Page 35 of Arranged Bratva Virgin

Growing up as the only girl in the family, I also used to hate asking for help. I didn’t want my brothers to think I was weaker or less capable than they were.

I still struggle with it to this day, but I have also learned that my own thoughts are holding me back, not theirs. They don’t even think less of me when I ask for help—actually, the opposite. They seem to really want to help me, and seem happy when I give them the opportunity to do that.

How can I get Stef to see that they would do the same for him?

“What do you mean you don’t want to take on that shipping route?” Kiril snaps.

My attention is immediately drawn back to the conversation going on around the dinner table. I have not been paying attention at all, and it seems I’ve missed something.

“I don’t agree that it is the best route," Stef replies, sounding a bit annoyed himself. "I think if we—"

“I don’t care whether you agree or not, I am telling you that this is the route I need you to take on.” Kiril is being really aggressive.

Stef shakes his head. “So, what? This isn’t even a discussion? I don’t get to share my thoughts or opinions on important matters? What the fuck kind of meeting is this, then?” His voice is heated. His cheeks are flushed with anger and his fists are clenched.

“Everyone here has a role to play,” Paval says harshly.

What the hell is going on? Why can’t they give Stef the chance to at least say why he doesn’t think it’s a good route?

“Just play your role and stop making it difficult,” Paval snarls.

Of all people, Paval is usually the calm one.

“Stop making it difficult? Are you fucking kidding me? Me having an opinion makes your life difficult? I have been in this industry for as long as I can remember, and you aren’t even going to bother hearing me out?” Stef stands up, his fists clenched tighter and his neck muscles taut with rage.

“Sit the fuck down,” Ivan says.

“Hey,” I shout angrily. “Don’t speak to Stef like that.”

All of my brothers turn towards me in shock. Why are they being such assholes to him?

“And you—calm down and sit down,” I say to Stef. He glares at me as well, but he sits down heavily in his chair.

I take a deep breath, fighting my own annoyance, and then decide I have had enough of whatever this is. “You guys are not being fair right now. If Stef has to take on a route he doesn’t agree with, that is all good and fine, but at least hear him out on why he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. And have a discussion about it. I have never heard you guys speaking to each other like that, so why in the world would you think it is okay to speak to my husband like that?”

Their eyes are wide, their expressions showing complete shock at my outburst. Every single one of the men at the table is staring at me with raised brows and gaping mouths. Including Stef.

“Darya, you need to understand—" Kiril starts, but I cut him off instantly.

“No, you need to understand, the way you were all handling this situation is embarrassing. Business is a two-way street. You work together or it won’t work at all. You don’t just hand out tasks and then cut someone off when they try to tell you why it isn’t a good idea. How will you grow or get anywhere? Honestly, I am shocked that any of you would behave that way.”

I stand up, too annoyed to stay here, and I think I have made myself clear enough.

“I’ll leave you to sort this out,” I snap and then walk away, headed for the kitchen.

The silence in the room is heavy and tense. They can deal with it now, however, they see fit, but I will not have them ganging up on Stef for no reason.

It’s been a long day, and I think I might need a drink.

I pull down a glass and take a deep breath, leaning against the counter with my eyes closed, trying calming my nerves.

When I feel like I have some kind of control back, I pull out the whiskey and pour a small amount over some ice.

Then I stand alone in the kitchen, sipping it, and realizing just how tense my shoulders feel.

It really has been one hell of a day today. I don’t think I sat down for more than five minutes, and neither did Stef. We are both tired, and he doesn’t deserve to be treated like that by my family.

I wish he had just told them what was going on.

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