Page 31 of Claimed By the Bratva

Here before me sat five strangers, all staring. Their glares were intimidating. Two of the three men were also built like Anton, yet the youngest one appeared smaller in build. The two women at the table smiled warmly, easing the atmosphere a tinge.

The man at the head of the table stood and walked toward us. “Morning, or shall I say good afternoon,” he huffed, holding out his hand. His voice was much deeper than Anton’s. I could hear his authority coming through strongly. “I’m Alexandr.”

“Joyce,” I replied softly, shaking his hand. His grip was firm but didn’t hurt. As he let go and returned to his seat, Anton directed me to the other end of the table. The dark-haired woman rose and greeted us as we walked closer.

“Mila, pleased to meet you, Joyce. I’m Alexandr’s wife,” she said. Her tone was a lot friendlier, and her grip much softer as she pulled me into a hug.

Smiling at her, I nodded as I spoke. “Please to meet you, Mila.”

Anton placed his hand on the small of my back as we turned, facing the table. The two other men were next to Alexandr, on the other side. On our side sat another woman,whom I assumed was the sister. “That is Abram and Akim,” Anton said, pointing at them. They only nodded but said nothing, so I nodded in return.

“This young woman is Tasha, our sister.” He added, pulling out the chair beside her for me to sit in.

“Pleased to meet you,” Tasha said, holding out her hand.

Taking it, I gasped as her hand felt frozen. “Sorry,” I said, realizing my gasp wasn’t good.

But she smiled, shaking her head as she replied. “No worries, I have cold hands sometimes.”

Anton sat down on my other side as I was bombarded with questions. “What exactly do you do for a living?” Alexandr asked.

Abram interrupted before I could even formulate a reply. “Were you born here?”

Glancing from Alexandre to Abram, I wondered who to answer first as Akim also threw a question my way. “When do we get to meet your family?”

“Stop,” Anton added abruptly, taking my hand and squeezing it lightly. We will get to all your questions. Let’s at least share a meal first and give Joyce time to settle in with us.”

Mila rose as she spoke. “I agree,” She lifted her hand, and the maids came pouring into the room. There was coffee, tea, and some juice to drink. Anton poured a glass of juice for me and smiled tenderly as he handed it to me.

Taking a sip, I felt Tasha’s cold hand on my arm. “Just ignore them,” she whispered. “Once they get to know you, they ease up.”

The maids brought out a variety of foods and placed them in the center of the table. Anton dished up for me as the others started helping themselves. And so, our meal began once everyone had a plate of food and something to drink.

I listened to the family before me as they conversed with each other. Our family meals were never this lively. So, I kept quiet as I wasn’t sure what to say. They discussed some work issues that sounded Greek to me, as I didn’t understand much.

Alexandr sat listening for a while, then looked at me as he spoke. “Joyce, are you comfortable enough now to tell us more about yourself?”

I glanced at Anton. He was about to say something, and I was sure he was going to change the subject again, so I stopped him. I felt they had a right to know who I was seeing and that I would stay with them.

“Yes,” I replied, hoping my tone sounded confident even though I felt like melting into the floor. “I did grow up around here. I am an only child and grew up in a very strict family. I work in customs and enjoy what I do.”

Smiling softly, I hoped my answers would satisfy them. The three men didn’t look moved at all, but Alexandr nodded. I could feel sweat forming on my neck and hands. I glanced around anxiously and was relieved when Alexandr spoke to Tasha. The others also returned to their conversations.

Tasha was telling her eldest brother about some warehouses she was tracking. It sounded quite interesting. Once they were done talking, I smiled at Tasha as I drew her attention. “Tasha,” I said quietly. “Can you tell me more about what you do?”

“Yeah, sure,” she replied without hesitation. “I work from the office mostly doing research for the jobs.”

“So, you also work with your brothers?” I questioned. I was astonished to find out she was part of their Bratva world. The little I knew and heard only ever spoke of the men.

Tasha laughed. It was a delightful sound that instantly set me at ease. “You sound surprised, but I am also part of the family, and so is Mila.” I glanced across the table at Mila, who was talking to Anton. I couldn’t hear what they were discussing. She noticed me looking at her, Mila smiled and nodded.

Turning my attention back to Tasha, I lowered my voice as I spoke. “What does she do?”

“Mila is also a hacker. But she also infiltrates and collects things when needed.”

My eyes widened, and I was sure they must have looked like saucers as Tasha burst out laughing. The room fell silent as everyone looked at us. I lowered my gaze to my lap, feeling my cheeks heating up.

Anton leaned closer, speaking softly as he took my hand. “And the blushing. What are the two of you talking about that Tasha is getting laughing fits?”

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