BULLS UP

Lazar's POV 

The meeting with Raneesh was just like I expected, he lied to me, making me seem like a fool.

“You know Raneesh, one thing I hate the most aside from stealing is lies. I hate when people lie to me. I will give you a chance to clean up whatever mess you started or all hell will break loose. It is better to be my ally than my enemy.” I warned him over the phone.

“Lazar, I think there is a mis….” I ended the call before he could complete his sentence.

I was not ready for his bullshit.

“How are we going to deal with Raneesh?” Rodosov asked as we walked out of the office.

“Get me on line with Malik, it seems there is going to be a shift in power.” 

Since Raneesh has proven to be disloyal, it's high time I got rid of him.

I don't play with my business and indefinitely don't work with traitors.

“And…. I have something to tell you.” Rodosov said as we got into the car.

There was so much work I needed to get done, so I could finally reunite with Miriam. Just the thought of her wanders my mind and calms my anger.

“What?” I asked. 

“So some group of men were seen around Miriam’s apartment.” Rodosov said with a skeptical look on his face and my heart dropped to my stomach.

“Is she okay?” I asked, trying to stay as calm and collected as possible but my heart was racing with worry.

“She is fine.” He replied and I finally sighed in relief.

“Were you able to find out who they were?” I asked.

“We don't know, they seem Russian but at the same time they killed themselves before they could say anything.” He replied.

Russians? I had no beef with them? At least nothing serious enough for them to track and follow my woman.

“Do you think they know about Miriam's identity?”

“I don't think so. They definitely must have been following you and noticed that you visit her place often.” 

Fear gripped my heart; this was what I feared the most. My feelings and interactions with Miriam might endanger her. 

“Find out where these men came from, also look into the Russians. We can't confront them about this. It’s going to make them more suspicious of who Miriam is, and increase the security around her place.” I ordered.

“Okay, I will do that.”

There was just so much messing right now going on in the mafia. So many unfinished business starting from Trevor’s sudden arrival to the Indians breaking their contract and now men were sneaking around Miriam’s apartment.

“Take me to her place, I will go to the warehouse another day.” 

I noticed Rodosov immediately tensed up.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Uhmmm, sir, your wife is not at home.”

“Then where is she?” I asked.

I had a very troubling feeling that I was not going to like the answer and I was right because the moment he told me where she was, I almost lost it.

Of all the places she could go to, it had to be there.

“Take me there now.” I ordered, and immediately the car turned around.

I was only gone for a few days and she was already acting out. Seems like I need to tighten my grip on her.

‘Bulls up’ was notorious for its intense gambling and drug use and the fact that it was owned by the Mexicans who were also notorious for human trafficking did not sit well with me at all.

“Sir you don't have to worry too much, I made sure the men followed her to the bar, they are keeping a watchful eye on her.” Rodosov said, trying to discourage me from going to the club.

The Italians and the Mexicans were not exactly the best of allies. And the Mafia lord of an Italian mafia showing up in a Mexican owned business was not going to be received well at all, but I don’t give a fuck.

“Where exactly is she?” I asked as soon as I walked into the club.

“Sir she was sitting on the bar ordering some drinks seconds ago, suddenly we lost track of her.” One of the men answered, his eyes shaking with fear, while I balled my hands into a fist to prevent myself from punching his face in.

“Better pray to whatever God you serve that I find her.” 

I looked around the packed club, trying to blend in and not attract attention to myself as well as alert the Mexicans of my presence.

She was nowhere to be seen, and my mind was already racing with endless possibilities. 

Could she have been kidnapped? And then I heard her.

I don't know how it was possible but between the sea of people and the loud music coming from the speakers I heard a very familiar voice screaming the sound of the lyrics.

I turned around and as soon as I saw her my heart leaped with joy but it was short lived when I saw her being all cozy with another man.

If I was angry before I think at this point all I could see was red.

I swiftly made my way through the crowded dance floor, bumping into people unapologetically while they glared at me.

“Well I can do whatever I want after I get a divorce.” That was all I heard and that was the last straw for me.

Where did she get the idea I was going to agree to a divorce. 

As soon as she saw me her face turned pale like she had been caught doing what she should not have done. With one look from me the guy behind her disappeared into the crowd.

Without a second thought I grabbed her and dragged her away while she protested all the way through.

She was sprouting nonsense and behaving off and that was when it clicked. She had been drugged.

“How can you be so reckless.” I scolded her but she was only focused on kissing me.

“Please kiss me.” She begged once again and it felt like my world collapsed.

She was looking at me with that soft hypnotizing gaze. Pulling me into an abyss I know if I fell into I would not be able to come out of.

I knew I had spent too much time in Mexican territory, it's only a matter of time before someone recognised me.

“I will take you home.” I pulled her closer and carried her towards the back exit.

“No, I can't leave Sara alone.” 

“Sara….” And that when I recalled who it was. I remember she was the girl who had been beside Miriam on our wedding day. 

At least I was relieved knowing she did not come alone.

“I will ask Rodosov to take her home.” 

“Boss.” Rodosov greeted me as soon as I walked out of the exit, the car already waiting for me.

“I will drive. Her friend is inside. Her name is Sara, I am sure you remember her. Take her home.” I ordered and got into the car driving straight to the apartment while Miriam continued to thrash and mumble whatever nonsense she was talking about.

“Come on, we are home.” I said , placing her couch.

“You are no fun at all.” She complained and all I could do was smile.

She was a cute drunk. This was a side of her I have never seen before and it only made me more attracted to her.

“Well, that's because I want you to be safe. Now drink this.” I said, handing her the glass of water.

“Alcohol?” She asked.

I looked at the glass of water and at her face as she analyzed the cup.

“Yes.” I lied and her eyes sparked with excitement as she grabbed the glass and downed it in one gulp.

“Liar, It's water.” She coughed trying to spit it out.

“Well, it's to help you sober up.” 

“Lazar…I feel so hot.” She complained trying to pull her clothes.

“Hey hey… calm down.” I tried to stop her but she pushed me away, shocking me with her strength.

“I feel so hot.” She grumbled pulling the clothes off her body standing before me in nothing but her underwear.

“Lazar… don't I look sexy?” She asked as she slowly approached me.

I was barely restraining myself from ravishing her body, and she was testing my control.

“Of course you are sexy… but…” 

“Then touch me.” She whispered into my ears.

“Miriam.” I groaned, closing my eyes and taking in sharp breaths as her fingers found their way under my shirt while she stared at me with the most seductive gaze ever.

“If you don't stop teasing me, I won't be able to control myself.” I warned looking down at her beautiful face.

“Then don't. I don't want you to control yourself. Please Lazar….touch me.” She begged and all hell broke loose.

“Fuck it.”