Chapter Twenty – Maria
I pushed open the door to the small café, my eyes scanning the cozy interior with a mix of anxiety and caution. The bell jingled above my head, and a few nosy customers glanced toward the door to stare.
Thankfully, the café was not my regular one, keeping my identity incognito.
I looked around. I guessed that’s what nerves did to someone—giving me a sudden push to take note of every detail until I’d finally actualized my agenda for showing up.
The décor was simple yet charming, with cream-colored walls and dark wood accents. The tables and chairs were sturdy and comfortable, with a hint of worn elegance. A few framed prints adorned the walls, depicting quaint landscapes and vintage coffee grinders. The overall atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a perfect refuge for a quick cup of coffee or a pause from the day’s hectic pace.
When I thought deeper, I pictured what coming here with Roman would look like. He’d sure stand out above the crowd of mere mortals. Though he could do with reloads of caffeine.
As I sat on one of the fancy velvet chairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was rich and inviting.
The scent of warm buns wafted from the nearby counter, enticing me with its sweet, buttery fragrance. I could have easily walked up to the counter to place an order, but my reason for coming here was not to chill or have tasty croissants.
I had asked Vasili to stop here on my way to pick up Polina from school, a spontaneous decision that had raised his bushy eyebrow.
From the inception of my employment, I was never one to indulge in frivolous breaks. From Polly’s school, back home, and then, the cycle repeated again. Solid exceptions were made for a quick trip to the grocery store or something else concerning Polly.
Vasili’s questioning gaze had made me feel like I was hiding something.
Which, of course, I was.
But I couldn’t tell him or Roman. It would defeat the entire purpose.
My gaze drifted outside as I waited. The sun cast a warm glow over the bustling street, people rushing back and forth. I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my nerves beginning to fray. Where was he?
Just as I was starting to think I'd been stood up, the door swung open, and he strode in, a cautious glare and a lopsided grin spreading across his tattoed face. My heart skipped a beat as he spotted me and made his way over, his long strides eating up the distance.
“Finn,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the nervous energy humming through my veins.
I knew I was taking a risk meeting Finn here, but I had to play it cool. I had to outsmart him, and this was the only way. My mind raced with scenarios, my heart pounding in my chest. What if Vasili spotted him outside and recognized him?
What if Roman was already on his way here right now?
I didn't want to show him any weakness, any sign that I was onto him.
“Maria, lovely to see you,” he said, dropping into the seat opposite me. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, but I knew it was all an act. A snake was always a snake. “Although, I can’t for the life of me figure out why you sent me that text, needing to see me.”
The café’s bustle faded into the background as I gathered my thoughts, thinking of ways to pretend to trust him, just a little.
I sighed, my eyes locked on his curious gaze. “I'm in a tight spot, Finn,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I'm trapped, and I need your help to get out.”
Finn's eyebrows shot up, his interest piqued. He leaned forward, elbows on the table and eyes fixed intently on mine. "What do you mean, trapped?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, encouraging me to open up.
I hesitated and took a deep breath, letting the words spill out.
“You were right about Varkov paying off my debt. It was Roman. He had it sent through a ghost account. That’s why you couldn’t trace it," I said, lacing my tone with bitterness. "I was grateful at first because he helped me. But now, I'm stuck in the Bratva, forced to do his bidding. I'm a prisoner, Finn. Nothing but a pawn. I need out.”
Finn's expression turned calculating, his eyes narrowing as he processed my words. He didn’t trust me; that much was clear.
“And you think I can help you?” he asked, his tone skeptical.
I nodded, desperation creeping into my voice. “I know you can. I just can’t stay there any longer.”
“And now?” He referred to my presence in the café. “Surely, there’s no way you’d have left his house unguarded.”
I swallowed.
What if Finn recognized Vasili in the car outside?
Shit. Why didn’t I think of that first?
But his scarecrow eyes told me he didn’t.
“I’m a lot stronger than you think. I snuck out, and I’ll sneak back in. There’s someone there helping me.”
He laughed wickedly, his eyes glinting dangerously. “I knew you couldn’t remain a prude for too long. Started sleeping around to get the doors open, have you? Probably spread your legs for the big boss, too, because…a hundred grand, Maria? Ah, well. I shouldn’t be surprised. I’ve always suspected that you’d be sweet in the middle.”
A forced smile clawed its way up my lips.
I wanted to spit on his face and slap him hard across the cheek, but I resigned myself to self-control. At this point, I had to ensure nothing jeopardized the mission. Not even my ego.
“I need a way out, Finn,” I repeated. Because it’s better to repeat myself than press replay on the garbage he spewed. Inhaling deeply, I continued, “I need someone to help me escape, to get me away from Roman's grasp. And I know you have the connections, the resources to do it.”
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. He steepled his fingers, his gaze piercing as he considered my plea.
“I see,” he said, his voice dripping with intrigue. “And what makes you think I'd be willing to help you? What's in it for me?”
I swallowed hard, my heart skipping with anticipation. This was it. Would Finn help me, or would he turn me down? I took a deep breath and plunged ahead, hoping my words would convince him.
“I’d pay you.”
“ You would pay me ?” he jeered, taunting. “Un-fucking-believable. This girl brought me here to be mocked.”
“Shh. Keep your voice down,” I hissed and pressed further. “Take it from me: Money is not his problem. If he could do a hundred, he can do more.”
“For what?” he spat, his tone dripping with venom. “For your pussy? You think a man like Roman Varkov would pay a million for putting his dick between your legs? Grow up, Maria. I know you like to dream big, but please, there’s a huge difference between tangible dreams and fantasies. There are many more fish in the sea. Many more affordable fishes, baby.”
Fuck you, Finn Jameson. Fuck. You.
I gritted my teeth.
Anger burned like poison through my veins.
God, I wanted to slap him so hard that I hoped his neck would snap.
My breath faltered. I had to act like I fucking cared about his fucking price.
I gasped, “A million?”
He chuckled, kissed his teeth, and said, “Everything has a price, Maria. If I help you get out of this mess, I want something in return.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What do you want?”
Finn’s smile was calculated, his eyes glinting with intent. “As much as I’d love it to be, it’s neither a million dollars nor eating Roman Varkov’s juicy leftovers.” He leaned forward, his voice soft but firm. “I want the girl.”
My protective instincts flared up, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. “No.” I shook my head, my voice firm. “Not Polly. She can’t be harmed, Finn. I won’t let that happen.”
He raised his hands in a calming gesture. “No harm will come to her. I promise. My boss wants her alive.”
My curiosity was piqued.
His boss?
I leaned in, my eyes locked on his and my voice laced with suspicion. “Why does your boss want her?”
His smile grew wider, but he remained silent, his eyes glinting with secrets. “I’ll text you the details,” he said, his voice cryptic.
As we sat there, the tension between us grew. His gaze drifted out the window, and I followed his line of sight, realizing he was watching the street, ensuring we weren’t being watched. I felt a flutter in my chest, my nerves on edge.
Then, his eyes snapped back to mine, a knowing glint in their depths. “You can leave now,” he said, his voice dripping with dismissal.
I stood up, my movements fluid and speedy. I reached up and adjusted the hoodie over my head, pulling the strings tight. The hood cinched snugly around my face.
My eyes locked onto his; I could sense his gaze sweeping over my every move. I felt a shiver run down my spine, my heart pounding in my chest. I wanted to get as far away from him as possible.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine.
“And, oh, remember this, Maria, just in case you’re thinking of trying something stupid,” he said, his voice smooth. “I always fucking get what I always fucking want.”