Page 13 of Twins for the Bratva

“Worry,” I breathed out. “No, you don’t understand sugar. There is no way I am backing down. I will be there every step of the way. I am going to help you raise our child. I cannot have you or the child suffer in any way.” I needed to find a way to keep her close.

Dahlia rose sharply and headed for the door. Moving quickly, I stepped in before her. Leaning against the door, I offered her a tender smile. “I’m sorry, please stay. There is more we need to discuss,” I said.

“I don’t need your handouts. We'll be fine,” she retorted.

Taking her shoulders, I looked into her eyes as I spoke. “Dahlia, there are other things we also need to talk about. But I want to be part of the child's life.”

She stepped back, pulling free from my hold. Turning, she went back to the sofa and sat down. “So, talk,” she added.

Standing closer, I tried to formulate my sentences so the news wouldn’t upset her. “We also looked at the company where you work part-time.” I started. This caught her attention. Dahlia stared at me, clearly furious.

It looked like she was squinting, and her lips tightened. I was sure she was biting back her words, allowing me to say my peace first. “The company is a front business. Their dealings are…,” I wasn’t sure how to continue but knew I had to find the words. “Well, let’s say they have many illegal dealings.”

Dahlia blinked a couple of times before speaking. “What do you mean illegal?

Taking my seat, I took a deep breath. “After extensive research, we found that the business is a front for Bratva. The Dubow Brava family.” As the words left my mouth, I studied her reaction. I hoped the news would sway her to take my offer.

Dahlia stood up, glaring at me. I could see she was thinking hard. I knew she would have to process what I had said, but I hoped she would stay here while I did so. I also rose but didn’t want to step closer, fearing I would make her run from the situation.

I waited for her to react.

Chapter 7 - Dahlia

I was stunned by the words flowing from Konstantin’s lips. First, he practically insisted I stay. He was the father, but I felt the baby was mine. I would decide who could be part of the child’s life.

It was amazing what lengths this man would go to, even lying to me just to keep me close. I couldn’t believe my ears. Did he really think I would believe my cousin was mixed up with Bratva?

“You are talking about my family,” I spat at him. “You don’t know what you are talking about. I can guarantee you that.”

Konstantin spoke softly as he replied. “I’m sorry. I am sure it is hard to accept. But I have proof.”

“I need to talk to my cousin. You are wrong!” I demanded, stomping my foot on the ground.

“Okay, we can do that. Or…”

I waited for him to continue, feeling my blood boiling. My cousin was a respected businessman, and I wouldn’t let him ruin his reputation. He just stood there looking at me. He was waiting for me to react, but I wouldn’t give him any satisfaction. Placing my hands on my hips, I met his eyes, daring him to continue.

“You can come with me, and I will prove it to you,” he eventually added.

I felt enraged as his words filled the air around us. If I ran, he would surely follow. He was studying me, waiting for me to react. Deciding to wait until he let his guard down before I left, I sat back down.

Seeing him relax slightly, I knew he was feeling more comfortable with me sitting. “Can I ask my sister to come over and bring the proof?” Konstantin enquired as he took out his phone.

“If that’s what you want,” I replied, looking at the clear sky outside. I wasn’t going to stay around for this sister of his. I was sure she would be bringing some falsified papers or documents. I waited and watched as he dialed a number and moved towards the other side of the room.

I had to find the right time to get out unnoticed. I would wait for his sister; maybe while they’re busy, I would find a gap. Turning back to me, he smiled. “She’s on her way,” he said, walking to the chair. “Sit, I promise you won’t be disappointed.” He added, sounding quite sure of himself.

It wasn’t long before the woman he called Mila arrived. She was quite the opposite of him and nothing like I had imagined. I assumed that because it was his sister, there would be a resemblance. There was none.

She had curly red-blond hair and wore jeans with a leather jacket. She had knee-high boots on. By the helmet she had in her hand, I assumed she drove a motorbike.

Mila stood looking at me as if I was something the cat had dragged in. She pulled a file from inside her jacket and handed it to Konstantin. “Here’s the file,” she said in a flat tone. I was sure that somewhere inside was a friendly woman. But the one standing before him in his apartment made me think of a wicked stepsister.

Konstantin turned to me, smiling. He held up the folder as he spoke. “Here it is, sugar, all the proof you need.” He held out the folder to me, and I took it reluctantly.

“Konstantin, can we talk?” Mila asked, still standing by the door.

“Sure thing,” he said, glancing back at her. Facing me again, he smiled broadly as he spoke. “I’ll be right back, sugar. You read the file so long.”

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