“Yes,” I said laughing. “He opened all doors and even respected me when I asked him to stop before things went too far.”
“What happened then that made you leave if he wasn’t forceful,” Evelina asked sounding surprised.
I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear, grinning at her. “You know why I left the only home I knew,” I said, staring at her.
“Yes,” she replied. “And so does Karine.” Evelina turned to Samantha. “She left Russia to start over without Bratva.” She said to her. Samantha shook her head in acknowledgment.
“Once Sergei started talking, he told me about his brother, Roman, and the company business he didn’t want to be a part of.” Taking a deep breath, I shook my head. “I left as I didn’t want a part of it either, and putting one and one together, I knew the brother he spoke of.”
“So, you left because of Roman?” Karine asked.
“No, I mean in a way. Not because of Roman but Bratva and look what it got me,” I replied lifting my hands slightly.
“But he said he wanted nothing to do with it, so why leave?” Karine asked.
“I know the family and eventually, something would happen to pull him in,” I replied.
“Okay, but that happened anyway. So, after he rescued you? Everything changed didn’t it, so how do you feel now?”” Evelina asked, shifting to the edge of her chair.
Smiling, I felt the blush infiltrating my face again. “Well, ladies,” I said glancing back at Sergei. “That gentleman has a wild streak. But I must add, I enjoy it.” Turning away from them, I giggled. “I feel safe with him and the time we spent together has really opened my eyes. Plus, I never thought I would try some of the things we have shared, but now.” I beamed at them. “Well, I can’t wait to see what else he is hiding.”
They glanced at the men as Karine said, “I think I know what you are talking about.” Her smile lit up her face, and I was sure Roman had some streaks too. But I was quite sure it was nothing like Sergei.
“We are so happy for you,” The three of them replied smiling at me. “But, except for being a good lover, how are your other interactions?” Karine added.
“I must mention that Sergei makes me feel safe, special, and at home when he is around. He respects my wishes and comforts me when I need it most.” Glancing at him again, I smiled. “He knows how to treat me to make me feel like I’m the only woman in this world.”
“Oh, my,” Samantha said leaning into our conversation. The look on her face was strange. “Have you realized you are falling hard woman?” she said as she took my hand.
“What,” I reply, leaning back and pulling away from her. “I…well, I haven’t even considered that. No, I mean, he is amazing. But it is all only temporary, isn’t it?”
The three smiled at each other as Evelina leaned in and took my hand, pulling me back to them. “Think about it, everything you said, don’t you think you are in love?” she asked.
“Well,” I said grinning at them. “Maybe I am. Maybe just a little,” I concluded as I allowed Samantha’s words to sink in. “With everything happening so quickly, I haven’t even considered how I truly feel about him.”
“Find a quiet place to think and consider your feelings. It’s important that you are happy and not only safe, dear.” Evelina added.
“It’s time to go, ladies,” Karine stated as she rose.
Glancing back at Roman and Sergei, I saw Roman indicating it was time as he tapped his watch.
“This was so nice,” I said as we all stood and hugged each other.
“Now don’t forget, we’ll pick you up in the morning,” Samantha said as we walked back to the rest of the family.
I nodded in agreement as we started clearing the glasses and plates while the men headed inside. After rinsing and putting the dishes in the washer we joined the men in the foyer. We said our goodbyes, and I headed upstairs as Sergei walked out with the family.
I decided to explore the house a little while I was alone, and I discovered the library. It had a similar look to the one Sergei had in his Los Angeles home. Even most of the books seemed to be the same. Feeling sure that he informed Roman which books to stock it with, I searched for the one I was reading before we left.
I found it on a shelf with some more books by the same author. I was sure the added books were for me as Sergei noted my taste in reading. Grabbing the book, I settled in on the extra-large double couch in the corner of the room by the window.
Smiling at myself as I got comfortable, I considered that this may be the best corner of the house so far. I opened the page I was on last and started reading. This day turned out to be exceptional I thought scrolling down the page.
The family was open and accepting even with everything that had happened. I was glad Sergei settled in with them; I felt it was important for him. While he was seeing everyone off, I would get in a couple of pages I told myself. I thought This was the perfect ending to any day as I turned the page.
My focus was split as I tried to read. My mind kept traveling to Sergei. He had so much to learn if he intended to become part of the family. I didn’t have any doubt that he would be able to fit right in. But he wasn’t as hardened as some of the men. They had grown up with what needed to be done, and he had not.
Even during this last month, having talks with them and knowing what was going on didn’t change him. Once he was fully committed to the family, things would change.