Read Keep: Romanian Mob Chronicles for Free Online Page B

a hilarious waggle of her eyebrows to the end of the sentence.
    “I’m not trying to seduce anyone,” I said.
    “Of course you are. It’s the way we survive,” she said turning solemn, and while I didn’t want to acknowledge it, there was truth in what she said.
    After I’d unapologetically stuffed myself with fruit and crackers and watched Natasha polish off half a bottle of champagne, which seemed to have no effect at all, I had begun to enjoy my time with her, laughing at her outrageous suggestions, amused by her quick wit, able to pretend for just a little while I was a normal girl out with a friend and not ensnared in a world of darkness, that I was more than a commodity.
    But that enjoyment was lessened at the cold reality of Natasha’s words. I knew better than most, probably even her, that my value was only measured by the pleasure that I gave, the pain I could withstand. And this little excursion, as fun as it had been, would not change that. I was as I had always been: a man’s property. That I’d chosen to be so willingly this time, even though I’d sworn that if I ever got away from David I’d never belong to anyone again, sent a rush of shame through me.
    “Don’t be sad, Fawn,” she said, laying a hand on my shoulder, the act a representation of how we’d become fast friends. “He can be very kind.”
    “Cruel too,” I said, a statement and not a question.
    “Very. But sometimes and only when given cause.”
    “And he decides what’s cause?”
    She nodded. “But it is always that way for women like us.”
    “Like us?” I asked, some of my dour mood fading at the hope I might have found a kindred spirit.
    Natasha regarded me. “Like us. Your last one, he was very bad, yes? Bad enough that Vasile took you?”
    I nodded, though I couldn’t say for sure why he’d done what he had.
    “I haven’t suffered as much as you, but it’s the same. Vasile takes care of me now, but it’s just a matter of time until I belong to another. I just hope that when it finally happens, it’s someone I want, not whoever is around.”
    She looked at me then, seeming younger, almost naive, so different than her coquettish speech and demeanor suggested. “Your father, did he give you to the man who had you before Vasile?”
    If only it had been so simple. If only I had someone other than myself, something other than my own naïveté and stupidity to blame.
    “I’d rather not talk about it,” I finally said, breaking her gaze.
    She nodded, patted my shoulder. “Maybe one day.”
    I doubted it, but I nodded.
    “So this is all you’re going to buy?”
    I looked down at the small pile of clothing. A couple of pairs of jeans, some Capri pants, a few underthings, and long-sleeved T-shirts. “Yes. It’s more than enough.”
    “As you wish. We should return,” she said.
    She patted my hand one last time.

    V asile
    “Where is she?” Sorin asked as he practically barreled past me to get inside, looking around the room like an eager puppy.
    “I sent Fawn out with Natasha. Oleg is driving,” I said.
    “Fawn? What kind of name is that?” he asked.
    “Why are you here, Sorin?” I replied, changing the subject.
    He nodded, and in an instant went serious, eyes going from laughing dark blue to deadly focused.
    “What you suspected was right,” he said, voice laced with venom.
    “You’ve confirmed it?” I asked.
    “Personally. Do you want me to handle it?”
    I shook my head. “I’ll take care of it. Have everyone gather day after tomorrow,” I said.
    “You’re going to make him sweat,” he said, eyes gleaming with malice.
    “If he’s done nothing wrong, he’ll have no reason to sweat. And if he has…” I shrugged.
    “What if he runs?” Sorin asked.
    “Then I’ll chase him down like the dog that he is. And besides, he has already disgraced his family name. Do you think he would bring further shame to them?”
    “You never know,” Sorin said.
    “You don’t,” I agreed.
    This was