I felt Aleksandr touching my shoulder and looked at him. “For many years we have practiced how to act and do things so we can blend in with normal people. So, when we are in public, people won’t know we are Bratva. This is important. Tasha also assists with the safety of the business. She has extraordinary computer and hacking skills.”

We completed lunch and spent the rest of the evening getting to know each other. It was fun having my new family around. Getting to know my siblings and my heritage. But I missed my other family, the family I got to know and love. My mind kept going back to them.

When all my new siblings had left, Aleksandr came to me before I went back to my room. “Dahlia,” he said. “Sorry to bother you. I was wondering. We are having a small get-together in a day or two. Would you like to accompany me?”

Smiling at him, I nodded. “I would love to, thank you.”

“Yes,” he responded. “It would also be a great way to introduce you to our world.”

I kissed him on the cheek and returned to my room. After a quick bath, I prepared for bed. As I lay in bed looking out at the night sky, I thought about ways to contact Konstantin.

The party might be my only way. Aleksandr has guards everywhere. They followed me around and watched my every move. I felt almost like a prisoner. But I knew somehow, I had to make contact with Konstantin.

Chapter 24 - Konstantin

I listened as Leo and Evelina explained the situation and what they had found. “We didn’t get very far before their hacker kicked us out, but we got enough. Actually, Mila got most of the information,” Evelina sighed.

“She’s being treated very well, like royalty,” Leo added. “Konstantin, I know you care for her, but she’s not in any trouble.”

I felt my stomach turning in knots. I couldn’t imagine her being happy with them. “Take some time to think about it,” Evelina said as she stood up. “Has she contacted you?”

Shaking my head, I knew they could be right. But I wanted her back. My life was a mess without her. I had fallen in love, my heart ached for her. But I would consider all the facts before acting. I thanked them for their assistance and walked them out.

Returning to the living room, Piotr and Alyssa were still seated. “Mila went to make coffee,” Piotr said. “Come sit and tell us what you want to do.”

After hearing everything, I wondered if she would rather be with her blood family than me. I felt my heart breaking, imagining a life without her. Why had she not made contact? Was she truly happy there? I couldn’t get the questions to stop.

My mind was running a marathon against my heart, and I feared both might give out soon. Taking a deep breath, I flopped back into the chair. There was no space left, even for my anger as sorrow filled my entire being.

“Konstantin,” I heard Alyssa talking. Looking up, I saw they were both staring at me with worried expressions. “Are you with us?” she added.

Nodding my head, I tried to wipe the fog from my mind. “With all our digging,” Piotr said. “We understand why Dahlia didn’t know Aleksandr was Bratva. They did a damn good job at hiding it. On paper, his name is as clean as a white sheet of paper. There are also no ties we could find on his Bratva connection. This search was trying, bro.”

Mila came in and placed our cups on the table before taking her seat. “We also found that Aleksandr has been providing and protecting Dahlia since he became head of the family. It’s been years now, and such a bond can be hard to break.”

I felt my insides twisting as she spoke. I hated to think my sweet Dahlia would prefer to stay with those people. The more I heard, the deeper my hate for Aleksandr grew. I wanted to kill him even though he was her half-brother.

Looking up at my family, I spoke clearly. “I don’t care. I want her back no matter what. She is carrying my children.” I burned with a deep determination, and no one was going to change my mind.

I felt sure everyone could see the determination on my face as Piotr lifted his brows and spoke in an even tone. “What if she doesn’t want to come? What would you do?”

Pausing, I considered his words. The fog was clearing, and I could think. “I will show her how much I care and love her. I will spend the rest of my life making her happy.” I breathed out.

Mila’s phone rang as I rose from the table. I stood waiting as she answered. Hanging up, she grinned. “Well, bro,” she said.“You might just get that chance. That was Leo. They found out that the Dubow family is hosting a party tonight. They will all be there, Dahlia, as well.”

This was fantastic news; I felt like jumping and screaming with joy. But instead, I nodded and returned her smile. “It is good news.”

“We can infiltrate the party as we usually do,” Mila added. “Alyssa and Cindy can do surveillance from the van with Leon and Piotr. Plus, if we need assistance, they will be close.”

Grinning, I nodded. I knew they would always have my back. I was sure Mila was burning for some action.

Then Piotr interrupted. “No, Leon and I will be going in with you. Mila will stay in the van. They already know what she looks like.”

Mila gave Piotr a questioning look but smiled. I wondered if she was truly fine with staying in the van. But there wasn’t time to debate, and Piotr was the leader. Agreeing, we went to get ready.

The girls drove in the van to the location. They parked across the street so they could be close. We didn’t want all the vehicles nearby, so I parked about two blocks away and drove with Leon. Leon parked one block away, and we walked from there. Piotr went on his motorbike. He entered the parking area and stopped close to the door.

Leo was waiting for us on the other side of the door under a broken light. After we received our fake ID cards, we entered. Glancing around, I spotted two pairs of men carrying. Lightly tapping Leon, I indicated to the men. He nodded and informed Piotr.