“Iosif,” I heard Avgust calling behind me.
Turning, I glared at my brother as I was not done yet. “Something has come up, and you need to come with me now,” Avgust added. “Zhenya has a proposal she wants to discuss with you.”
I knew I should get back to my family. If I left them now to their own accord, things could get out of hand.
“I’m going to my room,” Clara spat at me as she headed up the stairs.
Watching her leave was kind of a relief. As the situation with the Dubow cousin couldn’t get out of hand. Following Avgust back to the entertainment area, I wondered what Zhenya had in mind.
“So,” I said as I sat down across from my sister. “Avgust said you have something to discuss with me.”
“Yes,” Zhenya replied eagerly. She raised her glass and took a sip, without breaking eye contact.
“Spit it out,” I replied. I could hear the frustration in my voice, even though it wasn’t her fault.
“Okay,” Zhenya huffed, raising her hands into the air. “It is in another city, and I need some of your men to secure the property. I have found a client that could prove to be valuable if treated right. This will be my baby, and I would like to have your support.”
Eager to get back to Clara, I replied quickly. “How many men do you need?”
“I have made deals on two warehouses and a section of the port for transportation,” Zhenya explained. “I assume I would need around thirty men.”
Taking a deep breath, I considered her answer before asking my own questions. “Why do you need so many men? And why are you not using some of the Dubow men?” I knew Akim had his own men and could assist her with this.
Zhenya looked me in the eye as she calmly explained the situation. “Like I explained in my email, we have had an incident. At this stage, I do not trust his men not to fuck up.”
“Fine,” I replied, giving in. Her safety was one of my priorities, as she was my baby sister. I have never been able to say no to her, and that hasn’t changed. Zhenya got up and leaned in to hug me. As she did so, she whispered into my ear. “Thank you, brother, I knew I could rely on you.”
It was getting late, and I was eager to speak to Clara to sort out our earlier conflict. Standing, I spoke to the room. “Hey, everyone, I would like to thank you for the visit, but I think we could arrange a more formal get-together in the future. Itis getting late, and I’m sure you all have business to conduct tomorrow.”
There was a murmuring through the room before the guests started heading out. I walked with each to the door and saw them off. Zhenya and Akim were the last to leave.
“Thank you for coming,” I said to my sister as we greeted her at the door. “We will do this again soon.”
Once everyone had left, I made my way up the stairs to Clara’s room. “Printessa?” I called out, pushing it open. She wasn’t there. I moved to the bathroom door.
“Printessa?” I called out. There was still no reply. Opening the door, I found it also empty. My pulse was now racing, my heartbeat drumming in my ears. I quickly made my way through the upper floor of the mansion. Running from room to room like a crazy person.
There was no sight of her. “For fucks sake!” I breathed out loudly. I was frustrated, angry, and worried all at the same time.
How the fuck did she manage to escape again. I just couldn’t keep her where I wanted her. Why couldn’t she stay where I needed her? Why was she so fucking stubborn? She keeps on running from me, the one person who could protect her! I realized that I was kind of obsessed with her.
Yet, I had to get her back. She wasn’t safe out there. As I got downstairs, most of the people had left. My brothers were still there, Avgust and Lukyan were still there. “I can’t find Clara anywhere,” I spat at them.
“Have you asked Zhenya?” Avgust asked.
“No, why would I ask her? What does she have to do with Clara?” I enquired eagerly.
“Not sure,” Avgust blurted. “But I saw them talking outside.”
“Thank you, brother,” I said, turning and heading to my office.
Chapter 14 - Clara
Escaping was the right move. It was the best decision. Even if it wasn’t, it surely was my only option. Glancing back as I sneaked out the gate, I was thankful for the situation that had drawn his attention.
Something was going on. I wasn’t sure what, but it gave me the perfect opportunity. The crowd of family, along with whatever emergency he had, was my way out. Hopefully, he will be busy long enough for me to get out of reach.
My body yearned for his touch, but my mind knew better. Even though my body craved his subtle touches, his warm lips, and his tender embrace, my mind was kicking with all its might. I had a raging war taking place inside of me, which was causing a headache.
