Page 12 of Possession of the Bratva

Abram chipped in. His voice filled with amusement. “He didn’t even wait for us to get married first. The bachelor was first to go!”

“Spoken like a jealous man,” Akim huffed from his corner.

“Guys, please. It would have had to happen sometime or another, didn’t it?” I replied, half guarded.

“You swore to bachelorhood as long as anyone could remember. Did she put a spell on you?” Abram said, chuckling.

Looking at Tasha, I noticed apprehension on her face. “Tasha, is everything okay?” I asked as I stood up and walked to her side.

I knew she had concerns as she looked into my eyes, even though she smiled. She spoke softly, glancing at our brothers. “Why did you get into this arranged marriage if you never wanted to get tied down?”

Sighing, I pushed Anton to the side and sat down next to her. Taking her hands in mine, I squeezed them. “Tasha, my dearest sister.” I didn’t expect them to understand. But I knew at least one of my reasons was valid. This was the one I used to satisfy their curiosity. “I did it to strengthen our relationship with the Smirnov family. It needed to be done for Dahlia’s sake.”

The room was quiet. Looking at Anton, Abram, and Akim, they nodded. Anton didn’t like Dahlia much, but there was respect, and blood was everything to us all. Dahlia was family, and we would protect her as we would each other.

Tasha squeezed my hand as she replied. “I can agree…”

Before she could finish, Abram interrupted. “Did it have to be marriage, though, and why you? We usually discuss such things. But this time, you just jumped out before the wagon.”

Looking at my brothers, I understood their confusion. But I wasn’t ready to tell them everything. I wasn’t sure what happened; I just knew I had to have Mila. “I would never force any of you into such a thing. There was no other option, though.” I could only hope this would satisfy their curiosity and concerns.

Before anyone could say more, the door slowly opened. Mila peeked around it before stepping inside. She spoke in a soft tone. To me, it was like honey being poured down my ears. “Hi, guys. Sorry to interrupt, but I noticed you were all here.”

Anton stepped back, shaking his head slightly. He lowered his gaze to the floor. I noticed his jaw clenching. Did he not approve? I wondered but said nothing.

“We didn’t really get to know each other at the wedding.. I hoped get to know you a little?” She looked straight at me as she finished. At the wedding, it was only quick introductions before we left. I didn’t want her or my family to interfere. But I knew at some point she would have to get to know them.

“I’m Akim, the youngest,” Akim said, rising from his chair. He held out his hand, and they shook.

“Pleased to meet you, Akim,” Mila said, smiling.

Stepping closer, she looked at Abram and Anton. As Anton spoke, I heard some irritation in his voice. “Anton, second in charge.” He shook her hand a tad reluctantly as she held it out.

Interrupting again and almost shoving Anton aside, Abram pushed his hand out and took her. “I’m Abram,” he said, shaking her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Abram,” Mila said. Pulling her hand from his, she glanced at Anton as she continued. “Nice to meet you as well.”

Tasha let go of my hands as she rose. “I’m Tasha,” she said, hugging Mila. “I was the only sister for years,” she added, glancing at me. “That was until we learned about Dahlia. Welcome to our family.”

Mila’s smile widened as she glanced at all three of my siblings. “It’s great to finally put names to the faces. And an honor to meet you all.”

As I sat looking at the scene unfolding before me, I couldn’t help but wonder what Mila was up to. She appeared overly friendly with them. But with me, she was dry and isolated.

“Would you all like to join us for dinner tonight? We can get to know each other a little better.” Mila suddenly uttered.

Anton gave me a sideways glance and a grin. He usually did this when something was up. I wondered what was happening in his mind. What was he planning?

“We would love to. Thank you, Mila,” he said smoothly, taking her hand. He pulled it to his lips and kissed her fingers lightly.

Mila smiled warmly. She swayed from side to side with her dress in her hands as she continued. “Great, I’ll see you downstairs then.” She gave a small wave and left.

I had never seen this side of her and was very intrigued. I couldn’t wait to observe her interaction with my family some more. “At least she’s good-looking and seems sweet,” Abram whispered.

Anton scoffed at his remark, which earned him a smack on the shoulder from Tasha. “Don’t be nasty. Get to know her before assuming,” she said, glaring at him.

“Okay, okay,” Anton replied, raising his hands as if she had a gun trained on him. “I’ll behave. But it doesn’t mean I approve.”

“Just give her a fair shake, right Tasha?” Akim added.

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