Page 19 of Hunted By the Bratva

“Well,” Avgust added. “I think the Vasilievs can assist in monitoring things. They can keep an eye on the situation. I will also do my part to ensure nothing goes awry with your plans. Butyou have to promise me we’ll get this sorted sooner rather than later.”

“Yes, Avgust,” I breathed out half aggressively. Taking a deep breath, I continued. “Sorry, I know you’re just trying to help. But after what those people have done. We have to retaliate, or we’ll look weak.”

Avgust was quiet for a moment. His voice was clear as he replied without any hesitation. “Yes, I know. This is not the way I thought we would do things. But as I said, it’s done. So, we’ll just handle it.”

“Thank you, brother,” I said before the line went dead.

I stared out the window. I was unsure what my next move would be. But one thing I knew for sure was that I had to get a grip on my emotions. These feelings building for her were not part of the plan. I had to maintain a calm demeanor and stay focused on the mission.

I dared not go back to her room. My desire for her was overwhelming. I went to the kitchen and had the chef prepare a late-night snack. Once it was ready, I had to decide. I wasn’t sure if I wanted her to come and join me or not. Maybe I should have someone take it up for her. Letting out a deep sigh, I headed upstairs.

Knocking lightly, I spoke in a clear tone. “There’s some desert, if you care to join me?”

“No!” Clara spat back. Her tone was loud and clear. “I’m not interested.”

Rolling my eyes, I headed back down. “Well, be that way, it’s your problem,” I mumbled. I ate alone, went to my room, showered, and went to bed. I lay there staring at the ceiling. My mind was mulling over her. Grabbing the pillows on both sidesof the bed, I squeezed them to the sides of my head. At some point, I felt sleep stepping in.

Waking, I sat up and flung my feet off the bed. I tossed the pillows to the floor, feeling irritated. Placing my head in my hands, I took a couple of deep breaths. After washing and dressing, I headed to the kitchen.

Breakfast was already made. I dished some up, poured a glass of juice, and added a cup with fresh coffee and cream. Before heading up, I stepped outside and picked some flowers. I placed them on one side of the tray, then headed to Clara’s room.

I knocked lightly, but there was no answer. Opening it, I peeked in. Clara glanced at me as I pushed the door open and walked in. She sat up as I got closer.

“I brought you breakfast as you didn’t eat last night. I’m sure you must be hungry by now,” I said, placing the tray on the bedside table.

“Thank you, but I would’ve come down,” Clara replied. Her tone was calm and relaxed. She reached out, grabbed a piece of bacon, and started eating.

I nodded and started back to the door. I would leave her to finish her breakfast. I didn’t want her to feel I was crowding her.

Chapter 12 - Clara

I was surprised when he only pulled the door halfway closed. I waited until I could no longer hear his footsteps. Moving to the door, I peeked around it. The hallway was empty. I was surprised. I had not expected this. But maybe he felt so comfortable that he thought he could trust me not to run away.

I opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. This one, I knew, led to the stairs to the left from being dragged up and down. There was only one door down to my right, but I decided to leave that one for now. I would start downstairs.

Moving slowly, I passed two doors that were always closed. One was open, and the other was slightly open. The open door seemed to be a library. There were rows of books, a lounge suite, and a table. It wasn’t something that interested me very much, as I preferred art.

I moved to the next door and peeked around the door. It was a small entertainment room or lounge. There was a lounge set, a wall-mounted television, a cabinet to the side, and a small table.

Moving on, I headed down to the foyer. From here, I explored the bottom floor of the mansion. There was the kitchen, two lounges, another library, and what looked like an office. But it barely had anything in it. I felt sure it wasn’t being used by anyone.

I found an indoor pool, gym, and a bigger entertainment room. This one had a wall-to-wall television, a pool table, a dartboard, a jukebox, and a built-in bar. I also found two dining halls. The one was large enough for twelve people or more, and the other looked like a small sunroom.

The light streaking in through the windows lit the entire place in a calming hue of color. It was astounding.

Moving back around, I entered the large kitchen. I moved through it to the back door. Opening the door, I exited the house into the back garden. It was just as magnificent as the house inside. I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I had walked into a fairytale.

To my right was a pool, barbecue area, and a gazebo. Before me lay a brick path leading further back. But to the left side was a field of rainbow-colored flowers. It was the most gorgeous sight I had ever seen.

It looked like a rainbow had fallen to the earth. The flowers were different; their sizes and shapes, combined with the vibrant colors, were indescribable. It took my breath away. I decided to head to the left, smelling the flowers as I went.

There wasn’t much to see once I turned the corner. There were miles of lawn and trees. In the distance, I could see the perimeter walls. As I came around to the front, I was met by the long driveway. The carports, garages, and the fountain in the middle.

Two guards came towards me. I froze for a moment, sure I was in trouble, but they simply greeted me and moved past. I nodded in reply and waited for them to turn the corner before continuing.

Relief washed over me as I realized Iosif had informed them I might be moving around. Now, I knew I was free to roam the property. This gave me time to plan my escape. I’ve been in the front many times, and there wasn’t much else to see. I headed to the front door and entered.

I went back up the stairs, ready to explore the other side of the hallway. I passed two closed doors, which I didn’t botheropening. The last door was open. I stepped inside and stood astounded by the amazing personal touches Iosif has made. I knew he bought this house the day he came back with me, and in such a short time, he had accomplished so much.