Page 35 of Possession of the Bratva

“Mila,” he said, stopping. “I’m sorry. Did you hear any of that?”

Shaking my head, I tried to hide my shame. I hadn’t intended on listening in. “Just the end,” I replied softly.

Aleksandr pulled me into his arms as he spoke. “I’m sorry. It appears Anton has lost one of our shipments.” Taking my shoulders, he pushed me back gently, looking into my eyes. “Did I scare you?” he asked softly.

“No,” I replied, shaking my head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…,”

Before I could continue, Aleksandr interrupted me. “No, no, dear. I told you this morning. I have nothing to hide. But I will have to go in for a bit and try to sort things.” He placed his arm around my shoulder and walked with me to the top of the stairs. “I’ll be back for supper though,” he added before kissing me.

I stood watching as he darted down the stairs and out the front door. After a quick shower, I had lunch alone. I spent the afternoon going through his files. I wanted to know as much as I could about his business.

Maybe if I knew enough, I could assist, seeing as I couldn’t work with my siblings at the moment. Hearing the car pulling in, I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost six. I was so immersed in the files; that I hadn’t realized the time.

Placing everything back as it was, I headed downstairs. “Dinner is ready,” I announced as he came through the door.

“Excellent,” Aleksandr replied as he kissed me. “Let me just put my case away, then we can sit down.”

I waited as he went up and came back down. Together, we entered the dining hall. “I had asked the staff to set up the smaller table as it was to be an intimate dinner.” He whispered as we entered. The lights were turned down low. But there were some candles adding light and flowers on the table.

Aleksandr pulled out my chair and waited for me to sit. He nodded his head to one of the staff and soft music started playing, adding to the romantic vibe. I could see he had made a real effort.

For a moment, Aleksandr and I just sat and smiled at one another. Then we both started talking at the same time. I was uncomfortable for a second but laughing helped ease us. “Please, dear, go first,” Aleksandr said.

“No, no,” I replied, waving my hands. “You go first.”

Aleksandr grinned as the food arrived. “I insist,” he added as the staff headed to the kitchen.

Smiling at him, I spoke softly. “Right then. I guess, I want to say thank you for everything. I know we have our differences, but this is nice.”

“It is me who should be thanking you,” Aleksandr said.

“I haven’t actually done much,” I replied. “In fact, I think I have only added to your problems at some point, won’t you agree?”

He laughed lightly while cutting his steak. “You have caused a couple of complications. But I have enjoyed the challenges you have brought.” I could hear the sincerity in his tone.

“Aleksandr,” I said, watching him open the bottle of champagne.

“Yes, dear?” he replied, smiling.

“You know I mostly done hacking jobs with my family, right?”

He picked up our glasses, filled them halfway, and nodded. “Well,” I added. “I also did other work.”

Aleksandr lifted his eyebrows as he handed me my glass. “Meaning?” he asked.

“I have various skills that include getting information in other ways. Sometimes I worked the marks, I am good at infiltrating, and seduction.” I said softly. I wasn’t sure how he would react, but I felt we were at a place where he needed to know more about me.

I watched as he took a big sip from his glass. My heart was pounding. I hoped he wouldn’t get upset as I revealed my life.

Aleksandr rubbed his chin as he spoke. “That sounds, well…,” He took another big sip and smiled at me. “I am glad you feel comfortable enough to share with me. Thank you,” he added.

It was not the reaction I was expecting. I was relieved that the past could be shared without issues. “May I ask you a question?” I said, smiling seductively at him.

“Why, yes, dear. Anything.”

Clearing my throat, I sipped some champagne before speaking. “Do you enjoy the life you live?” This was a deeply loaded question, but I was curious. “If you could have done or become anything. Would you have still chosen this path?”

Aleksandr sat back in his chair. There was a moment of pause, and then he grinned. “Yes, I would, " he replied. “Yes, it holds dangers, but I love working with people, and the different businesses we own give me that.”

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