Chapter 4 - The Russian Threat
The fragile peace shattered on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.
A sleek black Mercedes pulled up to the front gates of the estate, flanked by two heavily armored SUVs.
Kayla was standing near the window in the study, organizing a stack of contracts.
She watched as a massive, broad-shouldered man stepped out of the Mercedes.
He wore a tailored gray suit and had a vicious scar running down the left side of his face.
Gunther stood up from his desk, his jaw clenching so hard a muscle twitched in his cheek.
"Who is that?" Kayla asked, sensing the sudden drop in the room's temperature.
"Alexei Volkov," Gunther answered, his voice dripping with venom.
"He runs the Russian syndicate on the east side."
"Go upstairs to the master suite and lock the door."
"Do not come out until I come to get you."
Kayla did not argue.
She turned and rushed out of the study, taking the grand staircase two steps at a time.
She locked herself inside Gunther’s bedroom, her heart pounding against her ribs.
Downstairs, Volkov swaggered into the study without waiting for an invitation.
"Gunther, my friend," Volkov boomed, his thick Russian accent filling the room.
"You have been expanding your port operations into my territory."
Gunther did not offer the man a seat.
"The port belongs to the city, Alexei."
"I just make sure the cargo moves efficiently."
Volkov smiled a cruel, cold smile.
"I think we need to renegotiate our boundaries."
"Before people start getting hurt."
Volkov began to pace around the study, his eyes lingering on the antique writing desk in the corner.
He noticed the delicate, feminine cardigan draped over the back of the chair.
Volkov reached out and ran his thick fingers over the soft fabric.
"You have a new pet, Gunther?" Volkov asked, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
"I did not know you kept women in the house."
Gunther’s blood turned to absolute ice.
His hand drifted toward the SIG Sauer holstered at his waist.
"Do not touch her things," Gunther warned, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper.
Volkov chuckled darkly and dropped the cardigan back onto the chair.
"A man with attachments is a weak man," Volkov sneered.
"I will give you three days to pull your men out of the east side docks."
"If you do not, I will find out exactly what this new girl means to you."
Volkov turned and walked out of the room, leaving a trail of threat hanging in the air.
Gunther stood perfectly still until he heard the Mercedes drive away from the property.
He had never felt fear in his entire life.
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But as he looked at the empty chair where Kayla usually sat, terror gripped his heart.
He knew he had to protect her at all costs.
