Page 29 of Possession of the Bratva

Leaning back in my chair, I breathed in deeply. I hoped I had made the right choice. After sending the last email, I got up and headed for the door. Walking down the hall to the ‘party room,’ as Akim called it, I heard Mila laughing. It was a pleasant sound I loved but didn’t hear often enough.

I stopped for a moment and just listened. As I entered the room, everyone fell silent. The room was spacious but quite full as well. On one side of the room stood a snooker, pool, and poker table. At the back was the family bar, and on the other side was adartboard, air hockey table, and jukebox. In the front, next to the door on either side, were pinball machines.

The room had a dark ambiance due to the black and red flooring and walls. The jukebox was playing a Bob Marley song, which was somewhat brightening the atmosphere. In the center of the room were chairs and couches where everyone was seated. It was the perfect visiting spot where no one could ever feel left out.

All the Smirnovs were looking at me as I walked across the floor. Dahlia stood and came closer. “Hi, brother,” she said, embracing me. “It’s nice to see you, and I’m thrilled you could join us this time.”

Twice now that they have come calling, I had been out or busy but this time I invited them. I had to be here as I was the one who decided to bring the two families together. I sat next to Mila on the double couch as the others relayed their greetings.

“Thank you all for coming,” I said. “I see at least Mila made sure you were all settled. Does anyone need another drink?”

Piotr glanced at the others before responding. “We’re all good thanks.”

“Then it’s only me,” I added as I rose and headed to the bar. “So, what were you talking about before I interrupted?” I questioned, glancing over my shoulder.

“Not much,” Dahlia replied. “We were telling Mila about some of the jobs we had done. I had made some silly mistakes.”

Grinning back at her, I responded in a neutral tone. “Well, please remember to tell me about those at some time.”

Dahlia rose and joined me at the bar. She replied as she came closer and hugged me again. “I’ll do so.”

Turning with my drink in hand, the door opened. The butler gave a small bow as he announced my family's arrival. “Sir, your guests have arrived.” He stood to the side, allowing my siblings to pile into the room.

Looking around the room, there were conflicting expressions. Anton turned and thanked the butler as he left the room, closing the door behind him. As Anton turned back, he met Konstantin’s gaze. I could see the fires lighting up between the two.

“This is a surprise,” Piotr said as he rose.

Smiling, I stepped forward and gestured for my sibling to sit down. “I’m glad you could all make it,” I said, watching Tasha hug Dahlia and Mila. Tasha sat on the single couch between the two double couches. Mila and I sat on one, and Dahlia sat on the other with Konstantin.

Akim and Abram took their usual spot on the double couch furthest away from the rest. As they flopped down, seemingly in sync, Abram ruffled Akim’s hair. This led to Akim giving him a light tap on the cheek. I knew where this was heading. It was their way of making light of a stressful setting. But I couldn't allow their usual antics. “Slow down, guys,” I said in a light tone.

They straightened themselves and smiled at everyone. None of them had brought a guest or partner, as I suggested. This was normal under the circumstances. We worked long hours and didn’t have many friends. The family was everything, and we were tightly knit.

Anton flopped onto the couch opposite Piotr and his wife, staring at Konstantin on the sofa next to them. They were acting like children, but I wasn’t going to interfere. I needed to see where this was heading.

Mila cleared her throat as she stood. Anton looked up at her. He shook his head and got up again. Grinning, he spoke softly as he hugged Mila, “Hi, sis.”

I watched as Dahlia also neared him and held out her arms. “Anton,” she said.

He looked around the room and then gave her a quick hug. At least he didn’t push her away. This could be good for him, I thought. Being part of a bigger crowd. Maybe he will learn to behave between people.

The tension in the room was devouring the air. It felt like someone had turned up the heat as I felt sweat running down my back. Squeezing Mila’s hand, I hoped this didn’t backfire on me. But I wasn’t going to diffuse the tension; it needed to play out.

I noticed Dahlia placing her hand on Konstantin’s leg. She leaned closer and whispered to him. Whatever she said changed his mood as he smiled, kissed her cheek, and relaxed his shoulders.

Mila had also felt it as she shifted forward, slapping her hands on her knees. “Please, everyone,” she said sternly. Can we all pretend to get along for family’s sake?” As she uttered the last part, she focused her gaze on Anton.

Anton moved uncomfortably realizing all the attention was on him now. He lowered his head and sighed. “I will behave if he does,” he uttered, lifting his head and looking at Konstantin.

Mila glanced at Konstantin and then at Dahlia, who appeared to be giving her a small nod. “Oh, he will. We are family and it is time to bury the hatchet, okay?” she added.

Everyone looked at each other and then nodded. My heart swelled as Mila sat back. I couldn’t help but stare at her in awe.She had a knack for calming situations and getting people to acknowledge differences. It was surprising how quickly she got Anton to agree.

“Abram?” Piotr said, moving forward on the couch. “Your name is Abram, right?” he asked.

Abram nodded but didn’t respond. “I was wondering what kind of work you do in the family trade. Sorry if I’m asking a personal question. But I couldn’t help noticing some of the things you did. It seems like you had military training; I could be wrong. Excuse the intrusion if I am.”

Anton chuckled as he responded before Abram could. “My younger brother only served for a year. I am surprised you could pick up on it.”

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