Page 18 of Possession of the Bratva

Leaning over the table, I took her hand as I spoke softly. “Impressed yet?”

Grinning, Mila replied, glancing away. “No, not at all. Not in the slightest.”

Sitting back, I felt a calmness entering me. I knew she was lying, but I would allow her to come around in her own time. After saying goodbye to Tasha and Akim, we headed home. The drive back was also spent in silence.

At home, I went to my office to check my emails while Mila got ready for bed. She was standing by the window as I entered our room. “Everything okay?” I asked.

Mila turned, smiled at me, and sat down on the bed. “Yes,” she replied. “Thank you. Today was nice.”

“Pleasure, my dear,” I added as I lay back. I wished I could have removed the red dress from her. She looked so delicious, and I wanted more. But I would wait until she was ready. I lay staring up at the ceiling, listening until she was asleep before closing my eyes.

Chapter 10 - Mila

Breakfast was spent as usual in silence. Aleksandr had his nose in the paper most of the time, and I sat staring at the garden. Lowering his paper, he looked at me over the top. “Would you like to have a stroll later?” he inquired softly.

I smiled and nodded as I replied. “That would be nice.”

“Then it’s settled,” he said, rising. “I just have a couple of calls, and then we’ll take a stroll. How does that sound?”

Taking the last bite of my breakfast, I replied without looking up. “Great.”

Aleksandr placed his hand on my shoulder, leaned over, and kissed my head. “See you in a bit,” he added before leaving. Stopping at the door, he turned back. “Mila?”

Glancing at him, I noticed the smile forming on his lips. “How about we go out for dinner tonight? Would you like that?”

Giving him half a smile, I nodded and then focused on the empty plate before me. I waited until I couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore before rising from the table. Even though I was sure we were going to one of their fancy gambling dens, it was still time outside the confines of the mansion.

I would be able to learn more about him and maybe even his business. With everything I had seen already, deep down, I knew he wasn’t a complete monster. But I felt sure there was more.

I had to find a way to make contact with my family. It’s been a week since the last time we saw each other or spoke. A week since my forced marriage to Aleksandr. He had no right to keep me away from everyone for so long.

He still had my phone, and I had no access to his computer. The landline had a code on it that I haven’t been able to break either. I was getting frustrated but knew an opening would come soon. I had considered asking the staff, but I wasn’t sure how dedicated they were.

I headed to the home gym. I had to get rid of the rage I felt building inside. I had stumbled across it on day five while looking for his office. Every day when I knew he was out, I explored some more. There were so many rooms, and I found a couple of locked ones.

Some I could get into as they had normal door locks. But there were three that had thumbprint keypads. I was sure one of them had to be his office. The other two, well, who knows what secrets they may hold.

In time, I will get in everywhere. For now, I focused on what I could get done. After a powerful workout, I took a dip in the pool. Feeling refreshed, I went upstairs and put on one of my sundresses. Ready for our stroll in the garden, I headed out to the Maze of Roses.

I had just stepped through the door when I heard Aleksandr speaking behind me. “You look lovely.”

Turning, I saw him standing in the doorway. “Ready for our walk?” he asked.

I smiled shyly as I swayed from side to side. I had to make him believe I was a good wife. Aleksandr looked pleased as he came closer, holding out his hand. I took his hand as he joined me, and we walked into the Maze of Roses.

We exited on the other side and headed to an open field. “This is where the horses roam during the day,” he said as we got to the fence.

The field stretched all the way to the back of the barn to our left. To the right, it seemed to pass the guard's housing. Ahead, I couldn’t even see another fence. There were only a couple of them in sight. “How do you get them back inside if they are spread out like this?” I inquired.

Aleksandr grinned as he responded. “Horses are a lot like people. They tend to follow one, the leader of sorts. We find him, lead him back, and the rest follows.”

I found this comparison a tad odd. Did he think of himself as a leader? Did his people follow him blindly?

“I would like to take you out riding sometime,” Aleksandr added.

Looking at him, I noticed he was being sincere. His eyes were soft as was his smile. “Maybe,” I replied, not sure if I wanted to. “What time would you like to leave for dinner?”

Aleksandr turned and looked back at the mansion, leaning against the fence. “I thought we might leave at around five. If that is fine by you?”

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