ugh,” I grunted aloud, unaware a customer had been standing at the bar while I watched two people flirt.

“Ahem,” they said, clearing their throat. “I could use a refill.”

Absently, I filled their pitcher and handed it back, my eyes barely leaving the happy couple.

“Thanks,” they said with a scoff, but I didn’t care. I had more important things than a disgruntled customer because I wasn’t cheery enough. He got his drink, so he had nothing to complain about.

I brought a new round of drinks to Maxim and the tramp. Smiling, I used my pleasant customer service voice to ask them if they needed anything else. The woman narrowed her eyes, but Maxim simply smiled and thanked me, treating me as if we hadn’t spent all last night and the entire plane ride talking to each other.

Defeated, I walked back behind the counter. Without him even looking at me, I had no way to signal him. I debated going over there to tell him we needed to speak privately, but we were too busy at the bar to stop.

My eyes stayed glued to them even when I took orders and made drinks. Was it jealousy that made me watch them so thoroughly? Though I wouldn’t admit it, jealousy was a small factor, but more than anything, I was worried.

I feared for what they planned to do to Maxim. We may have only just met, but I really liked him—as a person and not justeye candy.

But when I saw him leaving for the bathroom, I knew it was my chance. As I was raising my hand to signal him, though, I got a call from Wanderson, which I couldn’t ignore.

“Hey, what’d you see?” I answered, jumping right to the meat of the call.

But Wanderson didn’t mind because he said, “I’ve been watching the cameras, and the two men entered the lobby and checked into a room. I saw them get off the third-floor elevator, but because the camera at the end of the hall is total shit, I didn’t see which room.”

I nodded, though he couldn’t see me. “Thanks for the intel.”

He sighed, his breath blowing through the receiver. “Crissy, are you okay? Is there something you’re not telling me about these men?”

A part of me wanted to tell Wanderson. He was a good ally, and would definitely help me with whatever I needed help doing. But I didn’t want to involve him with something I wasn’t even sure was happening.

“No, I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile in case he watched the cameras to see my reaction. “But I do need to get back to work. Thanks for letting me know.” I hung up before he could say anything and waved to the camera just in case.

But when I looked back to the table, my heart stopped, and I couldn’t breathe.

The woman had just finished slipping something into Maxim’s drink. I had to get it!

Immediately, I rushed over to the table, but a customer approached me, stopping me in my tracks.

“Excuse me, Miss. Could we get another round of shots for table four?”

I nodded, waiting for the customer to step away so I could grab that drink, but they waited for me to get their shots, so I headed to the bar and poured them as quickly as I could.

I handed him the tray, not even bothering to take it over and distribute each shot. Hastily pushing a chair out of my way, I tried to make it back to Maxim’s table. But he was already seated, sipping his drink.

Shit!

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