Ambush
Brie was grabbing a quick snack before heading upstairs to work on her next film when she heard the screeching of multiple vehicles braking abruptly, and car doors slamming, just outside their house. Taking a quick peek through the window, she let out a frightened gasp when she saw four black utility vehicles parked outside and an army of men dressed in black suits walking up to the door.
Grabbing Hope, Brie rushed to Sir’s office to tell him what was happening.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he pushed Brie toward the back door. “Go to Durov’s while I find out what these men want.”
“Don’t face them alone,” she cried. “Come with me.”
Glancing at Hope squirming in her arms, he commanded, “I don’t know their intentions and it will give you time to escape.”
Brie knew Sir would give his life to protect them and whimpered when he shut the door behind her. Racing to Rytsar’s with her daughter clutched against her chest, Brie banged on his door, hoping against hope he hadn’t left for Russia yet.
While she waited in agony for someone to answer, Brie kept glancing back at their house, praying for Sir’s safety.
Rytsar opened the door dressed in a robe that was open but cinched at the waist, showing off his muscular chest. He smirked when he saw her. “Have you come to play before I go, radost moya?”
Brie shook her head and rushed inside.
His expression instantly changed as he grabbed Hope from her. “What’s wrong?”
Brie could barely speak as she panted, “There are men…lots of them…”
Rytsar frowned. “Where?”
“At the house. Sir insisted on staying behind.”
Rytsar growled, calling out to Maxim. “Mobilize my men, now!”
Guiding Brie to Hope’s room, he stated, “Stay here and remain quiet until I command otherwise.”
Before he shut the door, Rytsar whistled for Little Sparrow. “Watch over them, Vorobyshek.”
Brie heard the sound of an electronic door bolt locking into place. She glanced around the room, staring at the colorful murals painted on the four walls. They were of different landscapes in Russia. Because they were life-like outdoor paintings, she’d never noticed that the room had no windows.
It suddenly dawned on her this was actually a panic room.
Tears sprang to her eyes when she realized Rytsar had planned for this moment with the sole intention of protecting Hope. He knew there were those who might come for him seeking retribution.
Hope picked up on Brie’s fear and cried out, squirming in her arms. Brie immediately smiled to calm her daughter and walked over to the white rocking horse. She helped Hope onto it. “Hold on tight.”
She kept her tight smile, rubbing her pregnant belly while she slowly rocked the horse. Both she and Little Sparrow listened intently to the sounds of the men organizing on the other side of the door.
Suddenly, the air was filled with Rytsar’s laughter.
Little Sparrow started dancing excitedly at the door.
In a matter of seconds, Brie heard the bolt being pulled back as the burly Russian, dressed and armed for battle, opened the door.
“There is nothing to fear, radost moya.”
Brie stared at him in disbelief, too stunned to speak.
“It seems your cavalry has arrived,” he stated, petting Little Sparrow’s head.
Brie shook her head in disbelief. “What?”
“The men you saw are here about your film.”
“Mary did say it would happen soon,” she said, laughing nervously. “But there are so many of them. I just assumed…”
Rytsar nodded. “As you should. You can never be too careful.” He placed his hand on her shoulder, stating proudly, “It is time for you to meet your destiny.”
He then glanced down at Hope. “Vorobyshek and I will watch the babe.”
Brie looked at him in amazement. “I can’t believe this is really happening…”
Picking up Hope, Rytsar escorted Brie out of the room. “Your Master wants you to return through the rear door.”
Brie was humbled knowing Rystar and his men had mobilized to defend her and her daughter regardless of the cost. Deeply grateful to them, she smiled and nodded to each man as she walked past.
She headed back to the house and quietly entered through the back door where Sir was waiting for her. He wore an amused expression as he held out his arms to her.
Brie melted into his embrace. “Well, that was a scare…”
“An unnecessary one, at that,” he agreed. “As punishment, I’ve made the men wait outside until you are ready.”
She pulled back, her jaw dropping. “What? They’re all outside?”
Sir nodded with a wicked glint in his eye. “Someone should have called you first.”
Brie’s heart started to race. “Do you think my mystery benefactor is out there right now?”
“I didn’t recognize anyone, so I can’t say.”
She glanced nervously in the direction of the front door. “I’d better not keep them waiting.”
“Actually, I want you to take your time to dress for this important meeting. They failed to inform you they were coming, so now they don’t get the advantage of rushing you. Besides, it will take Mr. Thompson another forty minutes to arrive.”
“You called our lawyer?”
He glanced at the front door. “There are a slew of them out there, babygirl. No point in starting this meeting until you have proper representation.”
Brie smiled up at him. “I’m grateful for your intervention, Sir.”
He gazed down at her lovingly. “With Thompson by your side, you will be able to make a clear decision based on what is being offered.”
“You aren’t going to join me?” she asked in surprise.
He shook his head. “No. I don’t want their attention to shift to me at any point during the meeting. They need to face the businesswoman behind the talent.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You’ve earned this moment, Brianna Davis.”
She nodded, feeling both humbled and empowered.
Brie headed to the bedroom. Understanding the significance of this meeting, she was determined to dress for it. She would have preferred wearing the red dress Sir had purchased for her months ago, but she was in her third trimester now and that wasn’t an option for her.
Glancing at her round belly, Brie smiled. It was pretty amazing that she could grow a tiny human inside her while simultaneously advancing her film career.
Brie chose a white blouse and a stylish red jacket. Pulling her hair back in a severe ponytail, she smiled at her reflection. If they had any misconceptions that they were meeting a frumpy pregnant woman, they were entirely mistaken.
Brie was meticulous with her makeup and finished the look off with bright red lipstick. She pressed her lips together to gently blot the lipstick, then smiled at her reflection.
There was only one thing missing.
Brie walked to a drawer in the closet to get the white orchid comb. She wanted Tono to be a part of this momentous occasion. The Kinbaku Master had been with her in spirit every time she filmed, and she needed him to be with her now.
The moment she touched the flower, however, she felt a jolt of sadness. Brie realized that the last time she’d spoken to Tono was just before Kylie’s death. Frowning in concern, she made a mental note to call him after the meeting.