Page 52 of Twins for the Bratva

I wanted to send Ashan a text but decided not to. “You wouldn’t be so bold without your guards,” I said, stepping past the women. “Let Dahlia go; let her make her own choices.”

Aleksandr glanced around and waved his hand again. The guards moved back to the sides. They were still there but didn’t seem as intimidating. We can do this, I thought, looking around. They hadn’t removed any of our weapons, so he surely wanted a fight.

The guards holding Dahlia also stepped back, letting her go. Walking towards Aleksandr, I was ready to pop a bullet into his head. But out of respect for Dahlia, I would refrain from doing so.

I stopped practically on top of him before I spoke. “She’s mine!” I spat at him.

Aleksandr shoved me back, but I stood my ground. I wasn’t about to let this scarecrow take my Dahlia away.

Chapter 25 - Dahlia

Fear pushed through me as I watched in horror the scene unfolding before me. Walking forward, I stood between the Smirnov and Dubow family. Raising my hands, I shouted at the top of my voice. “Please stop, please.”

The room filled with silence. “This is no way to be acting. Also, keep in mind, I am not property to be owned!” I said, looking sternly at Konstantin. I could see the confusion flooding his face.

Turning to Aleksandr, I continued. “I have a say in my life. If I choose to stay with Konstantin, you can’t stop me.” I wanted to be with Konstantin.

“You know nothing of these people. How could you want them in your life?” Aleksandr spat back. “I have looked after you. What has he done?”

I flinched, stepping back from him. Konstantin must have realized what I felt as he stepped in front of me. “Hey,” Konstantin spat at Aleksandr. “That’s no way to speak to her.”

This fired up Aleksandr’s anger. He took two big steps forward, coming to stand before Konstantin. The two stared at each other. I swore flames were coming out of their eyes and ears. The tension in the room was thicker than a rainforest.

They started moving forth and back as they shoved each other. “You know nothing about me or my family!” Konstantin spat. “How dare you try to drag our name through the ditch!” He had his finger in Aleksandr’s face.

Aleksandr didn’t look pleased. Before I could act, he raised his fist and punched Konstantin. Konstantin wentspiraling backward. He fell to the ground but was instantly back on his feet.

Moving quickly, I placed myself between them again. I was just in time to stop Konstantin from hitting back. My heart was racing, I felt sweat breaking out. I couldn’t let the two men I cared for most in this world attack each other. I thanked the stars as his fist stopped inches from my face. I could see the two of them were about to tear out each other’s throats.

On both sides, the members of the families were getting ready for a fight. “STOP!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. This caught everyone’s attention. Turning to Aleksandr, I spoke loudly so everyone could hear me clearly. “I’m pregnant if you haven’t noticed.”

He took a couple of steps backward, scanning me from head to toe. The room appeared to have calmed vaguely. Moving to Konstantin’s side I took hold of his arm as I continued. “Konstantin is the father and has been providing for me for months now.”

Konstantin placed his arm around me. Glancing at him, I could see his protective instincts had kicked in. Smiling at him, I spoke softly. “Baby, I’ll be fine.”

Walking to Aleksandr, I lowered my head to the side, smiling. As I stood before him, I took his hands as I spoke. “I will forever be grateful for all you have done and given me, brother.”

He squeezed my hands. “I can support you and the baby. You will have a good life,” he said, glaring over my shoulder.

“Babies, Aleksandr,” I said, catching his attention.

His eyes widened as he looked down at my belly. “You are having twins?”

“Yes,” I said, nodding. My smile broadened, pulling up my cheeks. “I want to be with Konstantin. I want my babies to grow up knowing their father. He is a good man, Aleksandr.”

Aleksandr placed his hands on my stomach as he looked into my eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want? You aren’t being pressured into this?”

“Yes, I want a big family,” I responded cheerily. Once the words had left my mouth, I noted a couple of raised eyebrows and head shakes from those around us.

“I’m not sure…” Aleksandr had barely started his sentence when I interrupted.

Taking a step back, I rubbed my belly as I spoke. “Please, for me and the babies, accept my choice.”

Aleksandr let out a big sigh, lowering his head. “There is so much we could all offer each other if we work together,” I said, glancing around. “With so many bright minds and skilled people in one family, just think of what we could accomplish?”

Everyone started looking around at each other. “Please, Aleksandr. Want to go home with Konstantin. But…,” Moving back to him, I continued. “But I promise I will come visit. Yet, I don’t want any troubles between my two families.”

Aleksandr pulled me into his arms, hugging me softly. “Okay, but please keep in touch, and if there is anything, I mean anything,” he said, looking over my shoulder. “I’m just a call away.”

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