Page 15 of Twins for the Bratva

I led her to the living room. Since Leon moved out, we rarely used it anymore. But I felt the openness of the room may put her a bit more at ease than the kitchen. “Please have a seat,” I said, letting go of her arm.

Dahlia sat down, glanced around, and then looked up at me. Seeing the tears building up in her eyes made my heart ache. Taking a deep breath, I went down on my keens before her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to hurt or scare you, sugar.”

I took her hands in mine and squeezed them softly as I continued. “You could have died tonight. What if I hadn’t shown up?”

She sat in silence as tears slowly started rolling down her cheeks. As I waited for her to find her voice, I wondered why they would be targeting her. Why now? She’s been there for a couple of years without issues. She’s so innocent, and angel, if truth be told.

All I could think of was that she was seen with me, and they thought she was compromised. Although I was sure, she didn’t know much about the company. She wasn’t even aware that it was a Bratva front.

The attackers had to be sent by the Bratva family. I could see no other logical explanation. She needed to know the truth; she had to face the facts. I considered my options but knew nothing I could say would convince her as it was family.

The front door flung open before I could say anything else. Mila waltzed in in one of her cheery-odd moods. “My lovely mischievous brothers, I’m home!” she hollered.

I knew this meeting wasn’t going to be a subtle one. As I rose, she stepped into the living room. Mila glanced from Dahlia to me and back at Dahlia. Her face fell, and I knew the look that flickered in her eyes. Stepping closer, I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Mila, wait, please,” I breathed out softly.

Even though she was younger, she’s always been very protective of us all. I was sure it had to do with the fact that she was the only woman between us. I felt the fire burning inside her as she glared at me. “Can I talk to you!”

Glancing back at Dahlia, I offered her a warm smile. “I’ll be right back, sugar,” I said, pushing Mila towards the kitchen. Dahlia nodded but didn’t move.

Mila walked to the kitchen island, stopped, and turned to face me. Her silence was enough for me to know that she was furious. “Mila,” I started saying in a calm tone. I hopedshe wouldn’t hear the sudden desperation in my voice. “Things happened, and I had to bring her here. Please give me some time, and I’ll explain it all to you.”

“That’s the woman you had me spy on, isn’t it?” she spat back at me.

“Yes, but you don’t understand, later please, sis,” I replied, wanting to explain, but I didn’t feel the timing was right. I needed to get back to Dahlia and make sure she was okay.

As I turned to head back, Mila spoke loudly behind me. “She’s part of the enemy, you know; she could prove dangerous to us all!”

Turning back, I clenched my jaw, feeling the heat pushing up into my face. “She’s innocent. She has nothing to do with them!” I heard my rage coming through in my tone as I practically shouted at her. I believed what I said even if Mila didn’t believe me. I wouldn’t allow her to treat Dahlia like an intruder.

Entering the living room, Dahlia sat staring at the kitchen doorway. I wondered how much of our conversation she had heard. Bending down before her, I noticed her trembling. “Dahlia, sugar, I’m sorry you had to hear that. But I promise you, you’re safe here.”

Closing her eyes, I heard her swallowing hard. Tears were still running down her cheeks. I wanted her to stop crying; I wanted her to be happy. Watching her, I felt my heart crumbling as I had more to tell her. I knew I had to tell her everything if I wanted her to believe me.

Pulling a chair closer, I sat down before her. “Dahlia, I have something I need to say,” I said softly. She opened her eyes and looked at me. “Please let me finish before you say something, okay?”

She nodded and allowed me to take her hands in mine. I took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes as I spoke. “I’m part of a secret organization called the Ungodly Brothers. We specialize in many things. We also work for the Morozov Bratva,” I felt her tense up as I spoke.

Dahlia started pulling back, her eyes growing larger. But I needed to finish. I needed her to know we weren’t dangerous. “Please, sugar,” I said, leaning forward and holding her hands tighter. “The Morozov Bratva is the lesser evil of the Bratva families out there. They fight the good fight and help people from all walks of life where they can.”

Slowly, she started shaking her head, and I knew I was about to lose her. “Dahlia, please let me finish.” Getting back on my knees before her as she lowered her head, I lifted her head slightly. “Look at me, please, sugar,” I begged.

Dahlia lifted her eyes. They were still filled with tears. “The people that were after you are most likely from the Dubow Bratva. From the company you work for. But I can protect you and our unborn child. You will never have to look over your shoulder again ever.”

All I wanted was to keep her close. I would do anything she wanted if she would just stay. Dahlia shook her head lightly as she closed her eyes and swallowed hard. The tears kept strolling down her cheeks. Wiping her cheeks, I continued to speak. “Just think about it. It will take some time, but please stay here until you’ve decided.”

She shook her head, but I knew she didn’t believe me. I didn’t care as I would have time to make her see. I would have time to change her mind. Pulling her closer, I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tenderly.

“One day,” she whispered before pulling back. I could hear some reluctance in her voice but felt sure she would come around.

“You look tired,” I said, standing. “Would you like to lay down for a bit?”

Dahlia nodded as she stood. I was about to lead her upstairs when Mila stepped into view. “We’re not done talking,” she breathed out. Her tone was laced with anger. She tried her best to stay calm but wouldn’t succeed if you asked me.

“I’ll be back,” I replied, heading to the stairs.

Mila grabbed my arm as we reached the bottom of the stairs. Glancing back at her, I could almost feel the fury radiating off her. “I’ll get you in the hallway!” She spat at me.

Pulling out of her grip, I shook my head as I led Dahlia to the room opposite mine. I noticed her looking around as we moved through the house. “Tomorrow, I’ll show you around,” I said as we headed down the passage.

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