Page 11 of Twins for the Bratva

Clearing my throat, I pulled the papers from the storage pouch. Paging through it, I spoke in a calm, collected tone. “We ran a check for people in your field searching for employment, and your name came up.”

I placed the papers back into the pouch, before pushing it back towards her. As our eyes met, I felt my heart skippinga beat. The sun coming in through the wall-to-wall window highlighted her every feature.

Her brown hair looked like strands of silk. The golden flecks in her eyes sparkled like diamonds. She truly was a unique beauty to behold. I was entranced, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

“Dahlia,” I said after a brief uncomfortable silence. “Tell me about your work experience. I see you are currently working. May I enquire why you are looking for other employment?”

She shifted in her chair and glanced out the window as she pushed a strand of hair back behind her ear. Looking me in the eyes, she spoke in that alluring, tender tone. “It’s only part-time; I am looking for something more permanent.”

“Good,” I replied, wishing I could reach over and kiss her. I hungered for her touch, the taste of her lips, and to feel her breath on my neck. Shaking my head vaguely, I continued. “We have a lot to offer.”

“You or the company?” she abruptly enquired.

“The company, of course,” I replied, smiling. She appeared to notice more than she was saying. I was caught a bit off guard as I didn’t expect it. “Our company can offer you a very competitive salary. We also have exceptional benefits. These include medical, pension, spending account, paid holidays, and more.” I said, leaning back.

Dahlia smiled faintly while placing the pouch with her papers in her bag. As she rose from the chair, she spoke out clearly. “Thank you for your time, but I do not think this position is right for me.”

I felt as if I was hit by lightning as a quake ran through my veins. I was fleetingly numb by her rejection as shock vibratedthrough my being. Dalhia was halfway out the door when I finally found my feet and rose sharply.

Something else was wrong. How could she reject the best offer she will ever get? I was unable to comprehend her reasoning. “Wait,” I huffed as I moved to the door. “I don’t understand.”

Dahlia lifted her hand as if to stop me from coming too close and stepped away from me. I noticed the determination on her face but couldn’t understand it. “I’m not interested, thank you.” She breathed out and left. She was hiding something from me. I felt sure of it. I stood frozen as she walked to the elevator and disappeared.

Filling with a desperate need to know what was wrong, I went back to my office. We didn’t come in much and usually worked from home. But over the years, we have noted the importance of having an office. This need grew once Leon moved out. We needed a place to hold meetings and consult with clients.

Alyssa and Cindy also assisted in the office from time to time. It was a perfect way to keep in touch. We rented out most of the floors as we only needed one for our operations. On one floor was a law firm, on another a science lab, and one even held doctor’s offices.

Sitting at my desk, I knew I had to convince Dahlia that this job was what she needed. I scrolled through her social media accounts again, and everything I could find on her. But nothing hinted at what she could be hiding.

Knowing I needed assistance and being purpose-driven, I went to find Mila. Her office was empty, so I headed home. I was confused, irritated, and feeling angry at Dahlia’s rejection.

But I would get to the bottom of it.

Entering the house, I found Mila sitting at the kitchen island, munching on her favorite snack. “You know those potato chips are going to make you fat someday,” I said, grinning.

“Yeah, but who cares? We only live once, right?” Mila replied. Stopping mid-air as she was about to consume another, she glanced at me. “Didn’t you have an interview or something this morning?” she inquired, raising her brows at me.

Rubbing my neck, I sat down opposite her as I spoke. “I did; that’s actually why I’m here.”

Mila pushed the packet of chips to the side. Sitting up, she looked me in the eyes. “So, tell me, dear brother, how can I be of assistance then?” she asked, grinning.

I cleared my throat, considering the best way to convey the information without judgment. “This woman I had the interview with,” I said, holding her stare. “She rejected my offer, which was more than reasonable.” Hearing my tone drop, I glanced away as I continued. “I need to find out what she is hiding from me.”

“You want me to spy or research her, right?” Mila replied. I could hear the laughter in her tone.

“Well, I tried, but I couldn’t find anything. And I’m glad you’re finding this funny, sis.” I said, rising. “If you don’t want to assist, just say so.”

“No, no, don’t get me wrong Konstantin. I will assist; you stirred my curiosity,” she said, grabbing my arm as I moved towards the door. “Who is she? What’s her name? Let me look.”

Looking at Mila, I noticed she was sincere. But there was a flicker of something else. I didn’t feel like dealing with her jokes or ridicule, but had no other option. “Dahlia Fitzer,” I said, pulling free from her grips and heading out. Turning at the door,I glanced back at Mila as I spoke. “Let me know if you find something. Thanks, sis.”

Mila smiled and nodded. I headed out to look at the company she worked for on and off. I needed to know more about them and her. Somewhere, I would find answers. Parked down the street from the bookkeeping firm, I sat and surveyed them.

At first, everything appeared normal. Just as I was about to leave, I noticed two men entering. To most people, this would not have raised a second thought. But I wasn’t like most people, and in our line of business, you learned to see the tells.

After taking some photos with my phone, I returned to the mansion. I was sure that Mila would be able to tell me more about these men in their suits. I would not have picked up on it if it wasn’t for the guards.

Mila was still in the kitchen, snaking while deep-diving Dahlia. “Hey,” I said as I walked to her side. “Found anything yet?”

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