Page 1 of Claimed By the Bratva

Chapter 1 - Anton

Flying back to Miami was the last thing I expected to do. But if your family wants to ally with one of the most prominent Bratva families, you attend the meetings. Piotr Smirnov was once again accompanying me. Yet, this time, it was only me and him. The rest of the family was back home in New York.

I sighed and closed my eyes as the plane took off. There was so much to get done. Even though this was my second meeting with the Morozovs, I felt my nerves gnawing at the back of my head. I ordered a ginger ale to try and calm the storm raging within.

It felt like I had barely closed my eyes when I heard scurrying and scuffing around me. Opening my eyes, I saw the cabin crew preparing for our landing. This flight was quicker than the last.

Stepping out, I took a deep breath, allowing the smell of the ocean and fresh air to fill my lungs. I actually liked Miami. It was a complete contrast to New York.

“I booked rooms for us at one of the Morozov gambling dens. This way, we are where we need to be for the meeting,” Piotr said, grabbing his bag and heading for the limo.

“Great stuff. Let’s get moving then,” I replied, giving him my signature cocky smile.

It didn’t take us long to get settled.

“Let’s go see where Ivan is,” Piotr said as we headed down to the bar. Passing the kitchen, I could hear the glasses clinking as the staff prepared for the opening.

I followed Piotr into the bar, where we found Ivan speaking to a group of employees. He was one of the biggest men I had ever met.

“Hi, guys,” he said, holding up his hand. “I’ll be right with you.”

Piotr and I waited for Ivan to finish. He came over smiling as he stretched out his hand. “How have you both been?” he asked, shaking our hands. He made me feel small as he towered out above us.

“Good, thanks,” Piotr replied.

His large hand wrapped around mine, crushing it lightly as we shook. Nodding, I added my greetings quickly, wanting him to let go. “Good, thanks, and you?”

“Business like usual,” Ivan commented as he headed around the bar. “Come, let’s go to the office. Roman, Ashan, and Luder should be here by now.” As far as I understood, these were his cousins and all part of the family business.

We followed him through a door behind the bar. It looked like we had entered a storeroom. There were boxes of alcohol, glasses on a shelf, and a cabinet against one wall. Just past this was another door. It opened into a short corridor with two doors exiting from it.

Ivan opened the one on our left and held it for us to enter. Roman, Ashan, and the one called Luder were already waiting. After quick greetings and an introduction to Luder, we all sat down at the small round table. One wall was lined with cupboards and shelves.

Towards the back of the room was a large oak desk with a computer and phone. I assumed this was Ivan’s desk.

“When you called, you only mentioned expanding your current operations in New York. What exactly do you need us to assist with?” Piotr asked.

Ivan glanced at the other three men. “Right, you guys wanted this meeting; explain what we need,” he huffed.

“Okay,” Luder said, standing up. “I’m going to work with you on this operation.”

Piotr glanced at me, smiling lightly.

“Great stuff. What do you need?” I replied with a nod.

Luder grinned as he explained, “Our drug operations in New York are small. We want to grow them but have been battling with customs and border laws. We need you to find someone on the inside. We want details on everything about them. We must find a loophole to push more products.”

“No problem, I can investigate that for you. I know the company we need to bypass.” I replied quickly.

“Outstanding,” Ivan added as he rose. “How about a drink before you go and rest? I am sure you have had a long day.”

Piotr rose, tapping Ivan’s shoulder as he answered. “Yes, sounds good. We can chat some more in the morning.”

I walked with the others back to the bar. I listened as they caught up on family, kids, and events on this side of the world. My entire life, we have stayed in the shadows. No one knew we were Bratva. Coming out like this with the Morozov family by our side was a big move.

Swallowing the last of my drink, I wondered what our father would have said about all this. We greeted the men and headed to our rooms.

It was around four when I woke. After freshening up, I headed down to the restaurant. Many of the Morozov family were already there. I met the wives and some of the kids. After a pleasant breakfast, Piotr and I returned to our rooms.

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