Page 36 of Possession of the Bratva

Staring at him as he started eating, I re-evaluated my original idea of him being all bad. Maybe we could make this work. Cutting my meat, I couldn’t shake the lingering uncertainty. My heart wanted one thing, yet my brain was still fighting.

I hadn’t noticed that I had drifted off into my mind until Aleksandr spoke next to me. Looking to my side, I noticed he had pulled his chair around the table. I was so deep in thought I had heard nothing.

“Are you okay,” he asked, taking my hand.

I felt my face turning red as it heated up. He took hold of my chin as I lowered my gaze. “No, dear,” he whispered. “Don’t be shy.” Tenderly, he turned my head and looked into my eyes. There was a sparkle in them I had only noticed once before. “What has pulled you so deep into thought? Please share with me,” he added.

His touch was soft and warm. His tone was filled with care and compassion. I felt my heart melting as I swam in the golden ocean of his gaze. I felt safe with him and wanted to be here.

Chapter 19 - Aleksandr

Leaning against the window and staring at the movement of the trees, my mind wandered back to my conversation with Mila last night. We discussed our pasts but also our skills. Mila was an impressive woman.

I loved listening to her talk about her work. Her voice was filled with passion and excitement. I learned that hacking was her main skill, but she possessed so much more. Tasha was just straight out a hacker, but Mila. Well, she was also a seductress.

Think about it now; I wasn’t sure how that made me feel. If she only used it on me, I guess it would be a fine skill to have. Grinning at my reflection in the window, I was sure she would disagree.

It was hard to ignore the things that made her happy. I didn’t want her stepping into any dangerous situation. In fact, I didn’t want her involved in any of this period. But I had to fight my possessive instincts if I wanted to make this marriage work.

I softly slammed my fist against the wall. I was going crazy even though I hadn’t even allowed her to work yet. Hearing the door open, I flung around. My butler peeked around the door. “Good morning, sir,” he said, bowing his head as he stepped inside.

He closed the door behind him before continuing. “Sir, your brother came over last night. He asked that I not bother you with it. He went up to his old room and crashed there for the night.”

Raising my brows, I wondered why one of my brothers would come here for a night. None of them have stayed in this house for over a year. Before I could ask, my butler, who knew me well, continued. “It’s Akim, sir. One of the guards broughthim. He was in no state to drive. I hope I have done the right thing.”

Letting out a deep sigh, I nodded. “Thank you,” I said, turning my attention to the bookshelf. I waited to hear the door close before turning. I was frustrated but strangely wasn’t angry as usual. I felt sure this change had to do with having Mila in my life.

It has been a while since Akim had gone off the rails. I had forgotten that I had told the men to bring him here in such a situation. As I headed to the kitchen, I wondered what had happened to bring this on.

Sister Maldine turned and smiled as she saw me entering. She was an old Puerto Rican woman and had worked here for as long as I could remember. Growing up, she ensured we always had biscuits and treats. Her gray ailing hair barely covered her head these days, but her smiles were always filled with warmth.

“Sir,” she uttered cheerily. “What can I do you for?”

“Maldine,” I replied, shaking her fragile hand gently. “Can I have a cup of your magic hangover cure?”

She lightly tapped my hand as she replied. “Of course. Did you have more than one bottle, sir?”

Shaking my head, I laughed softly. “No, Maldine. It’s for Akim.” I was glad I didn’t need it. I knew it worked but the taste and smell were enough to prevent you from taking another drink. I didn’t know what was in it and frankly didn’t care.

I waited as Maldine entered the pantry and returned with a glass of her famous orange-blackish sludge. “Thank you kindly,” I said, taking the glass from her.

“No probs, sir,” she replied as I left the kitchen. With a cure in hand, I headed to Akim’s old room.

Standing in front of the door, I decided to pull an Anton on myself. Turning the doorknob, I swung it open with force. The door connected to the wall quickly. The room filled with a loud ‘bang.’

Akim sprung up; he looked disheveled. Glancing at me, I could see his anger growing as the situation dawned on him. “Before you go lecturing me,” Akim huffed as he sat down. “You were also young, and all of you had partied at my age.”

Stepping closer, I held out the glass to him. “Akim,” I replied calmly. “Since the meeting last week, you have been acting differently. What’s going on? Talk to me.”

Akim took the glass and shook his head. Lowering his eyes to the floor, he mumbled something. But it was unclear. I sat next to him and continued to prod. “Akim, I won’t force you to talk to me. But if this gets worse, I will have to step in. I know you don’t like how I handle things, so give me another option. If I have to, I will, you know that, right?”

He nodded, looked out the window, then stared into the glass. “What’s this?” he asked hesitantly.

Chuckling, I grabbed his shoulder and shook him lightly. “I have no idea, but believe me, it works. Now, drink up so we can talk.”

I stood up and walked to the door. Turning back, I saw Akim swallowing the contents of the glass. He gasped a little, but the expression on his face. It was almost worth the stress I felt. “I’ll be in my office once you’ve washed up,” I said. Akim nodded and I left.

He didn’t leave me waiting too long. I had barely sat down when he entered. “Sit, let’s talk,” I said, pointing to the chair before my desk.

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