Page 12 of Thorns of Love

“It means I can crumble your brothers’ empire within days,” he drawled lazily, but the undertone of threat didn’t escape me.

“What’s stopping you?” I breathed, my heart beating hard against my chest. “Maybe the fact that my sister-in-law works for the FBI and she’ll come after you.”

I sounded like a brat and my threat fell on deaf ears. Konstantin didn’t seem concerned at all. If anything, a challenge flashed in his gaze.

“No, Tatiana,” he answered. “You’re the only one stopping me.”

* * *

Sure enough the Pakhan was kidnapping me. We weren’t even staying in the city.

I watched the city disappear behind us and a small private airport appeared out of nowhere. A plane already sat there, ready for take-off. I studied the area, the small building where I’d probably find security guards.

The car came to a stop and the door opened. “After you,” Illias drawled, signaling for me to exit the car.

“You realize I haven’t packed,” I remarked wryly. “I won’t wear this for the duration of my imprisonment. I have a reputation to keep.”

A half-smile pulled on his kissable lips. There was nothing more I wanted to do than to lean over and trace my tongue over them. Or feel his tongue on my skin. A shudder rolled down my spine.

I’d have to keep my wits about me. I’d have to keep reminding myself that Konstantin wasn’t like my brothers who kept a certain code of honor. Never hurt women. Never hurt children. No human trafficking. Oh my gosh, did he participate in human trafficking?

“Whatever you want and need, we’ll get on the way.”

I narrowed my eyes on him, while the question lingered on my mind. “I’ll be sure to give you a long list of the most expensive items I can think of.”

Illias grinned. “I’m counting on it.”

I shook my head and was about to exit the car, when I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Do you have whorehouses?” I blurted out. Surprise washed over Illias’ expression. “Do you participate in human trafficking? Force women into your whorehouses?”

“Yes and no.” I narrowed my eyes on him, demanding elaboration. “No, I don’t have a whorehouse. No, I don’t force women into anything nor participate in human trafficking. I have an associate or two that owns whorehouses and we’re working on getting rid of them.”

“Let’s give him a medal,” I muttered under my breath. Immature behavior on my part for sure. Although it was a small relief in that aspect. While I fought him, I knew that this baby would eventually change the dynamic between Illias and me. Assuming he didn’t kill me and kidnap my baby.

He can try, but he’ll fail.

“Now, let’s get going before your brothers show up and I have to shoot them.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” I hissed.

A flicker passed through his eyes that told me he totally would. His next words confirmed it.

“I would. It’d make my life easier, but I know how much you love your brothers so I’m letting them live. For you.”

We stared at each other in silence. Electricity played in the air and each breath I took, sent little tremors through me. The fact he’d say something like that should be alarming. Yet, I thought it so fucking sweet. That he’d keep my brothers alive for me.

Someone had to slap me so I’d get my senses back. Enemy.He’s the enemy.It was what I needed to remember, but it was so hard when he said such sweet words.

“But if they think to take you away from me, I won’t hesitate to put them six feet under,” he added. Hehadto go and ruin the moment. The man was infuriating.

I exited the vehicle without sparing him another glance. He was right behind me, his hand on my lower back and nudging me forward toward the plane. I knew if I climbed into that plane, the chances of escaping him would be slimmer.

I had to try to escape. I refused to be a meek prisoner. Or a prisoner at all. Even during some ludicrous vacation.

So, remembering how he easily anticipated my move back in D.C. before I even had a chance to run, I kept my body relaxed and strutted towards the private plane like I was on the catwalk. I even swayed my hips a bit, hoping he was staring at my ass.

Another two steps and I saw my chance. The pilot approached Konstantin and I wasted no time. I ran, kicking off my heels on the go as I sent a silent farewell to my pretty shoes. A string of curses fell behind me and footsteps followed behind me, but I didn’t stop to look behind me. I didn’t bother glancing over my shoulder. It’d cost me precious time.