Page 21 of Twins for the Bratva

Tenderly, I lifted her chin as I spoke. “Okay, but can I first take you to meet some people?” I knew she still didn’t trust me fully. But with some space, she would see I wasn’t the big bad wolf.

She nodded and walked to the door. Dahlia stood waiting as I quickly disassembled the guns and packed them away. As we left, I took her hand and led her back upstairs. I headed straight to Leon’s office. I knocked and waited for a reply.

“Come in,” Leon’s deep voice came through the door. Pushing it open, I let her walk in first.

“Leon,” I said as he rose and shook my hand. Cindy was sitting in the chair by the window. She also stood and came closer. “Leon, Cindy,” I added. “This is Dahlia. Dahlia, this is my other brother and his wife.”

Leon nodded at Dahlia and smiled at me. Cindy gave Dahlia a quick hug, and the two women started talking. Cindy has always been good with people. Glancing at Leon, I nodded my head to the side as I walked to the other end of his desk.

“It’s not the same with you out of the house,” I said.

Leon chuckled. He lightly tapped my shoulder as he spoke. “I bet you’re driving them up the walls.”

“Not quite,” I replied, looking at Dahlia. I noticed she was fidgeting with her dress and seemed slightly uneasy. I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable, I wanted her to be happy. Sure, she wanted to leave, I shook Leon’s hand as I spoke. “Well, I just wanted to introduce you. We’ll be going now, but see you later.”

I kissed Cindy on the cheek as we left the office and headed out. The drive home was quiet. I could see Dahlia was uncomfortable. I knew I had to give her some space, but I didn’t know if I could cope with it.

Dahlia headed to the kitchen once we arrived home. She made a pot of coffee and poured herself some tea. Keeping in mind that I needed to give her some space, I let her go on her own course.

My newfound revelation of giving her space didn’t last very long. I found myself checking up on her every five to ten minutes. I would just pass by where she was or hide around a corner, making sure she didn’t know I was checking on her. I gave her the space she wanted.

Over the next week, I would see how things went. If I wasn’t around and couldn’t check up on her, I kept an eye on the surveillance cameras. There were enough of them throughout the house. Except for the bedrooms and bathrooms, I knew where she was at all times.

It was torture watching her. I didn’t sleep much and felt my anger rising every day. My mind was constantly filled with her, images of her, her smell, her smile, everything about her.

By the weekend, I was a hot mess, grumbling at everyone. I was sure soon she would come around. I hoped she would ask me to teach her more about my skills. It would give me more time with her alone in close contact. I realized, I felt empty somehow when she wasn’t around.

Friday evening, we had supper on the veranda. I assisted Mila in clearing the table once everyone was done. Piotr and Dhalia headed to the kitchen to put the kettle on and ready the cups. As I walked back in with the last dishes, I heard Dahlia speaking. “Piotr, will you please teach me to fight?”

Her words stopped me dead in my tracks as a mixture of anger, jealousy, and despair shot through me. I could feel my blood starting to boil. Stepping closer, I spoke harshly. “I’ll teach her.”

Both turned, looking at me with surprise. “I think it’s better I do it with the pregnancy and all,” I added. Locking eyes with Piotr, I gave him a look that I knew he would understand. It said back off, she’s mine.

Piotr rose from his seat and walked up to me. As he shook my hand, he leaned in and spoke softly. “I would never hurt her brother, but have it your way.” Turning, he spoke to Dahlia before walking out. “Konstantin can also show you the basics.”

For a moment, I felt unsure of her reaction. She smiled warily and looked down. Moving closer, I held my hand for her. Dahlia took it and rose from the table. “Let me walk you up,” I said tenderly. My feelings for her grew stronger with each day. I just wanted to hold her and keep her safely in my arms.

Looking at her as we headed upstairs, I felt I had to say my peace. Stopping at her room door, I spoke tenderly. “Dahlia, I might not be an expert. But I know a lot about most of what my colleagues can teach you. I know I can offer you the training you need in all the fields. Will you give me the chance to do so?”

She bit her lower lip as she lifted her eyes, thinking. “Sure,” she replied softly.

If she only knew what she was doing to my body. My desire to kiss her was flooding my mind. Shaking my head, I leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her cheek, I whispered to her. “Sleep tight.” She just stood there smiling as I turned and entered my room.

Chapter 11 - Dahlia

Opening my eyes, I stretched out and lay staring at the ceiling. The sun was barely peeking in, and shadows still danced on the walls. Turning, I slid out of bed. I was excited to learn how to fight. After taking a quick shower, I dressed as comfortably as possible.

Heading to the kitchen, I found Mila seated at the island. “Good morning,” I said entering.

The air between us was still thick but I was sure she was warming to the idea of having me around. “Morning,” Mila mumbled as she rose and left.

I wasn’t going to allow her to spoil my mood. I went to sit on the porch. The sun had just started greeting the world. The sky was filled with striking yellow, orange, and blue hues.

The door opened as I rose from the chair. Konstantin came waltzing out. “Good morning, sugar, you ready to go?” he enquired in a light tone.

“Yes, I am.”

I ran up and grabbed my bag. I felt excited about learning more. Konstantin was waiting for me in the car. We drove to the offices in silence. My mind was flipping through the types of fighting I had seen in movies. I wondered if he would teach me some of those.

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