The Kidnapped Heiress

Sophia's POV

Ding!

My phone chimed with the familiar sound of an incoming message. Sighing, I moved to my dresser where my phone lay. I glanced at the screen to see it was from Father.

Yay!

Yep, that was sarcasm. I unlocked the screen with a swipe of my thumb to read the text.

Dad: Saturday the 13th. Moscow. 7 pm. Be there. No excuses.

It is for the benefit of the office branch over there, do not embarrass me.

Well, hello to you too Daddy dearest. I don't say that to him though, I wouldn't dare. Instead, I give him what he wants.

Me: Alright, father. I'll book my flight tonight.

I'll never be the perfect heir to him. I'm not a son, I'll get married one day and be owned by my husband. As Dad always say. Probably why he wants me to get married to his friend's son, so he can "help" me control the business. As if we are in the 19th century.

"Ryan keeps messing with my head, it's so unfair" The shaky, choked-up sound of Daisy's voice pulls me out of my gloomy thoughts.

Daisy, my best friend, has been in my house since yesterday. She had just had a big fight with her "best buddy/ hookup buddy/ boyfriend" I don't even know what they are anymore. I do know she's been in love with Ryan for years.

And Ryan, well he keeps giving her mixed signals.

I walk to the bluish-grey loveseat in my bedroom where she's seated, kneeling, I wrap her in my arms to comfort her. "Darling, I need you to please calm down, okay? I know you're hurting, but I want you to know that everything will be fine. I promise he will come around, I'm sure of that."

She sighed, looking disheartened. "Sophy, it's just so complicated. I don't even know where we stand anymore"

"I understand how hard this is for you, but I don't want you crying yourself to death, please." Then an idea popped up in my head.

"How about we escape from it all? Take a breather. Will you come with me to Moscow?"

Her eyes widened, "Moscow? That's so random, but I'm in."

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Wait, why are you going to Moscow? Don't tell me he's sending you off on one of those events where you have to be eye candy for perverted old men and act as 'daddy's little princess'?"

God. I don't need a reminder.

"No, we aren't going into that right now. You coming or not?" I asked firmly.

She rolls her eyes at me, "You know I want the best for you, You hate these events and they dampen your self-esteem. When will you stand up to your father?"

"Daisy... I'm fine, trust me."

"Fine, whatever you say. So... when do we leave? I could really use that distraction like right now"

A sly smile played on my lips. "Exactly. We need an adventure, a distraction. Five days in Moscow, away from everything. We leave by Friday, I'll get our tickets tomorrow."

"Alright," she gives me a small smile. We quickly forgot about everything else as we put on our favorite show, getting lost in it.

✬✬✬✬✬

Moscow, Friday 1:35 pm

We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel we'll be staying at. The chilly air embraces my skin as we step into the city's bustling streets.

"Okay, I'm so glad I came along," Daisy exclaimed, spinning around to take in the beautiful view of the city, her excitement evident in every word.

"Come on, I bet our suite looks even better," I pulled her along with me.

We got to the hotel suite I had carefully picked out before our arrival. It is so pretty, it feels like stepping into a dream. The room is all chic and cozy vibes, with super comfy furniture and cute decor.

It looks so much better than the pictures on their website. And oh, it has a balcony that's so nice. The view is insane – like, city lights shining directly into our suite.

Okay, well coming to Moscow for my father's business event, wasn't so bad after all. Right... my father. The thought of him always ruins my mood. No, I don't need that negativity right now. I'd rather have fun.

Pulling out my iPad, and opening Google I search for some nice places I could go to around here.

"Hey boo, check this out," holding out my iPad, she scoots over, "Look, there's the Moscow Kremlin, Sokolniki Park, and the iconic Red Square. We can go sightseeing, explore, and take some selfies. What do you think?"

Daisy's eyes lit up as she scanned through the pictures. "These places look so beautiful, you know what, sweetie? You're right. Ryan can go fuck himself. Let's go have some fun!"

"I never said anything about Ryan, girl you really are obsessed with him," I smacked her head as we both burst into laughter. I do know she's still devastated and heartbroken, but it's a good thing she's trying to cheer up. I love that for her.

"Alright lover girl, get your ass up, we've got places to be at. How about we go to Red Square first?"

"That will be great, love"

✬✬✬✬✬

I hailed a taxi to take us to the Red Square. I leaned into the window, addressing the driver in my best attempt at Russian. "Можете нас отвезти на Красную площадь?" [Can you please take us to the Red Square?]

The driver gave a nod and gestured for us to get in. "Да, садитесь." [Yes, get in.]

"Wait, you speak Russian? Why didn't I know that? I'm supposed to be your best friend"

I turned to a bewildered Daisy, flashing her a grin as we settled into the taxi. "I know a few words. Enough to get us around, hopefully."

Of course, I learned Russian a little, if I want Dad to acknowledge me for once I have to be exceptional. I also learned German, French, and a little Spanish.

"You literally sound like a pro."

I chuckled, "Not exactly. I still have a lot to learn."

She looked at me with a mix of surprise and amusement. "I can't believe you're casually speaking Russian. What else are you hiding?"

I winked playfully, "Nothing, I promise. Now let's go get some ice cream."

We later moved to our next stop, Moscow Kremlin and it was an incredible experience. It was late in the evening by the time we were ready to leave. We made it back to our hotel suite. And since we only had snacks and ice cream while we were out, Daisy ordered room service while I go take a hot bath.

I stepped out of the bathroom, with a large, white towel draped casually around me, and another doing the job of taming my wild post-shower hair. Our food was here already and I was beyond famished.

Ding!

My iPad chimed, as I put on my silky night gown. Walking over to the bedside table, I picked up my iPad and unlocked it. Realizing it was an email sent to the business email and was specifically addressed to Dad. I'd only recently just gotten access to the business e-mail account after pressuring Dad's PA.

Deciding against forwarding it to Dad's email, I opened it.

Tom,

I was informed that you'vbeen ignoring texts and emails sent to you and all attempts to call you have been futile. I am a very busy man just like yourself, I am also not a very patient man. You don't want to test my patience. Smolenskaya Square, Sunday 8 p.m, White Rabbit. I am sure you don't want problems, neither do I. I expect you to be at said address and on time.

Ivan Kozlov.

Wow, this is... interesting? Intriguing? I don't know. It just fascinates me.

No one has ever spoken to Dad this way, in such a superior and intimidating way. I have never met anyone with such power and nerve to do that. Who is Ivan Kozlov? What business does he have with dad? And why is Dad avoiding him?

Dad wasn't one to be toyed with, everyone in Europe knew that. Probably even outside of Europe.

It is obvious Ivan Kozlov has an issue with Dad and I'm pretty good at bargaining. I could try to appease Ivan Kozlov, he would forgive Father and If I could sort his problems Dad would finally see my worth, he would see that I'm competent, right?

Typing on my iPad, I reply to the email.

To Ivan Kozlov,

Good day to you Ivan. I'll meet you at the said address then.

Tom Smith.

Then I deleted the evidence after I sent my reply.

Here goes nothing...

Sophia's POV

"Hey! English brat!" I heard someone say. I probably fell asleep after breakfast.

"Hey! Wake up!" the male voice called out again, words harsh and thick with an unmistakable Russian accent.

I turned to the door, where Maxim stood, giving me an unpleasant and cruel look.

Dazed and disoriented from sleep, I sit up slowly on the narrow bed. Staring blankly at him.

He walks to the bed, shaking me vigorously in an attempt to wake me up fully.

What the hell?

"What now you fucking piece of shit! If you are going to keep me hostage, you should at least have the decency to let me sleep!" I bark at him, a mixture of frustration and defiance evident in my voice.

From the little conversations I overhear outside my tiny holding cell, it was clear Maxim is in charge of the other guards and a big arsehole.

"Watch your mouth, brat!" he barked out grabbing my hair. The searing pain shot through me.

"You are just another prisoner, and you'll do as I say. You should know you don't have a say here by now!"

"Get your filthy and lowly hands off me," I'm fuming with rage by now, he treats me like garbage and this morning, I wasn't having it.

He says nothing, instead, he drags me by my hair. Leading me through the corridor. He stopped just in front of an unfamiliar guard.

"Snimite naruchniki I obyazatel'no okhranyayte dver', poka ona moyetsya," Maxim said to him, I was too busy struggling against his grip on my hair to understand what he said to the other guard.

The other guard (whose name I don't know) reaches into his pocket to take out a key, he unlocks the handcuff on my wrists.

Maxim releases his grip on my hair, pushing me towards a door, "You are to go in there and take a shower, no funny games, don't even think about running. Do I make myself clear?"

Wait, what? I finally get to shower?

The thought of cleaning myself seemed like an unexpected luxury, and I couldn't be more grateful.

I've been here for almost two weeks now if my calculations are correct, and I haven't been allowed to shower once. I have been wearing the same outfit for weeks, I'm smelly and uncomfortable.

Before I could say anything or ask questions, I was shoved into a tiny bathroom with only a shower, toilet, and wash sink which contained a bar soap, shampoo, a big pink towel, toothpaste, and a new toothbrush.

I quickly brushed my teeth and stepped under the shower. The water felt refreshingly warm as I finally washed myself in weeks. After drying my body, I slip back into my clothes.

I mean, these are the only options I have.

Stepping out, I find the guard by the door waiting to cuff my wrists again.

"Who is your employer? I have been asking for days now. Why am I here and what am I here for?" I ask while he cuffs me. He says nothing, just pushing me back towards the small room I sleep in.

"You don't speak or understand English?"

"Pochemu ya zdes'? kto tvoy boss?" [Why am I here? Who is your boss?]

"Move!," he shoved me into the room, locking it on the outside.

I just want to get out of here. Right.

Daisy, she must have been looking for me. She must have gone back to London by now, it's been two weeks already. What if she thinks I'm dead?

Would Dad be looking for me?

Who would want to kidnap me?

I still don't get why I'm being held hostage. Probably for ransom? Or... to be used as a sex slave?

No.

My heart dropped at the thought of that.

I need to come up with a plan to escape and I need to do that fast.

✬✬✬✬✬

A weird-looking sandwich that equally tastes bad and a cup of water. This was all I was being fed every day, once a day since I got here.

I felt weak and dizzy most times, it was becoming harder and harder to endure. I don't even have it in me to fight with the guards anymore. I've also tried begging for a proper meal and they just ignored me.

As if on cue, a guard comes in with a tray of my usual meal.

I let out a frustrated groan, "Can you at least give me actual food? These are hardly enough to get me through the day"

His piercing gaze lingers on me for a few seconds, a cruel reminder of my vulnerability and he storms out.

The next morning, I woke up with a terrible headache, it was almost too painful to blink my eyes. I couldn't fall asleep to help my situation and even if I could, a guard would probably interrupt my sleep with my usual luxurious breakfast.

I guess a pretty bad headache doesn't stop me from being sarcastic.

Just then, the door to my holding cell opened and I came face-to-face with a new face. A woman to be precise, her brown gaze glimmers with concern and kindness.

My eyes dropped to her hands, she was holding a tray, and in it was a bottle of juice, and a covered plate of food. I could smell pasta and by God, I was drooling already.

"Hello, Miss," she walked towards me, settling the tray of food beside me. "Your breakfast, I was asked to bring it to you."

I eye her warily, "Who are you? I haven't seen you before."

She looked at me, her expression kind and soft. "I am Mila, the housekeeper. I was asked by the master of the house to bring these to you. I work at the main house, that is why you haven't seen me until now."

"Okay, but why bring me a meal now?" I pressed curiously.

"My master just came back from a business trip, I don't know much, he just asked me to feed you properly," she explained.

So many questions ran through my head. "I didn't know there were any other women here. Are you working here on your own will? Like you weren't bought, kidnapped, or something?" I probed further as my skepticism deepened.

Mila laughed a little," No dear, I'm here willingly. I've been working for him for years now. The master has always been good to me and takes care of me and my family". She assured me.

I scoffed, "Someone who possibly kidnapped a person can never be good," I rolled my eyes and that made me wince in pain. "As you said, he's back now, right?"

She nods.

"Who is he? Your master, I mean. Do you have any idea why he's doing this to me?"

"Miss, I–"

The door swings open and a pissed-off-looking Maxim walks in.

"Alright! Playtime is over!" he crossed his arms, turning his gaze to Mila. "You know the boss is going to be furious about this chit-chatting with the prisoner"

"I was about to leave, Maxim. Make sure to eat your food, Miss"

Shooting me a sympathetic look as she turned to leave, with Maxim right behind her, leaving me once again in the cold isolation of my cell. The encounter, though brief, left me with more questions than answers.

At least I knew why I'd never seen the mastermind behind my predicament. Would he come here? Would that be unlikely? Apparently, I'm even in a different room from the main house. Great.

An hour or two later, the door to my cell opened. I didn't bother turning my face to the door, I was exhausted and sleepy. Usually, after breakfast, no one comes in here at least not that often.

"Sophia Smith."

The voice sent shivers from my head to my toes, causing goosebumps to break out on my skin. It was not like the other guards' voices, there were no accents, and the voice was dominant and smooth.

I'm certain, I have heard this voice before.

Wait.

I've never sat up so fast in my life. Turning to the door, I'm met with the prettiest blue eyes I have ever seen, midnight blue eyes, the kind that looks almost black at certain angles, long black hair tied in a man bun, a straight nose, and a strong square jaw graced with dark stubble.

Wait... my vision sharpened, it's like my eyes were finally catching up with my brain.

Realization dawns on me. I had my suspicion but brushed it off. I had convinced myself there was no reason he'd be involved in this.

And I was so wrong because the man in front of me was none other than.

Ivan fucking Kozlov.

Sophia's POV

TWO WEEKS EARLIER

Ugh!

I am still not getting the look I was going for. I sigh wearily looking at my reflection in the big, fancy mirror in the hotel suite.

I'm wearing a cream-colored trouser suit, paired with a cream-beige camisole and a black heel. I had styled my strawberry blonde hair in a tight ponytail, my makeup heavy enough to make me seem older while highlighting my hazel eyes.

It's not enough for me. I'm well aware my facial features make me seem like a teenager and not a twenty-four-year-old. I am constantly being reminded of that fact, hell I still need to show the bouncers my ID anytime I go to a club.

I'm a tad too pale, and my height... well at twenty-four, I'm five feet four inches tall only.

"Babes, what do you think? Do I look like I mean business?" I walk away from the mirror towards the king-sized bed, where Daisy is currently sitting watching me like a hawk.

She lets out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes, "Really? Soph, that's what you are worried about right now. I can not with you."

"Oh come on, we've talked about this," I said with a pout.

She looked at me with concern, "Sophia, are you sure about this? Meeting with Ivan Kozlov without your father's knowledge? It sounds risky. What if something goes wrong?"

For the umpteenth time since I let her in on my plan, I try to reassure her, "Daisy, it's just dinner at a popular restaurant. Nothing is going to go wrong. I just want to understand what Dad's business with this guy is."

"Babe, I still think you're being reckless," Daisy said with a frustrated sigh.

I am sure she knows I have made my decision. I'll meet up with Ivan Kozlov no matter what. What could possibly go wrong?

"I already told you, I have a good feeling about this. If I can just have a decent conversation with Ivan Kozlov and handle whatever issue he has with the business, my dad is going to start acknowledging me."

She gives me a puzzled look, "I don't get how putting yourself at risk and meeting up with someone you barely know would make your old man stop being misogynistic."

Alright, she has a point but I am a stubborn mule. I still need to know the connection between Dad and Ivan. Period.

Please tell me I'm making sense.

"Do you even know what he looks like?" she asked after a beat.

Oh. "Uhmm, no?"

She starts typing out something on her phone. "Holy shit!" Daisy blinked at her phone, her eyes widened, it's almost comical. "Sweetie, come look!"

Sitting down beside her, I stare at her phone screen. I'm instantly blown away. On the screen is a picture of Ivan Kozlov and a small personal information on him.

Ivan Kozlov, thirty-two, is a Russian oil tycoon and a multi-billionaire. Owner of KLV Corp. A parent company to dozens of other companies across the world and had shares with other powerful companies.

Wow... that's... impressive.

Ivan Kozlov seems fascinating. And that wasn't only about being a billionaire at his age, it was the way this man looks like a freaking Greek god, a celebrity even, not a damn businessman.

I'm sorry, but I thought all billionaires looked like my father, all big-bellied, grey hairs, weird fashion sense, etc.

"Fuck, he is one gorgeous man!" she squealed excitedly, "I'll have to place him above Chris Evans on my list now, he comes second."

"Oh, please. Just now you were talking me out of seeing him and now you're fangirling?" I laughed.

"Excuse me, I have eyes and they work! I still think it's dangerous. See how scary and ruthless he looks underneath his extremely handsome face, I guess that's what makes him irresistible."

"I know right?" I replied. "There is something about those eyes. They're beautiful, the most fascinating blue eyes I ever saw, yet they feel like they can squeeze the life out of a person."

Daisy shook her head. "Be careful, Sophia. You never know what you might be getting into. You know I worry about you because I love you right?"

"Yes mum, I love you too." I teased.

She slaps my head. "Ow!"

"Silly girl," she laughed. "What time do you leave?"

Glancing at my watch, the time is currently 7:12 p.m. "I'll be leaving in a few minutes. The scheduled time is 8 p.m."

She planted a quick kiss on my cheeks, "Just keep me updated, okay? And by the way hon, you look amazing. Don't you ever forget that."

Sigh, she's just the sweetest.

✬✬✬✬✬

Smolenskaya Square, White Rabbit, 8:06 p.m.

The restaurant was a haven of elegance with a fashionable charm. Intricate designs adorned the walls, and the dim lighting added an air of sophistication.

Handing my coat to the doorman, I approached the hostess with a smile. "I'm here to meet Ivan Kozlov," I informed her in English.

The young lady smiled warmly, responding with equal fluency, "Of course, Miss. Right this way."

She led me through the well-decorated restaurant, the eclectic mix of antique furnishings and contemporary art creating an ambiance that felt both nostalgic and modern. We arrived at a secluded corner table with a panoramic view of the city lights, it was fascinating.

Ivan Kozlov was already seated at the reserved table, he seemed almost bored.

Rounding the table to sit at the opposite seat, my breath hitched.

Oh, wow.

The pictures didn't do this man justice. Pictures didn't capture his breathtaking features properly and those eyes... were even more unnerving in person.

I was fighting so hard to hide my attraction, I could feel my neck and face heating already.

"Hello, good evening. I am here on behalf of my father," I said extending my hand for a handshake. "I am Sophia Smith, a pleasure to meet you."

Ivan Kozlov looked at my extended hand, his piercing gaze making me uneasy. His face was expressionless, making it hard to read him.

Awkward...

I sat down, in an attempt to school my composure and not give away how nervous I was.

After what felt like hours, "Is this a joke?" His accent is non-existent, graced with a smooth deep voice.

"No, this isn't a joke of any sort. My father is currently in London, he couldn't leave on such short notice. I was already in Moscow, so he sent me to represent him."

Yeah, I'm lying through my teeth, shaking in my seat.

"If Smith couldn't be bothered to show up, the least he could do was inform me," he scowl deepened as he stood up. "I'm done here, this was a total waste of my precious time."

"Wait, I–" He was gone before I could say a word, his four bodyguards accompanying him on his way out.

I looked around to see if anyone witnessed what had just happened. I was beyond embarrassed and it was a relief to know that no one paid us any attention.

I signaled to the closest waiter and ordered some food. Taking my phone out I quickly texted Daisy

Me: Okay, I may have fucked up.

Almost immediately, the text bubbles popped up to show that she was typing.

Daisy: Please tell me it is nothing serious *inserts the eye roll emoji*

Me: I don't think so... at least not yet. Ivan was pissed off I came instead of my dad. He didn't even let me talk, he just left.

Daisy: Shit! Sorry about that though, it could have been worse. Are you on your way back?

Me: Lol, you know me. I was so embarrassed, I had to order food.

Daisy: *sends a GIF with a laughing baby* Just make sure to bring takeouts for me. Love ya.

Me: Aye aye your grace *inserts laughing emoji*

Almost an hour later, after having dinner, I got takeouts for Daisy, settled my bill and left.

I hailed a taxi, outside the restaurant, giving the driver the address to my hotel. After settling down at the backseat of the taxi, I closed my eyes and my thoughts took me back to my meeting with Ivan Kozlov. I have failed at executing my plan tonight and it hurts.

The car starts swiveling, forcing me to peel my eyes open. I look around us and nothing about where we were seems familiar.

"Uhmm, Mister? I'm pretty sure this isn't my hotel's route.

No response.

"Ty menya slushayesh." [Are you listening to me?]

My heart is pounding so hard right now, threatening to explode.

Still nothing.

"Look, you don't have to do this. I can give you money if you want. Lots of it," I pleaded, breaking out in cold sweat. I tried opening the door. Locked.

We got to a dark alley.

Oh fuck, oh God, no, no, no.

"Please, I will–"

A gun was being pointed at me before I could blink, everything was happening so fast, and my mind was haywire.

"Shut the fuck up! You'll step out of this car quietly and not a word, you hear me?" He said in heavily accented English.

I nodded and watched as he stepped out of the car. He opened the door to the backseat and dragged me out. That was when I noticed the big black van, two huge men standing by the door to its back seat.

I feel a prickly pain in my neck and the world goes black.