Page 91 of Bratva Jewels Box Set

He has me and he knows he has me. Not only does he have my sister to threaten me with, but he also has Mateo and Tomas.

My shoulders slump, the fight I thought I could continue, leaves me. I turn around and walk to the door as his evil laugh reaches my ears.

“You win, Nikolai.”

31

ZOE

Once we are all ready, the guards guide us along the palatial corridors of the grand palace. It’s quiet, only the sounds of our high heels echo across the marble. Eventually, we stop at gilded doors, and the guards open them and usher us into a grand dining room.

Sitting before us are about ten men of various ages and varying looks. Their eyes light up as they see us standing before them.

“Men, let me introduce you to the Bratva Jewels,” Nikolai says.

The room erupts into loud applause.

I want to be sick, and my eyes scan the exits, but all I see are glass windows and armed guards, and any hope starts to sink rapidly.

Gracie gives my hand a squeeze. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispers, giving me a weak smile.

I know exactly how she’s feeling. I remember the first of Nikolai’s famous parties—thankfully I got a nice man who was gentle and loving, but some girls are not so lucky. I hope nothinghappens to Gracie tonight. I don’t know what I’ll do if someone hurts her.

“These are the most beautiful women we have found across the globe,” Nikolai continues.

Women you have stolen, I say to myself. Do these men know that he kidnaps women? Do they even care? Probably not.

“They are here to serve you tonight, gentlemen.”

The men murmur about this.

“Ladies, please follow Dmitri. He will show you where the kitchen is so you can serve us dinner.” Nikolai turns and joins the rest of the men.

We dutifully shuffle after Dmitri into another room filled with chefs running around.

“You will take these plates out and place them in front of the man you would like to have for the night,” Dmitri says. “You will ask if they would like wine or anything else and you will give it to them.”

We follow his orders, grab a plate each, and walk back into the room. My eyes scan the men quickly; if I am going to have to sleep with one of these men, I want one who looks like he might be kind. I walk toward a young, nervous-looking blond man and stand behind him. I wait and watch the other ladies come out. Gracie stands behind an older, more distinguished-looking man; I hope he treats her well.

Once the girls are all out, we place the dome-covered dishes in front of the men. I lean down and whisper into the blond man’s ear, asking if he would like anything. He nods and asks for some red wine. I lean across the table, grab the bottle of red, and pour him a glass. A timid hand tickles my thighs as I stand beside him.

“Sorry,” he says, looking up at me.

I give him a smile. “I am here for your pleasure.”

He nods and continues eating his meal.

I stand and look at the other girls. Some are in the men’s laps, some have hands up their skirts already, and some are being ignored. My eyes meet Gracie’s. She is standing frozen as her man’s hand wanders. I give her a reassuring smile, and she gives me one back.

I hate this, I hate this so much.

“Shall we head next door to enjoy dessert?” Nikolai asks the room once dinner is over.

Everyone gets up, and my guy holds his hand out to me. I take it and we walk through the dining room into the next room, which is set up like a cigar lounge. There are large armchairs and chaise lounges scattered around the room. We take a seat away from the crowd. My guy looks nervous and is probably not much older than eighteen.

“What’s your name?” I ask, starting the conversation.

“Reece.”