Chapter 2 - Nadia
Staring out the window, I noticed the change in scenery as we neared New York. My stomach made a couple of big turns. I swallowed hard at the knot in my throat. This task I’ve been assigned was the only way I would ever be able to prove my worth.
It was the first, and indeed the last time they would give me such an opportunity. If I failed, that would be it; my life would be over. I had no choice. I had to succeed.
The stewardess brought me a salad halfway through the flight. Glancing down at the plate, I still couldn’t even look at it. My nerves were shot, and I felt sure if I tried eating, I would throw it all up. Instead, I had three vodkas and chewed at the thin skin on the sides of my nails.
I was nervous but determined to make this work. I was forced into the Bratva world when my cousins joined them. Now I have to make my mark! I’ve always been the odd one out, doing mundane tasks here and there. But this, this was a huge change.
I’ve never held any value, according to them. The constant monitoring, being unable to do what I wanted, and being pushed out of all the important things made me angry. Yet, I couldn’t leave; they were the only family I had.
My heart felt heavy as my mind replayed the last couple of years. Everything I had gone through, all I had offered up was filling me with saddening thoughts. Shaking my head, I wiped at the tears threatening to run from my eyes. Today was a big step forward. They needed me, and I will succeed.
The flight was almost over, and the plan was clear. A car would be waiting to take me to my hotel. Upon arrival, I would prepare myself for the auction. I had to make sure it was one of them that bought me. One of the Dubow men. Then, I would find all critical information to destroy them and report back without being caught.
There was a low humming sound as the seatbelt light came on just before the captain’s voice blared through the speakers.
“We are about to land; please fasten your seatbelts, sit back, and relax. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Looking out the window, I saw the airport coming into view as we descended. It was an amazing view of the city from one side and the ocean from the other. The sun had just started lighting up the world. It threw a blue and pink hue, making it look like something out of a fairy tale.
The plane touched the ground with barely even a bump. As it slowed to a stop, the pilot’s voice came through the speakers again.
“Welcome to New York. Thank you for flying with us. We hope you have a pleasant stay.”
Unbuckling myself, I watched as the five other passengers got up and headed out. I didn’t know any of them. The flight was arranged by Vadik’s boss. Flying privately has its perks. The seats were huge, the company quiet, and the flight comfortable. Stepping out with my carry-on bag, I had to lift my hand, shielding my eyes from the sunned brightness. Following the other travelers, I went into the airport.
I had barely entered when I saw the large man in a black suit approaching. “Miss, Nadia?” he asked kindly, stopping a few feet away. Even though he was big built, and his beard covered most of his face, I could see he was a gentleman. His suit sat perfectly, making him look professional and respectful. His smile was soft and friendly.
“Yes,” I replied, nodding.
“Right this way,” he adde,d waving to his left.
I followed as he moved to collect my bags and led me to the limo waiting just outside the door. I studied the city as we drove to the hotel. The man accompanied me inside and up to my room.
He placed my bags down just inside the door. Stepping back into the hallway, he spoke softly. “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” I replied and closed the door. Turning, I scanned the room. It looked smaller than I expected. Yet, I was only going to be here for the day as I was to go home with a Dubow after the auction tonight.
Picking up my bag, I walked through the small living area into the bedroom. A television hung on the wall opposite a neatly made double bed. The bed looked so soft, and I was sure it was calling my name.
I checked my watch and decided I had enough time for a short nap. Laying down, I set the alarm on my phone for ten. I felt sure that two hours would get rid of the slight jetlag I was feeling. Even though my trip wasn’t long, I felt worn out.
The flight back from Peru was long. Vadik sent me there to deliver a letter to some guy in Lima. I had barely gotten there when he let me know about the mission. I couldn’t refuse as I had been waiting for them to give me something like this.
Hearing a distant ringing, I turned, opening my eyes slowly. It was time, I realized, as the view from my room came into focus. Sitting up, I silenced the alarm, wiping at my eyes. I still felt tired. Getting up, I headed to the bathroom. A soaking bath would surely do the trick.
After filling the tub, I lay for a while, allowing my body to relax. Once done, I placed my suitcase on the bed and got out the dress Vadik had insisted I wear. He had warned me not to fail, making me more determined to prove my worth. I would succeed and finally be a true member and get the appreciation I deserved.
Standing before the mirror fitted to the inside of the closet, I turned to see how the dress sat on me. In my opinion, it was a tad tight but highlighted all the areas men generally looked at. The golden dust color made my skin look paler than it was. This was actually a good thing. It made me look slightly sick.
If I played my part right, I was sure the Dubows would see an abused woman. After all, it was what we aimed at playing on, their strong aversion against women and child abuse. I thought it was a great thing. But it made them vulnerable to tricks like this one that my cousins and their boss were playing at. Pushing my hands through my hair, I added a bit of a disheveled look.
“Perfect,” I said to the empty room as I collected my bag and headed for the door. As I opened it, the big man was still there. He turned, glanced at me, and smiled. I was sure he knew the plan as well and was pleased by his reaction.
He took my bag and led me back to the limo. It was just past six when we arrived at the club. The auction was to take place in the basement, which was generally used for their underground fighting. Yet tonight, it will host the auction where I was supposed to be sold.
The man turned to face me as he switched off the engine. “In case they’re watching, I was told to bind you before taking you in,” he said, looking gloomy.
“It’s fine, I understand,” I replied, holding up my hands.
He reached over and loosely bound my hands with a thick white rope before he got out. The man escorted me inside, bringing my bag of essentials with me. It only held my wallet with a fake ID, some make-up, two sets of worn clothing, and toiletries.
Vadik was sure there wouldn’t be a need for more, and I trusted him. The man led me inside and to the locker rooms at the back.
“Wait here until it is your turn,” he said, smiling as he placed my bag down on the small bench by the door.
There were a lot of people already gathered. On one side was a stage where the auction would take place. The rest of the room was practically bare. There were a handful of tables scattered throughout but no chairs.
The people were mulling around, moving from the bar on the opposite side to the tables. I had seen pictures of the Dubow family and was looking to see if any of the brothers had come. Vadik ensured that they received an invitation. My job was to portray the damsel in distress so they would want to save me.
I scanned the crowd as the room filled more rapidly.
Then finally I saw him.
It was the middle brother, if I remember correctly, his name was Abram. I swallowed the clump of nerves pushing up my throat as I was met by his intimidating aura.
He was a tall, excessively well-built man. Even though his suit sat perfectly, I could see he was toned. Strength appeared to be radiating from him. He grinned at something a man said to him and glanced my way.
For a second, his eyes glowed with a striking gold that could penetrate the soul. His hair was dark brown, short like men in the military wore. Judging by the scar running down the side of his neck, I felt sure he had seen a lot of battles. He stood straight and tall, which added to his intimidating features.
A cold sweat covered my body as I stood staring. Turning, I paced up and down, focusing on calming my nerves.
“He’s just another man,” I told myself. Stopping, I glanced at him again. “You got this,” I whispered, convincing myself.
The big man came in and grabbed the rope, binding my hands. “It’s time,” he huffed, leading me towards the stage. I kept my head down, securing my fearful look.