Page 17 of Twins for the Bratva

Stopping in my tracks as I was heading down, I listened. Konstantin and Mila were having a heated conversation at the bottom of the stairs. I found myself smiling with an odd satisfaction, hearing them fight.

Shaking my head, I berated myself. This situation was impossible and surely not funny. If Konstantin was right about those men being Bratva, I now had no options. I would have to stay until they had forgotten about me or moved on to someone else.

Deciding this would be the safest place for me and my baby, I would stay. Turning, I headed back to the room before anyone saw me. I was standing by the window when Konstantin returned. He calmly walked to me and handed me my tea.

“Thank you,” I said, taking the cup. “Can I call my cousin to let him know I’m okay?” I added as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

Konstantin studied me for a moment before he replied. “Sure, when you’re done, I can show you around. I will also send someone to collect your things at home if you want.”

I nodded and looked out the window. In the distance, I could see the city. Once we were done, we headed down together. After breakfast, Konstantin showed me around. We started inside the mansion. It was a magnificent place. It boasted many rooms, libraries, practice rooms, and more.

We strolled through the vast garden, passed the pool area, and explored some of the surrounding woods. There was a sauna room and an outside jacuzzi. Plus, there was a magical-looking gazebo surrounded by the widest selection of flowers I had ever seen.

After lunch, Konstantin went out. Sitting on the couch in the room with the sun heating me as the rays fell on me, I called my cousin. “Aleksandr,” I said as he answered.

As he spoke, I could hear the worry in his voice. “Dahlia, I’ve been worried. Where are you? Are you okay? I couldn’t get hold of you.”

“I’m fine. You worry too much. I’m calling to let you know I got a job and won’t be able to assist at the company anymore.”

There was a strange silence before he replied. “Oh, okay, what’s the company's name?”

This was an awkward question and one I couldn’t answer as I never caught the name. “Oh, I only went for the interview yesterday. I’ll let you know once I’ve received my contract. It should be later today.” I hoped Aleksandr wouldn’t hear the deception in my tone. I didn’t want to involve him in the mess I found myself in. I was sure he had nothing to do with it. I didn’t want him to worry about me.

“Are you sure, Dahlia?” he inquired. I could hear some concern still present in his tone.

“Yes,” I replied, trying to sound excited and upbeat. “I’ll be fine. I have to go, but I will call you again. Have a great day, Aleksandr.” I waited for him to say goodbye and ended the call before he could come up with other questions.

I pulled my feet onto the couch and relaxed as the sun baked me. At some point, I must have fallen asleep. I heard Konstantin’s voice, yet it sounded far away. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I jumped as I woke.

Looking around, I saw Konstantin smiling at me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Were you dreaming?”

I wasn’t sure; it felt like it, but I couldn’t remember. I shook my head, clearing the fog. “I’m good, thanks,” I said, rising from the couch.

“You ready to meet the family?” Konstantin asked, sounding excited. “Oh, and I placed your things in the bathroom that my men brought.”

“Thank you, Konstantin. Can I take a quick shower or bath before we go down?” I asked, heading to the bathroom.

“Sure thing, sugar,” I heard him saying as I closed the door.

I decided to wear a tracksuit as I wasn’t sure what their dinner wear would be. I always felt comfortable in my tracksuits and longed for comfort. My life had turned upside down in less than a week. I needed some normality.

Konstantin was seated on the edge of the bed as I returned to the room. “Alright,” he said, standing. “You look nice. Ready?”

He held out his hand to me. I nodded and placed mine in his. Heading down, I felt nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was sure things wouldn't work out if the rest of his family was like Mila.

As we entered the room, the family rose. “This is Piotr,” Konstantin said as the man held out his hand. He had long hair tied in a ponytail and intense grey eyes. I noticed the tattoo running up his arm as we shook.

“Welcome,” Piotr said.

The petite, curvy, dark-haired woman stepped to his side. “This is Alyssa, Piotr’s wife,” Konstantin added as the woman smiled and hugged me.

“Good to meet you,” Alyssa said, pulling back.

They seemed very different from Mila. I wondered about the family dynamics. Mila was seated on the other side of the table. “You’ve met Mila,” Konstantin added as he pulled out a chair for me.

“Thank you,” I said as I sat down. Piotr sat at the head of the table with Mila on one side and Alyssa on the other. “Glad to meet you,” I added, smiling at Piotr and Alyssa. Konstantin sat down next to me, grinning.

The three had no similar traits, and once again, my mind wandered. Halfway through the meal, I cleared my throat and spoke up. “May I ask how you are related? It’s just…”

---