Page 51 of Auctioned to the Bratva

“You’re funny you know. You’ve met Ivan and just because he is the head of the Morozov family doesn’t make him different.” Irina said, stepping into my arms. “It’s going to be fine. You have me at your side. What could go wrong?”

We both burst out laughing as she pulled her face into a scrunch. I hugged her tight, “I know I will, and I love you,” I whispered.

Taking one more glance at my reflection, I turned and headed downstairs. After collecting my wallet, keys, and the gun I now carried around permanently by my side, I was ready.

Irina followed shortly. As she gracefully descended the stairs, I felt my heart leaping. She was dressed in a peach-colored summer dress. Coming down the stairs, she looked like a princess. I fought an intense desire to carry her back upstairs to the playroom. Instead, I held out my hand and kissed hers as she placed it in mine.

If the last couple of weeks were any indication, I was sure we were going to make the perfect couple. She might have some reservations, but I had none. “Ready?” I asked as she came to stand beside me. Irina nodded and we headed out the door.

Our guards were waiting in two cars as we came out of the house. I opened the door for Irina and closed it as she took her seat. Getting into the driver's side, I winked at her as we drove out. Heading down to Ivan's beachfront property, I felt a cool calmness settle over me.

We pulled into the long driveway and parked alongside the house with some other cars. The guards parked outsidejoining the long line of cars filled with guards. As I got out and headed over to open the door for Irina, I wondered how many family members were present as the cars seemed to line a couple of blocks.

As I closed the door and placed Irina’s hand on my arm, Roman and Karine were there to welcome us. Glancing at the mansion beside us I wondered how many people he had living with him. The place was surely about four times the size of Roman’s place.

“Glad you could make it,” Roman said as he laid a kiss on my cheek before greeting Irina. Karine also stepped closer, giving me a quick kiss and hug before turning her attention to Irina.

“You both look good,” I replied as we started walking to the side of the house.

Looking up as we walked, I was sure our three-bedroom place would fit into this mansion a couple more times as we walked around the side to the backyard. “Wow,” I exclaimed as we turned the corner. I could no longer keep my amazement in.

Roman grinned at me as we walked through the trees entering into a yard larger than my two homes combined.

Over the huge back walls, I could see the ocean which appeared to lap at the walls outside. In the far corner was a waterfall falling into a pool that terraced into another.

It was breathtaking. In the middle of the yard was a circle of tables and chairs. To the side of it was an outside hut or bar of sorts. It felt like we had gone to a beach party, not a family gathering.

There were about as many people as you would expect at such a party. “Is everyone here family?” I whispered to Roman as I pulled him to a stop.

“Yup,” he answered shortly and continued forward.

Irina stepped closer and took my hand. Roman led us through the people to a table further back. Evelina and Leo were seated there with an older man.

As we neared the table, they all rose and walked around to the front of the table. “Father,” Roman said to the older man before turning to me. “This is Sergei.” He concluded pointing his hand my way.

“Father,” I breathed out stepping forward. Oleg took my shoulders firmly. He seemed to be staring deep into my soul as he looked into my eyes. I swallowed hard at the lump suddenly forming in my throat.

“Son,” he replied in a raspy voice, leaning in and kissing each cheek. His grip was stronger than I would have expected from a man his age. Glancing at him, I noticed a lone tear rolling slowly down one cheek.

I felt bad thinking back at my reaction and resistance to meeting him. Especially knowing that it was our mother who kept us from him and him from us. It was not by his choice or doing.

“Well,” Oleg said tapping my arm. “I am glad we could eventually meet. Let’s sit.” He added pointing to the chairs at the table.

“I’m sorry,” I found myself blurting out. Oleg turned back and studied my face.

“Son,” he said, looking around. “It’s never too late and we will catch up.”

I nodded, feeling the lump in my throat starting to choke me. Biting my lower lip, I felt a tear slip out and race down my cheek.

“I’m sorry it took me so long,” I said.

Oleg laughed, it was a deep comforting sound as he pulled me closer and hugged me. “We all have our own time, son.”

As I moved to the side pulling out a chair for Irina, she stepped in and hugged Oleg. For a moment I had forgotten she knew him her entire life. They both looked pleased at seeing each other again.

Irina sat down in the chair I pulled out and I took the seat beside her. Roman brought us each a drink as some of the other family joined us at the table.

“Well then,” someone said behind me as I felt a large hand hit my back. Glancing up I saw Ivan standing behind me. “Let me officially welcome you to the fold.” He continued as he held out his hand.

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