Page 62 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

Then, it hit me like a light bulb was lit in my head. Since all Alexei wanted was to be aware of where I was whenever I stepped out, then this shouldn't be a problem at all.

My attention drifted back to my phone, fingers rattling across the screen as I shared my location with him. That way, he could easily come and find me if he wanted.

I zoomed out of the house, took one of the cars, and drove over to Bryce's.

Chapter 23 – Alexei

In the smoke-filled, high-rise boardroom, I leaned forward in my swivel chair, expression stoic, devoid of emotion. “It's settled, then,” I said, fixing my gaze on Viktor Kuznetsov, my voice deep and firm. “Our territories will remain unchanged. Any breach will be met with, well…consequences.”

Viktor and his entourage, all dressed up in expensive black suits, exchanged glances, their eyes betraying their dissatisfaction at my finality. However, they knew better than to question the agreement.

For years, the Kuznetsov crime family had been at war with us, rivals in almost every way. In the pursuit for power and dominance, blood had been shed, and lives had been wasted—all for what? To prove which organization was better?

I was done with the unnecessary bloodshed, especially now that I had a wife and we were expecting a baby. It would be catastrophic if anything were to happen to her simply because some idiot wanted to get back at me. I wasn't sure how I'd handle it if that happened, and I didn't even want to think about it.

However, this peace treaty was essential for both families, considering we both had lost enough already. And just like me, Viktor was also fed up with the killings and destruction. It was high time we talked about coming to an agreement that would benefit both parties.

For the past few hours, we'd been negotiating, attempting to resolve the simmering territorial dispute between our organizations. The Kuznetsov family had been testing the boundaries, encroaching on Tarasov territory. Their aggressive expansion had threatened the Bratva business, and there were only two ways this could end: more bloodshed or a mutual agreement.

The Kuznetsov family was cunning, resourceful, and ruthless. However, despite their notorious name, the Tarasov Bratva was still worse in all ramifications. This truce would benefit them more because, should an all-out war break forth, they'd lose more men and eventually lose the war.

Viktor's lieutenant leaned forward and whispered into his ear. They spent the next few seconds conversing in hushed tones until the lieutenant pulled away, adjusting in his seat.

Viktor returned his gaze to me, clearing his throat. “Fair enough, Mr. Tarasov,” he said, his expression unreadable. “We can work with that.”

“Excellent.” I adjusted my tie, rising to my feet.

Finally, this meeting was over, and I could go home to my wife—God knew I could use a massage.

“We have a deal.” Viktor got up and strolled over to shake my hand.

I extended mine, firmly clasping it against his, sealing our uneasy truce. With a gentle tug, I pulled him closer and whispered, “I know you're a cunning man, Viktor, but do not test my patience.” My eyes narrowed, my grip around his fingers tightening.

His lips curled into a faint, sly grin. “I wouldn't dream of it.”

“Good,” I said, retaining my stoic expression as I released his hand.

My gaze swept across the room one more time before I grabbed my phone from the table and headed out, Gordey and my associates following up after me.

We exited the building, stepping into the sunlight. My eyes squinted at the brightness as we walked toward the car. I glanced at my phone's screen and realized I'd missed my wife's calls several times.

My brows furrowed, wondering why she'd called me a few times, knowing full well that I was at a meeting. Given the situation with the Kuznetsovs, I had to silence my phone to avoid any sort of distraction. Those men were as cunning as foxes, and to deal with them, I needed one hundred percent concentration.

“Everything alright, air?” Gordey asked, halting by the car.

I raised my head and met his eyes. “I hope so,” came my reply, her live location on my screen drawing my attention.

She was far from home…without my permission. I felt a pang of annoyance swelling up within me, but then I remembered that we'd agreed she could leave the house at will. Shehadtried to call me, and she respected me enough to share her location.

There was no need to be mad; she was being as transparent as she could, and I was glad that she was starting to come around.

I zoomed in on her location. It was just a few clicks away. Would going over there be too clingy of me? Should I just head back home and trust she'd return on time?

A part of me wanted to leave her to herself. Maybe she needed some space to clear her head or something. But then again, I couldn't shake the feeling that I should go check on her.

“Pass me the keys, Gordey,” I said, walking over to the driver's side.

“You don't want me to drive you?” He tossed the keys to me, clearly bewildered as he squinted his eyes.

---