“After the fight, I will introduce you to Jade, Alexei’s wife. She will introduce you to the other women who live in the building.” I see the uncertainty on her face, but she nods.
“Is Paige safe?”
“Paige will be warned, like all the other women will. We will catch him, baby, trust me.” She starts to bite her bottom lip, a habit I have noticed she does when she is nervous. Leaning forward, I take her lips in a gentle kiss. The thought of anything happening to Haley like what happened to the other two women has my heart racing in fear.
HALEY 12
I had a terrible night. I kept waking up with a nightmare that someone was after me, but every time I woke up, Vlad was right there, his arms soothingly around me, his warmth lulling me back to sleep, which is unfair with his fight today and he had a terrible night with me constantly waking him up. Stretching out in bed, I groan; today is the fight, and I am dreading it. Just the thought of seeing Vlad getting punched has my stomach knotting.
Vlad just left a few minutes ago, kissing my forehead before he went. I don’t know what changed that night at the club, but whatever it was, I don’t want it to change again, as Vlad is more caring than ever before. He doesn’t grunt his replies any longer, and he hasn’t mentioned the betrayal in a while. Everything would be perfect if I knew what was going on with Paige and she was fine.
I have been thinking about the whole situation, and I think that her now having a steady job that she must work might be just what she needed. I know that I spoilt her and let her do everything she wanted, which didn’t help her or our relationship. I need to somehow let her know that I love her and that me being here is not me choosing Vlad over her, not that she will believe me, but I need to at least try.
I could do with an extra hour or two of sleep, but Vlad told me to be ready in two hours because Andrei would be here to collect me. He said I should pack everything I am going to need to take with me, as I can get ready at the arena. He wants me to be there during the day as he prepares himself for the fight. When I asked if me being there would distract him, he said no, as he would be more relaxed to know that I was safe and close by. Therefore, I better start getting my stuff together, as I now have an hour and a half before Andrei comes to collect me.
I am just carrying a small bag with my new shoes and the dress over my arm to the sitting room, when I hear someone knocking at the door. “Coming,” I call. I don’t set my things down, knowing that it must be Andrei, but when I open the door, I see another man. I’m sure I have seen him before, but I can’t place him.
“Oh, sorry, I thought it was Andrei. He should be here any moment now.” I see the man frown and then look behind him. “Can I help you?” I ask with a frown, as he seems a little jittery.
“I was looking for Vlad,” he says, taking a step towards me just as we hear a door opening down the corridor.
“Sorry, but Vlad is at the arena already.” I look over his shoulder to see a woman and a tall man walking towards the lift. I see her stop and look at me and then say something to the man. The man shakes his head, but I see her making her way towards us.
“Oh, I forgot. I will get him later,” the man before me says before he turns to leave. I see the man who is with the woman stop him to talk, but my attention is on the beautiful woman approaching.
“Hello,” I say as she comes to a stop before me.
“Hi, I’m Jade.” This must be Alexei’s wife whom Vlad mentioned.
“Oh, Vlad has told me about you. He did say he would introduce us after the fight, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to get it out of the way.” She is beautiful, with a petite body. Vlad said that Alexei has two kids. How did this petite woman before me already have two children?
“Oh, he said he wanted to introduce you to me. I’m sorry, but I’m at a disadvantage,” she says, and I can see the curiosity in her expression. I don’t think she knows anything about me, going by the surprise on her face.
“I’m Haley.”
“Well, Haley, I’m very pleased to meet you. Would you like to come for coffee?”
“Jade,” the man calls.
“Not now, Nik. You guys kept this all a secret from me again,” she says as she looks over her shoulder at the man now standing right behind her.
“Am I interrupting something?” Andrei says as he walks up to the door.
“No, Andrei, I am just meeting Jade.” I look over at Jade, who is now looking at Andrei with a frown. “I’m sorry, can we make coffee some other time? Andrei is here to collect me; I am to go see the fight.” Jade looks down at her wristwatch. “I know it’s early, but Vlad wanted me to be there, as it’s safer with everything going on.”
Jade frowns now and then turns slightly to look directly at Nik. “Is there something I need to know?”
“Let’s go,” Nik says with a bland expression. Is it possible that Jade doesn’t know about the killings?
“Nice to meet you, Haley. Trust me, you will be seeing me really soon,” Jade says as she turns fully and starts walking down the corridor, but I see that instead of going to the lift like she was doing before, she is headed towards her apartment. I notice Nik saying something, but she waves her hand at him.
“Oh boy, the boss is going to be in trouble,” Andrei says as he takes the dress and then the bag from my arm. I can’t imagine Alexei being worried of a little trouble, and especially by a woman. We make our way towards the lift, my nerves rising now that I am on my way. I hate violence, so having to attend this fight is not something I have been looking forward to.
“Have you been with Vlad?” I ask.
“Yes,” Andrei grunts in reply.
“Is he ready for this fight?”
“Vlad is always ready for his fights; don’t worry, he will destroy Garcia.” It is the first time that I hear so much excitement in Andrei. He is usually quiet and only talks when talked to, but I think I just found a topic he loves and I don’t. But to build a friendship, I will give it a try.
“Do you think Garcia is a good fighter?”
“Garcia can hold his own, but Vlad is better,” Andrei says as he opens the door to the car and helps me in. I thought that I would be sitting in front like I do with Vlad, but no, Andrei guides me into the back seat and then slides into the passenger seat, as there is another man in the driver’s seat.
“You will see tonight. When Vlad is in that ring, everything around him disappears and all that matters is winning that fight.” That was what I was hoping, not to have to see the fight, but maybe I can close my eyes and only open them at the intervals to make sure that Vlad is still standing. “Tonight, you are there, so he will make sure that he wins. No man wants his woman to see him lose.”
“Da,” the man driving says with a nod. Well, I guess they both agree and are certain of Vlad’s victory. I wish I was, not that I doubt Vlad, but I saw how big Garcia is, and he didn’t seem like he wanted to lose either. I won’t tell Andrei that, as I’m sure he won’t find it amusing that Vlad’s woman, as he said, is doubtful of her man winning.
We drive into the arena; a few cars are parked at the back where we stop, but at most, everything is still empty. “Is there going to be a lot of people here tonight?” Both men grunt in amusement at my question.
“Vlad is the champion; of course he will fill up the arena. Everyone wants to see him fight and win.”
“So, are you saying that Vlad is the favourite?” Andrei opens his door and comes to open mine, helping me out. “Vlad is very loved,” Andrei says proudly, like a father talking about his children. We don’t continue with the conversation as Andrei escorts me inside. Just as we walk in, I see a group of men talking, and then I recognize one of them as Garcia at the same time as he sees me.
“Well, look at that,” he says loudly, which has the other four men looking at Andrei and me. “Have you changed your mind yet, realized that he isn’t man enough for you?” The others start to laugh at his comment. It is evident that Garcia is a big mouth and likes to mak
e a scene. Well, he’s not going to get the chance with me. “Come on, baby girl, let me show you what a real man can do.”
Andrei stops, but I place my hand on his arm and give it a tug. “Leave it. He’s just being an ass,” I whisper. Andrei hesitates but then nods, and we continue to walk.
“Looks like his men are pussies just like him,” someone says, and then there is laughter just like real bullies. I bet if they were alone, they wouldn’t say anything. Garcia and the others continue with their sexual innuendos until we are out of sight. I can tell that Andrei is not pleased, but I am sure that it is not in his DNA to turn the other cheek.
“You shouldn’t pay attention to guys like that. They talk a lot when they’re in a group, but if they were alone, they wouldn’t say anything.”
Andrei looks down at me, a brow lifting at my comment, and then his mouth quirks into a smile. “Yes, that is right, cowards,” he says just as we stop. Andrei opens the door to what looks like a locker room. He inclines his head for me to precede him, before entering and then closing the door behind me.
“He is in through there,” he says, pointing towards a door at the end of the long locker room.
“Thank you, Andrei,” I say as I make my way towards the door. When I enter, I am surprised to see Vlad lying on a bench. He has earphones in his ears, and his eyes are closed. If he’s sleeping, I don’t want to wake him. I look around, not finding much of comfort here.
The only place for me to sit is at the end of the bench where Vlad is lying. I make my way to it quietly as not to disturb him, and sit down. He must be tired because of me continually waking him up during the night because of my nightmare. Worst time ever for me to have a nightmare. It’s not good that he’s tired just before his fight.
“Why are you frowning?”
I jump in surprise. “I thought you were sleeping, and I was thinking how bad it was that I kept you awake most of the night when you have a fight.” He sits up, placing one leg on each side of the bench.
“Come here,” he calls as he stretches forward and takes hold of my arm. I shift towards him until I am sitting between his spread legs.
“I’m not tired. I’m too hyped up to be tired. How are you today?” I can see the worry in his eyes. The last thing I want is for this man to be worried about me when he has so much more to worry about now, like not getting killed.
“I’m fine.” At his expression of disbelief, I lift my hand to his cheek. “I am, really. The nightmares were my conscience working out the whole situation.” There is a knock on the door. When Vlad calls out, Andrei opens the door. Two men are standing behind him. He says something in Russian, and then the men enter.
“Get Haley a chair,” Vlad says to Andrei as he stands, kissing me on the forehead before approaching the two men. I see one has some kind of chart in his hand, while the other seems to be a doctor. Andrei walks in with a chair that he sets away from the men. Standing, I make my way to it, thankful that Vlad thought of asking for one, as that bench is not the most comfortable to sit on, and if I’m going to be here for a couple hours, I can at least be sitting comfortably.
“Where did you put my dress, Andrei?” I whisper, as not to disturb the conversation between Vlad and the men.
“I left it in the front. You want me to bring it in here?”
“No, it’s fine, thank you.” I just want to make sure that when it’s time to get ready, I don’t have to be looking for it. From then on, I don’t have much time with Vlad, as people keep walking in and out for one reason or another. The only time we spend together is to eat lunch, and that is not much, as Vlad only has a Greek yoghurt and two bananas, but for me, he ordered Andrei to bring a smoked chicken toastie with wedges, as he knows I love my bread.
As the time of the fight approaches, I feel myself getting more and more nervous. I don’t know how Vlad does it. When there aren’t people around, he is as calm as ever. The only time that he got upset was when one of the reporters started to ask him questions about who I was.
I have stepped out to get ready for the evening, walking toward the little dressing room that Andrei showed me. I start by taking a shower. When I step out, I quickly dry my hair with the towel before brushing it until it crackles. Then I plat two strands on each side and pull it back with a clip. Finally, I unzip the bag where the dress is and pull it out, the shimmering aquamarine fabric sliding through my fingers soothingly.
I slide the dress over my calves and up my body. I am going to need Vlad to tie the one button at the base of my back, but first, I will finish by slipping on the heels that I wore with my black dress. I haven’t tried it on since they adjusted it, but it seems to fit snuggly around my breasts and hips, just as they wanted. Looking at the mirror, I find it difficult to compare this woman to the one nearly a month ago who never wore high heels or fancy dresses like the one I am wearing. I look like a completely different person; do I like this new woman?
I know that I can’t expect Vlad to let me continue with my old life, and to be honest, being with Vlad has filled a gap I had in my life, but I miss Paige, and I miss being able to help people. If I had those two now, I would be complete. I sigh as I turn away from the mirror and make my way to the door. Holding the back of my dress, I open the door and step out to find Andrei at the door. “Are you guarding me?” I ask, seeing him standing against the wall.
“Da.” He must be so bored just standing around.
“I’m sorry,” I say as I walk past him towards where Vlad is.
“Don’t be sorry. It is an honour to guard Vlad’s woman.” I smile over my shoulder as I open the door to enter where Vlad is. There is a man helping him with his gloves. When Vlad sees me, I notice his eyes travelling over my body. His heated gaze is like a scorching flame touching my skin.
“You look beautiful, baby,” he says. “I want you to stay close to Andrei while I’m fighting.” Before I can reply, Alexei walks in.
His eyes miss nothing as he smiles. “Nice seeing you again, Haley, and I see that my brother has allowed you clothes.” He winks, which has my cheeks warming when I think of the first time he saw me in Vlad’s T-shirt and boxers.
“Cut it out. You are embarrassing her,” Vlad mutters.
“I’m just teasing,” Alexei says as he approaches Vlad. “Are you feeling ready?” I can hear the concern in Alexei’s voice. Why would someone who clearly worries about his brother fighting let him do it if he has the power to stop him?
“Da.”
“Garcia has a big mouth. You will shut him up today,” Alexei says. Andrei says something in Russian, and the only thing I understand is Garcia’s name, but then Vlad is snapping something, and Andrei is again talking. Whatever he said has Vlad upset, which isn’t a good idea. Shouldn’t he be as calm as possible? Alexei says something else to Vlad, which has him nodding just before Alexei places a hand on his shoulder. I can see the love between these two men. I know that they are both hardened men, maybe even killers, but I also see that there is a bond between them that can’t be broken.
“Come, Haley, we will go watch Vlad enter,” Alexei says as he turns away from Vlad. My gaze snaps towards Vlad, who is now looking at me.
“Come here.” I don’t argue. Instead, I make my way towards him. He lowers his head, kissing me tenderly on the lips. “I will see you just now, and Haley, let Alexei do up your button.” Only now do I realize that I am still clutching the back of my dress. I once again feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment as I look over my shoulder at Alexei, who is now looking at the clutched fabric in my fist.
“Okay, but promise me that you are going to be careful.” Instead of promising, he winks just as I feel Alexei’s fingers at my waist. I let go of the fabric, and soon, I am walking out of the locker rooms on Alexei’s arm with my dress firmly in place.
“Don’t worry, Vlad will be fine,” Alexei says as we enter the arena that is bursting with people. We head down to the front and sit on what I am assuming are the most expensive seats in the pl
ace, as it is the first row by the ring. A couple minutes later, loud music starts to play, and the crowd begins to boo.
I look back towards the doors that have just opened, and then I see Garcia strutting down, acting like the usual ass. I’m not the booing type, but I sure would like to throw something at him, preferably a brick. He climbs into the ring, lifting his arms in the air while he struts around. Stopping right before us, he looks down at me and then blows me a kiss.
Alexei mutters something in Russian from next to me but doesn’t do anything else, but by the tenseness of his jaw, I can tell that he’s angry, and I don’t think Garcia will get away with it. The music changes, and the crowd goes ballistic as everyone starts to call Vlad’s name, and then I see him walking down the passageway.
Contrary to Garcia, Vlad walks towards the ring calmly, his head covered with his white fighting robe. Climbing into the ring, he pulls back his robe. By the tenseness of his jaw, I can tell that he is furious. He lifts his hand to greet all the people. The clapping and screaming intensifies in volume and then goes death quiet as Vlad looks at Garcia. The fury on Vlad’s face has chills racing up my back. I was worried about Vlad getting hurt, but now my fear has changed. I’m afraid Vlad will kill Garcia in front of all these people.
VLAD 13
I’m going to destroy this son of a bitch. He thinks that he can humiliate the Bratva like he did? I was waiting to come on when I saw him blowing a kiss to Haley in front of everyone here. Andrei also told me what he said earlier when she arrived. To come after me and abuse me with his words is one thing, but to go after those around me is something completely different. I am going to pulverize him; he will learn never to mess with another man’s woman again.
I walk towards my side and slide the robe off. I am ready to start, no more waiting around. I turn, hopping lightly from one foot to another, waiting for the bell to toll. As soon as I hear the bell, I am moving forward. I am not one to take affront kindly and turn the other cheek. Since the incident at the club, I have been waiting for this. All the other incidents have just added fuel to the fire.
Fury: (Bratva Fury) Page 10