Big Bratva (Big Boys) by Cassie Mint

Author:Cassie Mint [Mint, Cassie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Cherry Publishing
Published: 2022-01-12T16:00:00+00:00

Eight

Madison

The harbor is quiet. Hushed in the pre-dawn gloom, the steel gray waves lapping at the stone walls while boats bob and clink. Overhead, seabirds wheel in flashes of white, and the ship, our ship, looms in the distance.

It moored twenty minutes ago. Ilya left me here, tucked away between stacks of lobster crates while he strode away toward the jetty, his broad shoulders thrown back, promising to come and fetch me if it’s safe.

For a horrible stretch of minutes, I think maybe he’s left me. Called his brother with my location, then disappeared on his own, our plan be damned. But then I remember the look on Ilya’s face when we watched the news last night on our battered hotel TV–the announcement from my father that, after five days missing, he still refuses to bargain with the bratva. It doesn’t matter what they threaten to do to me.

Dad put a real spin on it. Seriously, his PR guy must be hopping with glee. Such a patriot, a man who’d sacrifice his beloved daughter.

‘Beloved’ my ass. Watching his solemn face on the screen, I could have thrown a boot at him. I could have screamed. And when I glanced at Ilya, my cheeks flushed and my hands clammy, I saw my own rage reflected back at me.

My Russian was pissed. He freaking hates my dad more than I do. So I’m glad I’m taking a new name, letting my old life die here with the bratva.

“It’s clear.” Ilya’s deep voice makes me jump. I spin around and find him at my elbow–apparently he snuck up behind me. The salty breeze tugs at his dark hair, and his slate gray eyes are probing, scanning me for any signs of distress under my jeans and winter coat.

He might look, but he doesn’t touch. He hasn’t for days, and I’m going crazy over here, every nerve in my body tingling whenever Ilya comes near.

“You know, you’d be a way better kidnapper than your brother. Even though you’re twice his size, you’re way more sneaky.”

Ilya rolls his eyes, expression sour. “Thank you.”

As we hurry toward the ship, we look like any other locals in this tired, lonely town–both dressed in faded, baggy winter clothes from the thrift store, with my hair tucked under a flat cap again. You wouldn’t know, looking at us, that Ilya has diamonds in his duffel bag. That we’re the ones everyone’s searching for.

The new passport Ilya gave me is stiff in my pocket.

This is it. Our new chance.

My body lurches when I step on the ramp, the waves sending me staggering to the side. A big hand catches my elbow, and then Ilya’s marching me onto the ship.

Cool, dark corridors, barely lit by cloudy portholes. Metal walls and ceilings and floors, echoing with every step. We bought passage on the cheapest ship we could find, trying to avoid attention, and lord, it shows. I hope this rust bucket can make it across an entire ocean.

“It’s better on the guest floors.

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