Captured by the Bratva (Sharov Bratva #3)

Chapter Three - Violet

The house is alive with the sounds of laughter and music. My friends and I are gathered around the pool, the air filled with the scent of chlorine and barbecue. The water sparkles under the string lights that are strung up around the yard, and the energy is infectious.

Sarah, my closest friend, is beside me, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders and her striking green eyes twinkling with mischief. She’s always the life of the party, and tonight is no exception. We’re sitting on the edge of the pool, our legs dangling in the cool water, watching as our friends splash.

“It’s so good to get out and just have some fun,” Sarah says, her voice warm and cheerful. “We needed this.”

I nod, feeling the same sense of relief. With everything that’s been going on in my life, this party is a welcome distraction. “Definitely. It’s been way too long since we had a night like this.”

Sarah grins and nudges me with her shoulder. “Speaking of fun, have you noticed Nick checking you out?”

I blink, taken aback. “What? No, he hasn’t.”

“Oh, he has,” Sarah insists, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “He’s been looking at you all night.”

I glance over at Nick, who’s laughing with a group of guys near the grill. He’s tall, with sandy blond hair and a charming smile. Sure enough, when he catches my eye, he quickly looks away, a slight blush creeping up his neck.

“See?” Sarah says, giggling. “I told you.”

I feel my cheeks heat up, a mix of embarrassment and flattery. “Well, I wasn’t exactly paying attention.”

“Maybe you should,” Sarah teases. “It’s about time you had a little harmless flirtation.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. “You’re incorrigible.”

“That’s why you love me,” she says, sticking her tongue out playfully.

We laugh, the sound blending with the music and chatter around us. Someone turns up the volume on the speakers, and a catchy song fills the air. Without missing a beat, Sarah pulls me to my feet, dragging me toward the pool.

“Come on, let’s dance!” she says, her excitement contagious.

We join a group of friends who are already dancing by the poolside, the rhythm of the music guiding our movements. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment, the worries of the outside world fading away with each beat.

Nick makes his way over, a shy smile on his face. “Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all,” Sarah says, winking at me. “Violet was just saying how much she enjoys dancing.”

I shoot her a look, but she’s already turning away, her attention now on another friend. Nick steps closer, and I can feel the warmth of his presence, a stark contrast to the cool night air.

“So,” he says, his voice a bit nervous. “Having a good time?”

“Yeah,” I reply, trying to match his casual tone. “It’s a great party.”

There’s an ease to being here, surrounded by friends and enjoying a night of simple pleasures. For a moment, I let myself forget about the complications in my life and the dangers that come with them.

Sarah catches my eye from across the pool, giving me a thumbs-up and a knowing smile. I laugh, shaking my head at her antics. She’s always been good at pushing me out of my comfort zone, and tonight is no exception.

Nick leans in a bit closer, his voice low. “You know, Sarah wasn’t kidding. I have been checking you out.”

I feel my cheeks flush again, but I meet his gaze, a smile playing on my lips. “I noticed.”

He grins, a little more confident now. “Well, maybe we can hang out more tonight. Get to know each other better.”

“I’d like that,” I say, and it’s the truth. Tonight, I want to enjoy the moment, to let myself be just another girl at a party, having fun with friends.

We continue to dance, and I lose track of time, the music and laughter echoing through my skull. After a while, I realize I haven’t checked my phone in a bit. I excuse myself from the group, telling Nick and Sarah I’ll be right back.

Nick nods, giving me a charming smile that makes me feel lighthearted and carefree.

I wander back to the patio where I left my things, scanning the area for my phone. It takes me a few minutes of searching, but I finally spot it tucked under a towel. I pick it up and notice several missed calls from my father. My initial reaction is to roll my eyes. “It’s not even eleven yet,” I mutter to myself. Why is he so concerned?

As I start to walk back towards the pool, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of my mind. My father always calls me on time, never super early. He usually has Caleb call if he can’t reach me. The fact that he called multiple times makes me pause. I turn back and decide to call him, a sense of unease settling in my stomach.

The phone rings and rings, but he doesn’t pick up. Now I’m really starting to worry. I bite my lip, glancing back at the party where everyone is still laughing and dancing, oblivious to my growing anxiety.

I quickly find Sarah, who’s chatting with some friends near the pool. “Hey, I need to make another call. Something’s up,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Sarah nods, concern flashing in her eyes. “Everything okay?”

“Not sure,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Just give me a minute.”

I step away and dial Caleb’s number, my heart pounding in my chest. He picks up on the second ring.

“Violet?” Caleb’s voice is tense. “I’ve been trying to reach your dad. He isn’t picking up my calls.”

“What?” I feel my stomach drop. “Where are you?”

“I’m driving by your location now,” Caleb says. “I’ll be there in five minutes. Stay where you are. We need to check on him.”

“Okay,” I say, my voice shaking slightly. “I’ll wait out front.”

I hang up and quickly head back to Sarah. “I need to leave. Something’s wrong with my dad. Caleb’s picking me up.”

Sarah’s eyes widen with concern. “Do you want me to come with you?”

I shake my head. “No, stay and enjoy the party. I’ll call you if I need anything.”

“Be careful, okay?” she says, pulling me into a quick hug.

“I will,” I promise, though my mind is already racing with worry.

I make my way to the front of the house, my thoughts spinning. My father never misses my calls unless something is seriously wrong. The missed calls and now his radio silence are setting off all kinds of alarms in my head.

A sleek black car pulls up, and Caleb steps out, his face etched with concern. “Get in,” he says, opening the passenger door for me.

I slide in, my anxiety mounting. “What do you think happened?”

“I don’t know,” Caleb replies, his jaw tight.

I can’t help but bombard him with questions. “Why has my father been so concerned with safety lately? Is he okay?”

Caleb keeps his eyes on the road, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel. “Your father has been receiving threats, Violet. We don’t know who’s behind them yet, but he’s taking them seriously. That’s why he’s been so strict with you lately.”

“The house is guarded,” I say, my voice rising. “There’s no way someone could harm him there. So why does he need to be so worried?”

Caleb glances at me, his expression softening slightly. “It’s not just the threats, Violet. Your father’s health has been a concern too. He’s been feeling sick lately, and he fainted once earlier this month. That’s why I’m so concerned.”

“Fainted?” I repeat, shock washing over me. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“We didn’t want to worry you,” Caleb explains, his voice gentle. “Your father didn’t want you to be stressed out. That’s why I’m extra cautious now.”

Guilt twists in my stomach as I realize how disconnected I’ve been from my father lately. I’ve been so caught up in my own world, in the complications of my life, that I missed what was happening right under my nose.

“I had no idea,” I whisper, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I should have been there for him.”

“You’re here now,” Caleb says firmly, his eyes meeting mine briefly before returning to the road. “That’s what matters. We’ll make sure he’s okay.”

I nod, but the worry gnaws at me. My father has always been the strong one, the protector. The thought of him being vulnerable, of him needing protection, shakes me to my core.

The rest of the drive is silent, the tension thick between us. All I can do is pray that we find my father safe and sound, and that we can figure out what’s really going on.

We pull up to the mansion fifteen minutes later, and the imposing structure looms in the darkness, its grandeur shadowed by my mounting anxiety. Caleb parks the car, and we hurry inside, the quiet of the night amplifying our footsteps on the marble floors.

We make our way to my father’s room, and I knock softly on the door before pushing it open. The room is dimly lit, and I see my father lying in bed, seemingly asleep. A wave of relief washes over me, and I let out a sigh.

“He’s just sleeping,” I whisper to Caleb, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. “He must have put his phone on silent.”

We’re about to leave when Caleb stops, his gaze fixed on my father. “Something’s wrong,” he says, his voice tense. He walks closer, his eyes narrowing as he observes my father’s still form. “Sir?” he calls softly, but there’s no response.

I watch as Caleb removes the covers and gently shakes my father. “Dad?” I say, my voice trembling.

Caleb’s jaw drops as he feels for my father’s pulse. His face pales, and he quickly looks at me, concern etched in his features. “What is it?” I ask, panic rising in my chest.

Caleb is silent, his expression dread-filled. He looks back at my father, his hand still on his wrist, feeling for any sign of life. “Violet,” he says finally, his voice barely a whisper. “He’s not breathing.”

The words hit me like a freight train, and for a moment, I can’t process them. “What do you mean?” I ask, my voice shaking. “He’s just sleeping, right? He’s fine.”

Caleb’s silence is deafening. He looks at me, his eyes filled with sorrow and fear. “He’s gone, Violet.”

The reality crashes down on me, and I stagger backward, my legs giving way. Caleb catches me, his arms strong and steady, but my world is spinning out of control. “No,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face. “This can’t be happening.”

Caleb holds me tightly, his grip the only thing keeping me grounded. “I’m so sorry,” he murmurs, his voice breaking. “I’m so, so sorry.”

I bury my face in his chest, my sobs wracking my body. The pain is overwhelming, a crushing weight that threatens to suffocate me. My father, the one constant in my life, is gone. I wasn’t there for him when he needed me the most.

Caleb’s arms tighten around me, his presence a small comfort in the midst of my grief. “We need to call someone,” he says softly. “We need to get help.”

I nod numbly, unable to find the strength to speak. Caleb reaches for his phone, still holding me close, and makes the necessary calls. His voice is steady, somehow, and it only makes me fall apart faster.

Time seems to blur as we wait for help to arrive. I cling to Caleb, my mind a whirlwind of memories and regrets. I think of all the times I should have been there for my father, all the moments I took for granted. The guilt is a gnawing ache in my chest, a reminder of how disconnected I’ve been.

When the paramedics arrive, they move with practiced efficiency, but I can see the sadness in their eyes as they confirm what we already know. My father is gone, and there’s nothing anyone can do to bring him back.

Caleb stays by my side, his presence a steady anchor in the storm. He doesn’t leave me, even as the paramedics and police go through their procedures. He’s there, holding my hand, offering silent support.

As the hours pass, the reality of my father’s death slowly sinks in. The shock begins to fade, replaced by a deep, aching sorrow. I feel hollow, as if a part of me has been ripped away.

Caleb leads me to the living room, guiding me to the couch. “Sit down,” he says gently. “You need to rest.”

I nod, too exhausted to argue. He sits beside me, his arm around my shoulders, and I lean into him, seeking comfort in his strength. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible, “for being here.”

He looks down at me, his eyes filled with empathy. There’s something else there too. Something I can’t place. “You’re my responsibility now.”

We sit in silence, the weight of the night pressing down on us. I close my eyes, trying to hold on to the feeling of Caleb’s arms around me, the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. The world outside continues to turn, but for now, all I can do is grieve for the man who meant everything to me.