Owned by the Russian Mafia Boss: A Mob Romance Read Free Page A

Alek was going to darken her door, and she had a feeling he would protect his prize.
    It was done. And there was nothing she could do.
    When Bones finally came out of hiding and wrapped around her ankles, she picked up the black cat and snuggled in his fur. Every part of her wanted to break down and weep, but she refused. Crying solved nothing. She was stronger than that.
    Besides, maybe something good would come from this. She would have a whole year to figure out how to bring Alek and his entire operation down.

Chapter Three
    Natalia was waiting outside her locked door on the steps when the dark car pulled into the parking lot. With its tinted windows and impeccable shine, she had no doubt that this was Alek. But when the driver got out to start loading her few possessions, she realized that the handsome devil wasn’t in the car.
    “Too good to come pick me up himself?” she muttered as she grabbed the cat carrier. Inside, Bones was crying in protest.
    “Mr. Evanoff has business to attend this morning. He’ll join you this afternoon.”
    Natalia rolled her eyes and tried to grab a bag, but the driver shook his head. “No ma’am. You are his guest. You do not load your own bags.”
    “I’m not a guest. I’m a prisoner. And I’m perfectly capable of loading my own luggage,” she snapped as she carried the bag and her cat to the car. Her throat tightened when she finally slid into the back seat and hushed Bones. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered. She hoped it would be okay.
    “If you have not eaten this morning, breakfast will be provided for you. Mr. Evanoff requests that you speak to the cook about your dietary needs while we get your room set up.”
    Her room? Did that mean that she didn’t have to stay in the same room as Alek? That was a relief. “Breakfast won’t be necessary,” she responded quietly. There was no way she was going to be able to eat today. Her stomach was too tied up in knots.
    She stared out the window as she grew more and more anxious. By the time they pulled up to the gated mansion, she was frozen in fear. This was it. She was here. This would be her home for the next year.
    The driver opened the door and stared at her. “Miss?”
    “Right.” She took a deep breath and tried to move her legs. They didn’t budge. “God.”
    “If it would make you more comfortable, miss, you’re welcome to walk the grounds while I unload your bags.”
    Natalia stared at the driver. He was so nice. Was he one of Alek’s men that went around breaking legs and shooting people? “Thank you,” she said as she finally climbed out of the car. “But that won’t be necessary. I’d like to make sure Bones is comfortable as possible.” She knew she sounded like a lunatic, but Bones was her baby and her only connection to the life she wouldn’t be able to touch for the next year.
    The driver nodded. “Very well. You may follow these gentlemen to your room.”
    She looked up and saw three large guys grabbing her bags. As she stared at their tattoos and muscles, she knew these men weren’t just the standard help. As one guy reached up to close the trunk of the car, Natalia saw his shirt lift to show the gun he’d holstered underneath. Her mouth immediately went dry.
    Clutching Bones, she followed them at a distance into the mansion. She’d half expected the mansion to be overly ornate and grotesque, but all the rooms were actually rather sparse and modern. It was tasteful and clean and almost minimalistic. Still, it did nothing to ease her panic.
    Climbing the winding staircase, she passed several closed doors before the men opened a door and carried her things inside. Her heart dropped when she realized that the room was already occupied. The bed was unmade, clothes were on the floor, and there was a distinctive musky masculine scent in the air. A door on the other end revealed a secondary room that held a large closet, several chairs, some bookshelves, a television, and a large window.