Page 34 of Brutal Bratva Boss

A few days after Theo meets with my father, I receive word from him that he will no longer be pursuing me to come home. He says he and Theo have agreed to a ceasefire and he will not harm us. He also mentions that he accepts our union, even though he was not able to provide his ‘blessing’ before we wed—a ploy to play on my emotions I am sure, but he overestimates his influence over me.

He says he now realizes that Theo is my family, and that in turn means he is now the family of my father as well. It all seems way too sweet coming from my father, so I wonder how much of it is true.

A few days after this message, though, my father asks to meet me. He says he would like to lay everything between us to rest and make peace best given the new truce he and Theo have established. My first reaction is to refuse; after all, it sounds too good to be true.

But I wonder if something Theo said actually broke through the ice surrounding my father’s heart. I am not sure exactly what was said. Theo had just come home and said that he and my father had negotiated a temporary truce and that I did not have anything to worry about anymore. I am not sure if Theo told my father about the baby, as he did not mention it, and he looked so worn out that I did not want to press the matter. Theo seems perfectly happy to carry on with our daily lives without bringing it up again, and honestly, so am I.

So, I decide to face my father. I do not tell Theo about it, because I know he will insist on going with me, and that will only aggravate the situation, I am sure. I decide to take a few men with me though—I am not stupid enough to think I can go on my own. They offer some resistance until I remind them that I am Theo’s wife, and, as the wife to the head of the Bratva, they answer to me as well. It is not something I feel much confidence saying, and the men look like they might fight me on it, but I must put on one hell of a facade because eventually, they agree.

They drive me out to meet my father at a small diner where rivals sometimes meet. It is owned by a retired mafia boss who chose its location due to it being close enough that everyone can get to it without needing to invade a rival territory, but far enough that there are not too many civilians milling about.

It was also declared neutral ground and no major moves are allowed to be made on the property—the owner's way of guaranteeing everyone has somewhere to meet without fear of certain death, I am sure. Breaking this rule is a surefire way to get yourself disappeared.

When we walk into the diner, I see my father tucked into the booth in the far corner, likely so no one can eavesdrop on our business, and he can still pretend there is a way to turn this around. His men sit two booths over, so I motion for Theo’s men to do the same, on the opposite side.

When I reach the table, my father stands, trying to pull me into a hug. I hold up a hand, blocking his advance, and signal for him to take a seat. “After you.”

He is not happy about my actions. His jaw works as he slides into one side of the booth, his eyes tracking my movements when I slide in across from him.

I know it has only been a short while since I last saw my father, but he seems older, and more frail. Looking at him now I notice the deep grooves of his wrinkles and the dark bags under his eyes. I see how he moves slower than he used to as if his joints have stiffened. It could also be the fact that I know I am part of the Dubrov name now. To my father, I am no longer the daughter he has under his thumb. I am no longer the chess piece he can move around his board however he sees fit. Now, I am the wife of his enemy. I am someone he fears on some level because he knows the backing I have. The realization is swift and offers me the slightest bit of comfort as I stare down the man who once held my future in his cruel hands.

He nods towards me. “You look well.”

I give him a stiff smile and clasp my hands together on the table in front of me. “I am.”

My father nods slowly. “I was sad to hear that you had gotten married without telling me.”

“Were you now?”

“Yes, I would have liked to give you away. You are my only daughter, after all.”

I scoff. “You would have liked to hand me off into the arms of your enemy?”

My father’s fake smile drops. He clears his throat. “I will admit, I am disappointed in your choice of husband.”

My choice? The ironic part is that I never had any say in the matter. And yet, now I can’t see myself living without Theo.

“But no matter. As long as you’re happy, that is all that matters. That’s all I ever wanted for you.”

I give my father an incredulous look. That’s all he ever wanted for me? Does he actually believe the bullshit he is trying to pedal?

“This coming from the man who planned to sell me off to his business partners?” I ask.

My father sighs, annoyance flashing over his features for a brief moment. “It’s true I was planning on doing that, yes. But only because I wanted to keep you close. It breaks my heart to have you so far away.”

I am rendered speechless. Not because what my father is saying is sweet and genuine, but because I can’t believe he thinks I am naive enough to believe it.

My father seems to think this means I am buying it, and he keeps piling it on.

“I will do my best to support you. You are my blood, after all.”

I shake my head. “What are you even saying? Theo has treated me better than any of my blood ever did. Certainly, better than you ever did.” I lean back in my chair, frowning as I look my father dead in the eye. “If you really wanted to support me, as you say, why did you send someone to spy on us? Why did you send those threats about ending Theo’s life, and mine?”

“Theo?” My father’s jaw works. “You two have pet names for each other now?” He cocks a brow before continuing. “Yes, it’s true I have wanted Fyodor dead for a while. Who wouldn’t want their enemy dead? And I sent those threats because you were ignoring me. I felt like it was the only way to get your attention.”

“Are you listening to yourself? You’re not making any sense.”

My father raises a hand to silence me and habit makes me obey. “Look, Katherine, let’s be honest with each other, shall we? How long are you planning on letting this go on? You have gotten my attention, and you have made your point. Now, it is time to come home. You’ve had your rebellious streak and brought enough attention to yourself and this family. You can still salvage this, though. There is still a way to turn around the disgrace you have brought upon yourself.”

---