Page 49 of Possession of the Bratva

Chapter 24 - Mila

Scanning the files on the computer, I made notes for Abram. The file contained all the changes required at one of the gambling houses. There was a leak, a hack, and a robbery about a week ago, and security had to be taken up a notch.

Once I had organized the list according to importance, I could send it to him. Abram would ensure everything got done. Tasha was handling the security cameras and computers. My list included duties for the guards, the perimeter, and safeguarding documents.

I was ecstatic that Aleksandr was allowing me to assist. Helping the Dubow family, my new family, with these smaller tasks brought us closer together. I was starting to feel more and more part of the family. Aleksandr was surprisingly supportive of my involvement in the family business.

We were growing closer with each passing day. I could feel the bond we shared strengthening. I only had a couple more items to list, then I was heading out. Aleksandr had agreed for me to visit my siblings without chaperoning me.

It’s been a while since I’d been to the mansion where I lived with my siblings. I was excited to be going home, even if it was only for a visit. Sending the last email, I rose from his desk, grabbed my bag, and headed down.

I felt a tender touch on my shoulder as I was about to leave. Spinning around, Aleksandr caught me in his embrace, pushing me up against the door. Our eyes met as I felt his breath caressing my lips.

Opening my mouth to speak, I felt his finger lightly touching them. “Shhh,” he silenced me. “You must enjoy your visit. I’ll be waiting for you when you get back.” His finger sliddown, and he lifted my chin. Leaning in, Aleksandr kissed me affectionately. I stood for a moment as he turned and headed up the stairs.

Sometimes, he was so mysterious. My heart skipped a beat as desire flooded my senses. He had a way of making me want him. I couldn’t describe it, but I knew it was there. Aleksandr had arranged for my bike to be collected, so I had my own transport.

I hadn’t let my family know I was coming; I wanted to surprise them. I loved feeling the wind in my hair. The morning air was cool but not cold. Pulling in through the gates, I switched off the engine. I sat staring at the mansion.

With the number of vehicles parked by the garage, I knew the entire family was home. I wondered if they were having a meeting. Getting off my bike, I pushed it the rest of the way. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they heard me coming, I thought as I flipped out of the stand.

Walking around the side of the mansion, I entered from the pool’s side. The double glass doors were open. Most of the family was seated at the dining table. Dahlia and Alyssa weren’t there, but everyone else was.

“Hey, stranger,” Piotr shouted as he saw me. Everyone turned and looked my way. The room lit up with smiles and more surprised outbursts. Dahlia and Alyssa both came out of the kitchen. “Mila,” Dahlia exclaimed.

Leon spoke up once everyone had a turn to hug me and welcome me home. “So, where is Aleksandr?”

My family glanced at each other. “Did you run away?” Konstantin asked in a teasing tone. Dahlia gave him a light tap on the shoulder as she responded. “No, she wouldn’t.”

“Did something happen? Is Aleksandr okay? Are you okay, Mila?” Dahlia added. Her voice was slightly raised, and I heard some worry in her undertone.

“No, No, no,” I said, grinning. “Nothing of the sort, calm down people. I came to visit. Aleksandr is waiting for me at home.” Stepping closer to Dahlia, I took her hands and smiled at her. “Everything is fine, I promise.”

Dahlia let out a small sigh as Piotr spoke. “He let you come on your own then?”

“Yes, he did. We are family,” I replied, glancing over Dahlia’s shoulder. Everyone was staring at me. I could see some disbelief on their faces.

Dahlia hugged me as she spoke. “It’s so nice to see you, Mila.” Pulling back and turning, she continued. “Don’t you all agree?”

I watched them all nod, replying, “Yes, of course.”

“Well, then,” I said, stepping forward and moving past them to the kitchen. “I’ll just be going to the kitchen to get myself a drink, seeing that all of you have lost your manners.”

“So, sorry, Mila,” Dahlia replied, following me to the kitchen.

“You know the lay of the land, don’t you?” Konstantin added as I heard my brothers chuckling.

Turning at the kitchen entrance, I spat back jokingly. “Do you treat all your guests this way, guys?”

“No, just family,” Leon shouted as Dahlia, and I disappeared into the kitchen.

“Ignore them,” Dahlia said, getting a beer from the fridge. “They did miss you.”

“I know, no hard feeling here, Dahlia. Relax.”

She smiled warmly at me as we returned to the living room. Everyone had sat back down. My place was open, and I slid into my chair. “So, are you having a family meeting without me?” I asked lightly.

“Nope,” Piotr stated calmly. “We were just visiting. You happened to come at the right time.”

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