Page 32 of Claimed By the Bratva

“The women also work in the family business,” I whispered to him.

“Yes, they do,” he replied, squeezing my hand. “Everyone does. It is how we keep things running smoothly.”

Anton turned back to Mila and continued their discussion. For a moment, I sat wondering if I could get involved. But I didn’t want to get lost like Jax did or turn bad. “So, you’re a hacker?” I asked Mila.

“Yes, I log into computer systems and find the necessary details to complete our work.”

I sat back, wondering how it worked and if I would be able to do such things. Once the meal was done, Anton announced we would be leaving as we had a lot still to do. I thanked Alexandr and Mila for their hospitality before we left.

On our way back to Anton’s place, I spoke up. “Anton,” I said hesitantly. I wasn’t sure how he would feel about me getting involved. Yet, all the women in their family were. Except, I wasn’t part of the family even though I couldn’t return to my old life.

He glanced at me as he spoke. “Yes?”

“I was wondering if there was something I could do to help,” I added, choosing my words carefully.

“No,” Anton spat at me, slamming on the brakes so hard, that I almost knocked my head against the window. He turned to me as he continued. “There is no way I am allowing you to get involved. We will protect you, but I’m not going to allow you to get involved, do you understand?”

“I will stay with Tasha in the office, I’ll be safe there, won’t I?” I said, glaring at him.

Anton turned back in his seat, staring out the front window. “No, I’m sorry; I won’t put you in any kind of danger, which means keeping you at the mansion.”

As I started talking, Anton, took my hand and faced me again. “But I…”

“No, Joyce, please. No, buts.” The look in his eyes was soft and filled with care. “Please, can we let this go?”

I nodded, deciding to leave it for now. We drove the rest of the way to the safe house in silence. I decided I would ask again once he was calmer. I was surprised to learn he cared even if he didn’t say it.

Once we got back, Anton took a quick shower. He sat at the table by the window with his laptop, checking emails. I went to the bathroom and took a long bath to give him time to calm down.

Returning to the room, I found him on the bed, flipping through the stations. “Anything interesting on?” I inquired as I joined him.

“Not really,” he replied. Anton switched off the television as I sat down next to him. “Tell me more about your life,” he inquired, turning to face me.

Grinning, I lay back, thinking what to say. “As you most likely know by now, I followed all the rules growing up. I studied hard, never went out, and definitely never got into trouble.”

Anton laughed, “Yes, I have come to that conclusion,” he replied softly. “And then I came along.”

Glancing at him, I couldn’t help but laugh as he raised his brows and stuck out his tongue. “Yes,” I replied, looking down at my hands.

“Have you always been shy, or is it only around me?” he added, lowering himself to the bed and sliding towards me. Anton placed his head in my hands, looking into my eyes.

My stomach made small loops as I played with his hair. “I think it’s only around you,” I said.

Taking my hands and kissing them, he spoke tenderly. “Well, then we will have to work on changing that.” He got up and pulled back the sheets as he continued. “You ready for bed?”

I got up and joined him. I lay on my side with Anton behind me, holding me in his arms. Caressing his forearm, I felt safe. “Anton,” I whispered, staring up at the ceiling.

“Yes,” he replied kissing my cheek.

“Will you tell me more about your mother?” I added, hoping it wasn’t a tender subject.

He was silent for a bit, and I thought he had fallen asleep, but then he spoke. His voice was filled with tenderness. “She was a loving, kind, and honest woman. She taught me how to cook, clean, and care for others. She was a special person.”

Stopping, he looked at me as he spoke. “And yours?”

“Well, my mother was loving and kind. But my father was the ruler of our house. Whatever he said was law. I learned from our cook how to take care of myself. She was just absent a lot unless my father was around. But enough about my parents, tell me more?” I begged.

I could listen to him talk about her for hours. His tone and even his composure were warm. He was still talking when I drifted off. I felt him hugging me tighter as he settled in behind me. I was glad I had stayed. The last thing I heard before leaving for a dream world was how he missed her.

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