Page 39 of Forced By the Bratva

She spoke to strangers on the street. She danced down the aisles visiting every vendor at the park. Alyssa was a totally different person overseas.

Even though I have made changes to my room, and upgraded it, you could say, it didn’t seem enough. Here, she appears drawn back. I wanted her to be happy. But I didn’t want to let her go.

I had to find a way to make her see that staying could be just as freeing as Paris. With that, I headed into town. I stopped at the florist and ordered a dozen bouquets of a dozen roses each to be sent to the mansion.

I stopped at the jeweler and bought her the most beautiful necklace. It was the most extravagant gift I had ever gotten for someone. I hoped she would see that I could give her a happy life.

Riding home from town, I made up my mind. I would do whatever it took to keep her. When I arrived home, I found Alyssa and Mila in the kitchen. The entire living room was covered in roses, and the house smelled like a garden.

“Thank you for the roses,” Alyssa said as I entered.

Grinning at her, I took out the box containing the necklace and held it out as I spoke. “That’s not all, princess, I bought you a gift as well.”

Alyssa took the box and opened it. She smiled and showed it to Mila. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to,” she said as she came closer and gave me a hug.

“I had to,” I replied. “When I saw that, it made me think of you, a precious masterpiece.”

Mila smirked as she came closer. “We have some things to collect for our next project,” she said, tapping Alyssa’s shoulder.

“Oh, yes,” Alyssa replied, glancing at her. “Will you put this in the room for me? Thank you, I love it,” Alyssa added, handing me the box.

I watched in confusion as they headed to the garage. Mila grabbed Konstantin’s car keys from the wall on their way out. “Tell Konstantin I borrowed his car,” she said, turning as she went out the door.

Walking to my room, I couldn’t understand why Alyssa didn’t appear more excited about the roses and the necklace. Sitting down on the bed, I felt the silky-smooth texture of the new bedding Konstantin insisted I buy. It was warm and cold at the same time. The bedding had a brilliant feel but wasn’t something I would have bought for myself.

Pulling out my phone, I started scrolling through online sites, looking for items I thought Alyssa would love. Her reaction, or rather lack of reaction, to the necklace was bothering me. After a while, I decided to call Mila, I needed to know what Alyssa would like.

After two rings, Mila’s smooth voice came through the phone. “Piotr, what’s up? We are kind of busy, you know.”

“Yes, I know. I was wondering if I could accompany you girls. Maybe I could assist with some of the things you need?” My voice had a slight hit of desperation, and I couldn’t hide from her.

Mila sighed before replying. “Okay, we’re at the South Mall. If you must, you can come and join us.”

There was no hesitation in my voice as I replied instantly. “Yes, thanks. I’m on my way.” I rode like a man on a mission, which I kind of was. Shortly, I joined them at the mall. Neither Mila nor Alyssa seemed overly excited to have me tagging along.

As we moved from shop to shop, I bought everything Alyssa’s eyes lingered on for more than a couple of seconds. By the time we sat down for lunch, my arms were full. Alyssa excused herself and went to the ladies' room while Mila and I ordered food.

Stacking the bags and boxes of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more on the table next to ours, I sat down with Mila. Leaning over the table, Mila grabbed my arm as she spoke. “At this pace, you will drive her away. I don’t think she is a fancy type of girl. I’m sure she’s not into your money, brother. You are going about this all wrong.”

I stared at Mila in disbelief. It was getting harder and harder to keep my feelings for Alyssa under wrap. I hadn’t realized it had become so apparent that Mila had noticed. I felt sure she could see the fear pushing up in me through my eyes.

Looking away, I scanned the area to see if Alyssa was returning yet. Mila took my face in her hands, forcing me to look at her. “At this rate, you will drive her away; you will lose her,” she said softly.

Shaking my head, I tried to clear the thoughts invading my mind. I didn’t want to hear these things. Mila was wrong; I felt sure of it. As the food arrived, Alyssa returned. We ate in silence. Once we finished eating, we headed back home.

I carried Alyssa’s things upstairs and placed them on my bed before heading to the kitchen to make coffee. I had just poured the cups when Mila and Alyssa walked in. “We’re basically done and will be leaving shortly for the airport,” she said, taking her cup.

“I’m going with,” I uttered, handing Alyssa a cup as well.

Mila’s face dropped as I spoke. She looked agitated at me. I could hear her unhappiness as she replied. “I don’t think that is a good idea, Piotr.”

“I will only be watching. I won’t interfere with the mission. Think of me as added protection,” I added.

Mila glared at me but didn’t discuss it further. She knew there was no turning back once I had made up my mind. Alyssa glanced from me to Mila and back, smiling softly. We packed what was needed and headed out. Their current mission took them abroad to gather intel on an international smuggling ring.

The entire trip was spent in silence. I felt like an outsider as Mila and Alyssa discussed techniques, clothing, and such. But I said I would only observe, and that was what I was going to do.

After we landed, we headed to the hotel where the party would be that evening. Mila had already reserved a room for her and Alyssa, so I had to get one. While I was booking in, they headed upstairs to get ready. I was fortunate as the room next to theirs was still available.

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