Page 79 of Forced Bratva Hostage

“I’m going to try these on,” I say, turning away from Van.

He moves to follow me, and I spin to glare at him.

“You can’t come into the changing rooms,” I say in desperation.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight, girl.”

“Van, there is nowhere for me to go,” I argue.

“It’s not worth the risk. The boss made it clear that I shouldn’t trust you.”

“What risk is there to you—it’s not your life, my brother will take if I disobey him. It’s not even my life, it’s Olivia’s. I already know the rules, okay. I’m not going to do anything to put her or anyone else in danger. So please, give me a moment aloneto try on these stupid dresses so we can go home. I’m tired of this place.” My voice is shaking, but I’m trying so hard to stay calm.

I’m desperate for a moment alone. My head is drowning, and I haven’t had a chance to just sit and take a breath.

Van shoves me up against the wall outside the dressing rooms.

“One wrong move and I’ll rip you apart,” he warns me.

I nod tightly.

“I’ll be right outside, Tatiana. If you try anything, I’ll know,” he snarls.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I say again, forcing my shoulders to relax despite the tension inside me.

I step into the large room, elegant and pristine, with separate cubicles for people to use to try on clothes.

Sighing, I hang the dresses up on a rail nearby, and I’m about to sit down on the wide sofa and take a second when out of nowhere, someone grabs me from behind, locking their hand over my mouth. I scream, the sound muffled and pointless against the hand.

I kick and fight, trying to bite the hand, but he’s too strong.

Dragging me backwards into one of the cubicles, the assailant shoves me against a wall, and my entire body freezes in shock.

He drops his hand away from my mouth, his eyes filled with anger and hate as he glares daggers at me. There is so much hurt in his expression as he stares down at me.

“Andrei.” His name falls from my lips, barely a whisper, as I stare back at him in disbelief. “You’re—you’re alive?” Ichoke. “You’re really here?” Reaching up, I touch his cheek, my heart beating a million miles an hour.

As soon as my fingers trace over his skin, I know it’s real.

It’s really him.

My heart breaks apart with relief.

Tears stream from my eyes, and I throw myself into him, wrapping my arms tightly around him as I sob against his chest.

“You’re alive.” I can’t stop saying it. “You’re alive.”

I’ve never been happier or more relieved to see someone in my entire life.

Andrei is stiff against me. He isn’t moving and he isn’t speaking.

I lean back to look at him, hurriedly wiping my tears away with the back of my hand so that I can see him clearly.

His face, moments ago filled with anger, is now knitted with confusion.

“Andrei?” I say his name, touching his lips, waiting for him to speak.

“Why are you acting like this?” he asks coldly. “Why aren’t you scared of what I’ll do to you in revenge?”