Page 6 of Possession of the Bratva

“Thank you, it looks lovely,” I replied. “What is your name?”

“Annah, ma’am,” she replied before walking briskly back to the door. This time, she didn’t enter. She stood next to the door as if waiting for instructions. I sat studying the dense rose garden outside as I ate. I was basically done when I heard Aleksandr entering the mansion. He didn’t come in, though. I heard him heading upstairs.

I wondered if today would be like last night. I didn’t like the cold man he was. Only time would tell what the future with him would look like. But I was sure to keep my guard up.

Chapter 5 - Aleksandr

It was still dark outside when I left the mansion. I had been out to meet my lawyer early enough so I could be back around breakfast time. With the details of our agreement set up and the contract stored safely, I could concentrate on spending time with my bride.

I was eager to show her around and spend some quality time together. I wanted to get to know her better, but I also wanted her to get used to my presence. I wanted her to know me, everything about me.

Not only did I intend to show her the side of me that everyone knew, but I also intended to show her the parts I hid from others. I knew she felt trapped, especially after telling her she couldn’t contact her family. But I required time alone without interference to show her who I was.

Parking my car, I was determined to make Mila see the real me. I entered the house and headed up the stairs. I didn’t expect to find her still in her room and she wasn’t. I quickly went to my office on the other side of the house and put away my briefcase.

As I came back down, one of the guards, I had placed by her room, came to meet me. “She’s having breakfast as instructed, boss,” he said.

Nodding, I walked through to the breakfast room. Mila sat staring out the window. I could see she had just finished breakfast. Quietly, I moved closer until I was standing behind her. As I lightly placed a hand on her shoulder, she jumped.

Turning speedily, she faced me. An influx of emotions flickered through her eyes as she glared at me. There it was again, the fire in her eyes I saw that first day. “Good morning,dear,” I said, moving to the other side of the small table. As I sat down, I lifted my hand, indicating I wanted a cup.

The maid quickly disappeared and returned with a cup and a fresh pot of coffee. I waited for her to pour my coffee and walk back to the door before speaking. “I hope you slept well.”

Mila nodded as she sipped from her cup but didn’t reply. “Well,” I said, glancing out the window. “Would you like to see more of the mansion and property that is now also yours?”

She sat staring blankly at me for a moment before she replied. “Yes.”

I didn’t appreciate the shortness of her response as we were decent human beings. Feeling my anger igniting. I took a deep breath before speaking. “You don’t appear to be very interested. Is there something else you would rather be doing?”

Mila grinned at me. She picked up her cup and drank the last of her coffee before attempting to be civil. “Yes, please.”

“See,” I replied. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Taking a big gulp of coffee, I pushed the cup aside and stood up. Holding out my hand, I spoke softly. “Well, let me show you around.”

Mila stood and pushed my hand away. I ignored this as I knew it would take some time. But I was determined to break her. Walking ahead of her, I led her back to the entrance room. Below the stairs was a double glass door leading out to the back.

The doors led out to the rose garden my father had made for my mother. My youngest brother dubbed it the Maze of Roses. When he originally built it, the trees were young. They were planted almost on top of each other in a triangle shape. As they grew, so did the maze.

The rose trees were now standing about six feet high. They had grown into each other and formed a thick bush. The roses held all the colors of the rainbow. There were big ones and small ones. Even cut into a hedge, they still flourished.

Mila’s fingers drifted over the roses as she moved down the maze. Stepping into the center, I could hear her gasping. It was a magnificent sight. My father constructed what we called the gazegola. It was a combination of a gazebo and a pergola. It was a large, free-standing structure with only half a roof.

The one side was oval and ran into a rectangular finish. A couple of roses climbed the posts onto the roof at each corner. On the shady side was a long porch swing fitted with pillows. My mother used to lie there during summer reading. On the other side was a tea table for two.

“We could have lunch here sometime if you like,” I said, stepping to her side. Glancing at her, I saw hints of a smile forming. This was a good sign, I thought. Maybe she would settle quicker than I expected.

“There is more to see,” I added. Stepping to the side and heading to the other side of the maze. Mila followed in silence. I wondered what was milling through her mind. Exiting the maze, we were only a couple of feet away from the stables.

“Is that horses?” Mila asked as we heard a neigh or two.

“Yes, it is, my dear,” I replied, walking towards the large wooden stables. “This is one of the oldest buildings on the property. Built by my great grandpa.”

The stable manager, Oscar, met us at the door as we entered. “Is everything good in here?” I asked as he greeted us.

Oscar had a very shrill voice but a good heart. “Yes, sir. They are ready to be taken out should you wish,” he replied, tipping his hat.

“Would you like to take a ride, dear?” I inquired, holding out my hand to Mila.

---