Page 30 of Claimed By the Bratva

My mouth fell open. My expression must have been something as Joyce started laughing. “It’s not the first time you see it,” she said softly. “Close your mouth and sit down.” Shaking my head and closing my mouth, I swallowed hard.

“Are you ready to discuss how we are going to approach this problem?” I inquired as I placed the tray on the bed.

Joyce glanced from the tray at me as she nodded. I knew I had to rip the band-aid off as quickly as possible and hope for the best. There was no time like the present. I had to lay out the facts so she could understand why I decided to do it this way.

“I’ll be taking you to my family home tomorrow.” I still had a lot more to say, but her reaction was instant.

Joyce lifted her hand, holding half a waffle in it as she spoke. “No, I am not going anywhere except back to my house.” It looked like she was ready to smack me with the waffle.

Taking hold of her arm lightly, I lowered it to the plate. Taking a deep breath, I spoke caringly. “Please just listen. Let me explain everything before you make a rash decision.”

She let go of the waffle and shifted away from me. Folding her hands across her chest, she appeared to be pouting. “Joyce, I am only doing this to ensure you are well-guarded.”

Her head turned sharply as she glared at me. “Why, can’t you protect me?” she spat before I could speak further.

I moved closer and gently took hold of her chin, sparing into her eyes as I continued. “As much as I want to protect you and be here for you, I have to sort out this mess. That means I can’t stay with you all day and night. If I don’t get to the bottom of this, you may never return to your normal life.”

Her eyes clouded, and her face dropped. My stomach turned, and I felt a tad sick as I knew my words were hurting her. But there was no faster way to make her come to terms with the situation. I knew she was upset as she pulled her face out of my grip.

Staring down at the bed, she spoke softly. “I understand.” She bit her lips and gave me a small smile as she continued. “Thank you, I know this is a lot for you.”

I smiled back at her and nodded. I watched as she finished her breakfast without another word. Once she was done, I took the empty dishes back to the kitchen. Returning to the room, I found her standing by the window.

“Joyce, I said, walking closer. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head, but I could hear her faintly sniffling. Standing beside her, I placed a hand on her shoulder. She glanced at me as she wiped a tear from her cheek. Seeing her so upset made me angry.

I didn’t want to be the one causing her so much pain. Her connection to me caused her the loss of her personal life and career. “Joyce,” I said, turning her to me. “I’m truly sorry for all of this.” I felt guilty for making her so miserable.

Taking her hand, I led her back to the bed. As she sat down, I went down on my knees before her. “I promise, I will do right by you no matter what it takes,” I said softly.

Joyce burst into tears and buried her head in my neck. I wrapped her in a loving embrace, rubbing her back. I thought we fit together like pieces of a puzzle as I held her.

Once her tears started drying, she pulled back as she spoke. “Would you just hold me for a bit?”

“Yes,” I replied as she turned and lay down. I got onto the bed behind her and held her tightly. “I am sorry, I will fix this,” I added stroking her hair. I caused this, and I would be the one to make her happy again, I promised myself, as I felt her relax in my embrace.

Chapter 18 - Joyce

Anton took me to my house in the morning to collect some of the things I might need. Once I had packed most of my clothes, some photos, and other essential items, we headed back to the safe house. I didn’t unpack much as I knew he intended to move me to his family home.

It took me around three hours just to decide what to wear as my nerves ate at me. Once I had most of my closet scattered around his bed and the floor, I finally found the dress I sought.

Not knowing what to expect, I wanted to look decent but not like a prude. I had to be modern but also modest. The soft green dress wasn’t overly flashy or revealing. It framed my figure nicely, and gave me a note of charm.

As we drove up to his family home, I clamped my hands over my mouth to keep the gasp from escaping. It was mythical. The family home was a mansion. I had never been in such a majestic place ever in my life.

Pulling up to the enormous front door, I noticed the butler waiting for us. He opened my door and held his hand for me. “Welcome, madam,” he said as I got out. He was a stocky elderly man, but his entire being radiated a calmness.

“Thank you,” I replied politely as Anton joined us.

“Ready to meet the family?” Anton asked as he held his arm out. Wrapping my hand around his arm, I nodded, feeling my insides turn violently. We walked up the stairs to where the butler held open the door.

Entering the mansion, I felt my breath falling away. The entrance was enormous, with doors leading out to all the sidesand stairs going up left and right. I suddenly felt like I had stepped into a children’s fairytale.

“They’re all in the dining hall,” the butler stated as Anton glanced at him questioningly.

Anton turned to the right and headed through one of the doors. Entering the dining hall, I felt my nerves gnawing at the back of my mind. In the middle of the room was a large table and more people than I expected. He said he had a big family, but I expected to meet them individually.

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