Page 79 of Bratva Jewels Box Set

“Mateo is not going to like this, you know that. But …”

I fist-pump the air and do a little happy dance, showing Gracie that we are being granted permission.

“Enrique says that Nikolai has been spotted back in Russia, but the threat is still there. You take the guards, you hear me? Never let them out of your sight.”

“Yes, I promise.”

“I’m sorry you’ve been locked up in that house for so long. I’ll call the security guys and run through it with them.”

“Are you going to break it to Mateo? Because I know he is going to be upset.”

“Yes, I know how to handle him,” he grumbles. “In my desk there’s a credit card. I want you two to go crazy, okay? To make up for all the days stuck in confinement.”

“Tomas, no, it’s too much.”

“Hush, Zoe, please do this for me,” Gracie adds.

“Okay, I’ll make sure I buy something we can all enjoy together.” I lower my voice to a whisper.

“Good girl, but still buy some fun things for you. I had better go. Love you, Zoe.”

“Love you too.” And with that he hangs up.

I run into the office, find his black credit card, and return to Gracie, waving it in the air.

“Shopping spree!” she screams, and we jump up and down, all giddy.

After getting a full security briefing from our security team we head into the small village near the house. Gracie and I are filled with excited anticipation. I didn’t realize how much I needed to get out of the house until we are sitting in the car.

“Ibiza is beautiful,” Gracie marvels as she watches the white-washed walls of the village pass by.

It really is. I don’t remember why I came here, that part of my story is missing, but seeing the island outside those four walls is nice.

It’s a quick trip into the little village. It’s quaint and beautiful, with the hustle and bustle of tourists walking around and locals enjoying lunch. It’s a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky.

“We’ll stay close; you won’t notice us here,” our bodyguard advises.

Gracie grabs my hand and pulls me into a brightly colored dress shop.

Hours later, Gracie and I have been to the hairdresser and beautician, and our arms are laden with bags. Our tummies are full of wine and tapas, and we are utterly relaxed. Today has been the best day in a long time. It was exactly what we needed.

As the car rolls to a stop at the front of the house, I see Mateo and Tomas rush out, and before I know it, I am in their arms.

“Thank god you are safe,” Mateo says.

“You made it home,” Tomas adds.

“I’ve missed you guys too, but I’m okay,” I mumble as my face is pressed hard against them.

They eventually let go of me.

“Guys, I’m okay. We kept an eye on security as we went and made sure we didn’t put ourselves in any dangerous situations. It was great, we had a brilliant day. Thank you.” I smile at them. I can see the tension leaving their bodies. It breaks my heart that they are so scared for me. I hate them worrying.

Security brings in our bags and places them at the front door.

“Looks like you ladies did a bit of shopping?” Tomas says.

“Yes, among other things.” I flip my hair.