Page 57 of Paid for By the Bratva

My heart races as I watch my brothers confront Dima, their faces twisted with rage. I never expected this evening to take such an ugly turn, and that too at Anoushka’s birthday.

“I hardly saw her act despicably,” Dima says coldly, taking my hand in his. “Besides, haven’t you ever enjoyed a good party, Abram?”

Abram and Vladimir exchange furious glances.

Denis steps forward, trying to take the middle ground. “That’s different, Dima. Lara could have gotten in real trouble.”

“And if anything had happened to her under your watch, you’re responsible,” Abram almost bellows.

“You’ve proved how unworthy you are of being her husband!” Vladimir shouts too, stepping forward with a glower, pointing a finger at Dima’s chest.

“You should have been more vigilant with her,” Mark says.

My husband, all this while, stands his ground—no anger, no rage, just by my side.

And suddenly, the anger flares in my chest, hot and bright. How dare they? After everything they put me through, they have the audacity to blame Dima?

I can't stand by and watch them attack him like this. My voice shakes, but I gather my courage and step in. "Enough!" I exclaim, looking at all four of my brothers. "This is not Dima's fault. That footage is old, from when I lived with you."

Their eyes widen slightly at my outburst, at a loss for words and I stand before them, glaring them down, fury burning in my veins. They look at one another, confused expressions on each.

“What is wrong with you all?” I continue. “You drove me to act out like that, with your unreasonable rules and lack of trust! And now you blame Dima for old mistakes that you caused?”

I feel Dima come up behind me, a solid presence at my back, encouraging me to stand up for myself.

“This has to stop,” I say, voice trembling with emotion. “Dima is my husband now. It's time for you to accept that youno longer control my life and focus on living your own. When I was living with you, all you did was control me and dictate every aspect of my life.”

“That’s not tru—” Mark steps forward, but I raise my hand to silence him.

“No wonder I acted out and rebelled! With Dima, I don’t have to sneak around Philadelphia. You know why? Because I can tell him what I want, and he respects it. In fact, I’m far safer with him than I ever was with you!”

All four of them fall silent, shame creeping into their expressions. At last, I wonder if they understand the damage they've done. That they only have themselves to blame for the rift between us.

Dima wraps an arm around my waist, pride and affection flowing off him in waves. Thanks to him, I've found my voice. And my brothers will finally have to listen.

The room is tense as my brothers exchange glances, clearly taken aback by our united front. I can see the gears turning in their heads, weighing their options. Abram and Vladimir step back, resignation in their eyes. Denis and Mark follow.

Without another word, with resignation in their eyes, they turn and stride out of the ballroom, leaving the party behind.

I make to follow them, a pang of guilt striking my chest. As angry as I am, they're still my brothers. I don't want our night to end like this, with an ugly public argument.

But Dima's grip on my waist tightens, keeping me in place. "Give them time," he murmurs. "They need to process this and decide if they're ready to accept you as you are now."

I bite my lip, anxiety swirling in my stomach. He's right, of course. I can't force them to come around before they're ready. Still, watching them walk away leaves an ache inside me.

Dima tilts my chin up with a knuckle, gazing down at me with understanding. "It will be alright,Malyshka. They love you, even if they have a hard time showing it. Have faith that they will come to see reason."

His reassurance washes over me, calming my fears. Dima has become my rock, the steady presence that keeps me grounded. As long as we have each other, whatever comes our way, we will endure.

I smile up at him. “Thank you," I whisper, "for always knowing just what to say."

Dima's eyes soften, and he presses a tender kiss to my forehead. "You're welcome,Milaya. Now, shall we get back to celebrating Anoushka's birthday?"

Nodding, I squeeze his hand. The rest of the night is ours to enjoy. No matter what happens with my brothers, I have found my home.

Chapter 20 - Dima

Lara and I arrive at the third alliance meeting, and this time, our entrance goes largely unnoticed. I smile, noting the contrast from our previous visits. Unlike before, there are no disapproving looks or whispers—just a few subtle nods of acknowledgment.

---