Page 44 of Broken By the Bratva

Trying to swallow my laughter, I replied between breaths. “The Amazon is nothing like this. We might find something in Ireland or somewhere but not in the Amazon.”

Tasha shrugged and then started in her circle again. “Okay, you pick a place then,” she added between bounces.

“Let’s first get through this and then we can decide. How about some lunch while we wait?” I responded.

She nodded and I followed a skipping Tasha back inside. She made some sandwiches, and we sat down on the front porch. Just being in her presence was calming. I never wanted to leave her side again.

We had just finished washing up the lunch dishes when we heard the cars pulling up. Tasha peeked through the kitchen blinds. “It’s them,” she said heading to the front door.

Her family was back with their decision. We headed out to the porch to greet them. This time only the three brothers were there. It was business after all and not a family gathering. I don’t know why I expected them to bring Nadia.

“Have you made a decision?” Tasha blurted out as Alexandre stepped onto the porch.

“Yes! Slow down, Tasha. Can we have a seat and discuss it?” he huffed.

Tasha lowered her gaze, opened the door, and waited for them to enter the house. She was different around her family. She appeared less carefree and more worrisome. Being Bratva probably had its perks, but it also had some negative points.

I watched as they entered and went to the living room. Once everyone was seated, we could start. Glancing at Tasha as she sat on the edge of the couch, I noticed she appeared slightly worried as she bit her nails. Yet, I knew her constant shifting was due to excitement.

Curiosity had gotten the better of her toady. But then again, I was also interested to know what they had decided.

Alexandr sighed as he met Tasha’s gaze. “It seems you can’t wait for an answer today,” he said.

She turned her head to the side as she threw him her best million-dollar smile. “No, I can’t. I have to know,” she uttered. Turning her head from side to side, she made a cute puppy face at him.

He laughed shaking his head as he replied. “We have decided to offer the Chernykhs our assistance. We have of course also discussed it with the Morozov family.” Alexandr looked at me as he continued. “There are a set of rules that will have to be put in place. But they must still agree. Have you spoken to any off them?”

Vadik shook his head. “No not yet, we first wanted to sort it out on this side,” he replied.

“Okay then, we have found out where their enemy is. We will allow you to go in and stand by for backup as long as they agree. This way we can assist them in taking out their main enemy. Does that work?” Alexandr questioned.

I nodded as he responded. “Yes, that will work, thank you.”

Alexandr glanced at his brother’s before continuing. “You are aware that you will need a hacker for this job. One that can get in close as the hack will have to be done on the premises.”

As I replied, I felt my heart sinking as I knew my words would most likely hurt Tasha. “Yes, I have considered it. I know Tasha is one of the best, but I would prefer keeping her out of it.”

“Agreed,” Alexandr huffed. “We don’t want her in harm’s way either. Yet, I do not know who else except Mila would be able to do it.”

“No,” Tasha said standing up. “I can and want to do this.”

Both Alexandr and I stared at Tasha like she had said something absurd. I trusted her but didn’t want her in danger. Our eyes met as she looked at me. They were pleading with me to trust her, and I did. So, I gave in. “Okay,” I finally said. “Tasha will go with us.”

“I trust you to keep me safe,” she added smiling.

Alexandr looked at her sternly as he spoke. “Do you believe you can do this?”

Tasha nodded smiling broadly at him. “Okay,” he added. “Then it’s settled.”

“I know you can do this,” I whispered into her ear. “I trust you fully, my tigress.”

Tasha looked at me, winked, and kissed my cheek before replying. “With you by my side, I can do anything. You are the rock in my world.”

Walking with her family to the door, we greeted and waited for them to depart. We stood outside watching as the cars became smaller and disappeared. We waited until even the dust had settled back to the ground. Placing my arm around her I pulled her to my side.

Heading in, we took a quick shower and started making supper. Cooking with her was one of the small things that madelife more interesting. I was mesmerized by her as she danced around the kitchen between adding ingredients and stirring.

I continued cutting the last vegetables and handed them to her. Tasha smiled as she took them. Turning to me to add them to the pot, she spoke softly. “So, why didn’t you want me to join this mission?”

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