Page 36 of Auctioned to the Bratva

Considering the options, we stayed on the patio as there was a bar and counter to the side which would suit the visit better. Irina, Karine, and Evelina headed back inside to bring out the platters. Roman walked with the other men and me to the bar area, where he poured everyone a drink.

The other women and children sat at the tables talking and laughing. I was astounded by the calm atmosphere surrounding everyone. Instead of feeling like a first meeting, it felt more like old friends getting together. Everyone was friendly and really talkative.

Once Irina and the other two returned, we all sat down at the tables. Most of the conversation was led by the women as we all shared a variety of childhood stories and mishaps of life. Time went by quickly and I was surprised at how much I felt at ease amongst them all.

Glancing over at Irina, she appeared to also have settled with them all. The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter. I was surprised at how lively everyone was and how easy it was to get along with them. It almost seemed like we were all normal in a sense.

Irina was chatting and laughing with the women, and she seemed to adore the children. She would make a great mother, I found myself thinking. I was grinning at my thoughts when Roman stood and tapped me gently on the shoulder.

“We have some business to discuss brother.” He said as I looked up at him. I nodded and rose from my chair as all the men stood and started towards the house. Evelina also stood and excused herself from the company before heading inside with us.

Roman took the lead as I hadn’t even been to my office yet. He headed up the stairs and down the short passage on the left. There were three closed doors down that way; the office wasthe last one. It was built toward the other side of the house. The windows faced a line of trees.

The office was bigger than the one at my Los Angeles home and I suspected it was due to the family size on this side. Most of my business in Los Angeles didn’t include meetings at home. But here, there were sure to be more meetings at home.

There was a large oak desk facing the door by the window. It had one chair on the window side and four on the door side of the desk. There was a row of cupboards, shelves, and filing cabinets on the wall to the right. On the left side were three couches and a small table between them.

Roman waited for everyone to enter before he closed the door. I walked around the desk and sat down in what I assumed was my chair. Roman, Ashan, Luder, and Evelina sat down in the chairs by the desk. The rest sat down on the couches, and Roman cleared his throat as he shifted so he could see everyone.

“Right then,” Roman said. “Looking at the matter at hand, Caleb and his kidnapping of Irina.” He rubbed at his stubbles before continuing.

“Ashan and Luder have been keeping an eye on him and his movements as they are not as well-known as the rest of us. They have discovered that he is not as stable as he used to be in his younger years.” Roman took a deep breath.

“He seems to have started losing his marbles, which has brought on sudden shifts in his behavior. This is making him a bit unpredictable, and even his own men have started doubting his actions.”

“Right,” Evelina added as she rose from her chair. “We have decided that he would need to be removed from the business; otherwise, no one will be safe. Ashan and Luder havestarted to infiltrate his business and he appears to trust them for now.”

“Right,” Roman pitched in again. “However, we may not have a lot of time to do what needs to be done. Therefore, I suggest we start taking out his men in the coming weeks.”

Clearing my throat, I rose as well. “Can’t we rather get them to come over to our operations?” I asked.

“We’ve tried Sergei,” Ashan responded.

“Some may consider it if Caleb was out of the picture, but others will have to be taken out due to loyalty,” Luder added. “As we climb the ranks of his operations, we have come across quite a bit of resistance. There are at least five of his men that will not go away quietly.” He completed.

Ivan rose and stepped up to Roman. Placing his hand on Roman’s shoulder, he added his voice to the discussion. “We have to ensure Irina’s safety and Father has made his orders clear brothers and sister.”

Roman nodded in agreement before he spoke. “In the next couple of weeks, Ashan and Luder will get us the layouts of Caleb’s club and home. Once we have that, we will need to get the job done as quickly as we can. He is a treat not only to Irina but to the entire family.”

Everyone nodded in agreement as they all rose to their feet. “Then it’s settled,” Roman said reaching out to shake my hand.

“Agreed,” I said as I shook his hand. Keeping Irina safe was my main goal at the moment and if this was the only way, I would take it.

As we headed back out for another drink, Irina, Karine, and Samantha were on their way inside.

I pulled Irina into my arms and kissed her forehead. “Where are you going?” I asked as I hugged her.

We’re getting some dessert for the kids. We’ll be right out.” She replied, smiling, as she turned out of my arms and followed Karine.

For a moment, I just stood watching her move. I felt relieved that she was here with me, and we have now settled on a plan to get rid of the problem once and for all.

Joining the others outside again, Roman hands me another drink as he raises his glass. “To the family,” he said, holding his glass forward.

I answered in almost perfect unison with the rest as we all clinked our glasses to his. “To the family.”

Irina, Karine, and Evelina returned, carrying bowls of ice cream and chocolate sauce for everyone. Roman pulled me to one side as most of the men joined their wives at the tables again.

“You look good brother,” he said as we stood looking at the family. “How do you feel about all of this?”

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