Page 53 of Owned Bratva Bride

Navarro wasn’t a Mafia member; he was more of a dirty businessman with friends in high places. No doubt, he had plenty of shady involvements that certain people mustn’t get a wind of. Even when he tampered with our shipment years ago, it took us weeks to discover the issue and stop him. He certainly had his fangs in many other people’s business and would do anything for his secrets to remain hidden.

He would do anything to make sure Marielle couldn’t spill.

There was no second-guessing it; I couldn’t let that happen. The mere thought made me want to behead him.

I had to protect her. But her current hostage position was a limitation. I couldn’t give her enough cover as my hostage. I had to keep her close.

That almost made me chuckle inwardly.

As if she wasn’t disturbingly close already.

But now, I had to keep her even closer.

Chapter 11 – Marielle

After I woke up at 3:00 a.m., I could no longer fall asleep.

The study was the destination I had in mind as I traded my sleepwear for a dress. But a view of how the moonlight illuminated the beautiful garden made me change my mind.

“I just want some quiet. I’m not going beyond the garden,” I explained to the scar-faced guy who stopped me at the back door.

The air was heavy with the promise of rain, and I hugged myself, wishing I had worn something that offered more coverage.

From the study to the room housing the piano, this garden was a reminder that I was beginning to like too many things in the house.

And there was a tiny hesitation in my mind when I thought of escaping again.

A loud bang startled me.

Was that a gunshot?

I instinctively took a step backward, closer to the house.

It sounded the second time, and I was sure. It was a gunshot.

I turned around, despair filling me as I realized I wasn’t so close to the house.

Then the sounds came in dozens, and I heard heavy footsteps beneath the rumbling thunder.

Running toward the house, I heard a sound close to me. Very close.

My back hit one of the trees that bordered the garden as the man spoke to someone. About me.

The man was right in front of me before I could move a finger.

What do I do? Is this how I die?

He raised his knife with a pleased smirk on his face.

I did the only thing I could do. I screamed.

I woke up with a jolt so violent I had to catch my breath.

The memories that invaded my dream are still as clear as day.

Everything was a blur. It all happened too fast for me to comprehend.

The man falling just a few feet away from me, the sounds of even more gunshots, the rain drenching me, Eduard carrying me to my room.