Page 20 of Bratva Claim

Maybe I’m just blind.

“You don’t have to believe me, Miss Graves. But I’d suggest you start paying attention. Because whether you realize it or not, you’re already a part of this.”

My pulse pounds in my ears.

No.

No, I’mnot.

I don’t say anything. I can’t.

I just tighten my grip on my purse, turn on my heel, and march out the front door without a look back.

Well, that’s a lie.

I look back about a hundred times and shove a chair in front of my door when I get home.

7

Sienna

I stare at the order ticket in my hand, my stomach twisting into tight knots.

Six honey-glazed and three jelly-filled.

The exact order Benedikt warned me about.

I swallow hard, my fingers tightening around the small piece of paper as I glance toward the front of the bakery. The morning rush has died down, and Lucy is humming as she wipes down the counter, unaware that I’m spiraling.

I should just ignore it.

It’s a normal order for donuts, for God’s sake.

Except it isn’t anymore.

I let out a breath, shove the ticket in my apron pocket, and tell myself to get a grip.

Everything is fine; this is just a weird game he’s playing with me.

My cell buzzes in my back pocket just then, and my stomach drops when I check the screen.

BENEDIKT:Is it done yet?

My pulse skips, my thumbs flying across the keyboard.

SIENNA:You tell me. YOU placed this order.

BENEDIKT:And what purpose would that serve, Miss Graves?

SIENNA:Again, you tell me.Are you bored at your million-dollar company, Mr. Volkov? Is this a fun thing for you to brag to your rich friends about? Harassing and scaring young women for shits and giggles?

BENEDIKT:I can assure you that this isn’t a game.

SIENNA:Stop texting me. Don’t contact this bakery or me again, or I’ll call the police.

BENEDIKT:You don’t need to. The detective is already outside, remember?

My eyes fly toward the windows that look out onto the street. Was the blue Chevy Trax there before? Is there someone with binoculars looking in?