Page 6 of Innocent Prey of the Bratva

My throat goes dry.

I fold the note slowly, mechanically, like my brain isn’t really attached to my body. My palms are slick with sweat, even though the apartment is freezing. I wrap my arms around myself, but it does nothing to stop the tremble working its way through my bones.

I take a step back from the coffee table—then another.

The walls suddenly feel closer. The windows darker. My heart is hammering so loud, I’m sure the neighbors can hear it.

Noelle’s not home.

I’m alone.

And someone’s been here.

Someone came into our home, into our space, and took my camera—left this cryptic, threatening message like a calling card. And I didn’t even hear a sound.

My eyes dart toward the front door.

It’s locked. But that doesn’t calm me.

Not now.

I press my back to the wall and slide down, curling my knees to my chest. My fingers clench the note tighter than I mean to, crumpling it slightly.

This isn’t a joke.

This isn’t just about a photograph anymore.

Someone knows I saw something, and they will punish me for it.

Chapter 2 – Kaz

I watch the grainy security footage for what has to be the hundredth time.

There’s no sound, just muted black-and-white footage playing on loop—three of my men dragging a screaming bastard into the alley while I trail behind, then the quick flash of light from a camera just as I raise my gun and fire.

Perfect fucking timing.

And there—right there, in the corner—the flash that changes everything.

I freeze the frame.

There she is.

Face pale, eyes wide, mouth parted in silent horror.

Violet Harrison.

This has got to be the biggest fucking twist fate has ever pulled on my ass.

I lean back in the chair, tension twisting down my spine as I drag a hand over my face. She wasn’t supposed to be there. She’s never been in the way before. She’s always known how to keep herself far enough from the fire.

But now….

Now she’s seen something she shouldn’t.

And I know exactly what that means.

I have to do something about it. I have to get involved.