Page 15 of Forced By the Bratva

The door opened and Mila stepped in. She placed a couple of bags on the bed. “Piotr asked me to get some things for you, I hope they fit,” she said as she walked out.

Opening the bags, I was surprised at the array of clothing. Most were similar to the clothing I owned. I packed these into the closet with mine. Standing back, I smiled. It was the most clothing I had ever owned.

Sitting down by the window, I stared out at the trees. I considered my options for freedom. Even though he had agreed to assist, I wasn’t sure I could trust him.

Heading down for dinner, I moved slowly. I didn’t want to see Piotr after what had happened. I thought about asking Mila if I could have dinner in my room. Entering the living area, I noticed Mila and Konstantin in the kitchen.

Piotr was nowhere in sight. Walking briskly to them, I wondered where he was and how long he would be out. I didn’t want him to see me. My heart raced as I entered the kitchen.

“Evening,” I said in a rushed tone, catching the attention of both of them.

“Hi there,” Konstantin answered. “Are you okay?”

Glancing around, I answered slower, hoping they wouldn’t hear the nervousness in my voice. “Yes, I’m fine, thanks. I was wondering, though. Would it be possible maybe to have dinner in my room?”

Their eyebrows raised as both turned to face me. “Are you not feeling well?” Mila asked, walking closer. “Piotr would be back shortly. But I could call a doctor if you like?”

“No, no, I’m fine, just tired,” I replied, trying to sound sincere. Since my arrival here, I have been wondering about their family. They shared a surname but didn’t look anything alike.

Knowing that Piotr wasn’t home yet put me slightly at ease, and I couldn’t resist asking. “May I ask how you have one last name but don’t share any features?”

Mila and Konstantin shared a brief look and smile.

“Sit and have coffee with us,” Konstantin said.

Mila brought three cups and we sat at the kitchen island.

“We grew up in the same orphanage,” Mila started.

Konstantin blew over the top of his cup before talking. “Yes, but we don’t share DNA. Growing up together, we stuck together.”

They smiled at each other again before Mila continued. “We used to get ourselves into trouble. We were stealing and doing odd jobs to get by. Piotr was fighting for cash. But after a fight gone bad and we almost lost Piotr,” she took a deep breath, sipped her coffee, and stared into her cup, explaining further. “We decided to start our own family. We changed our last names and turned our lives around.”

“We might not be blood, but I can assure you our bond is stronger than any blood family,” Konstantin added.

Mila rose, placed her cup in the sink, and started dishing up. “You sure you won’t join us for dinner?” she asked, holding my plate.

“Yes, thank you,” I replied.

As I took the plate from her, she leaned in closer and whispered in my ear. “If you hurt Piotr, I will deal with you. So, tread lightly, little sheep.”

I could see in her eyes she was very serious. I was caught off guard and didn’t know what to say. Nodding, I took my plate and retreated to my room.

After dinner, I took a long bath and lay reading a book I found in one of the drawers. It was a love story about a man and woman from two very different backgrounds. They conquered all the odds and made it work.

Closing the book and placing it on the nightstand, I wondered about my odds. I needed to know more about this family if I wanted their help. I would probably also have to share more about me if I wanted their trust. Rolling to my side I hugged the pillow as I fell asleep.

My dreams were filled with horrid images of Jones, his organ business, and his goons pursuing me. I awoke in the early morning hours, soaked in sweat. My heart was racing, but I was relieved I had not awoken anyone else.

After taking a relaxing bath, I dressed in a light blue summer dress. It was also one of the items left by the woman called Cindy. Even though it was a bit loose, I felt comfortable wearing it.

Sneaking downstairs, I made a fresh pot of coffee. As I poured myself a cup, Mila entered, surprised to find me there.

“Morning, you’re up early,” Mila said, pouring herself a cup.

“Yes, I didn’t sleep too well,” I replied, heading back to my room. I didn’t feel like talking to her after yesterday. I didn’t ask to be here, and she made me feel unwelcome. I stood by the window, staring out at the shadows beyond the trees for a while, sipping my coffee. After a while, I felt a little better.

Getting back into bed, I fell asleep quite quickly. I wasn’t sure what time it was when Piotr peeked around the door. Still half asleep, I heard him saying he would be out for the day. That pulled me completely out of my dreams.

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