Page 51 of Broken By the Bratva

The look on my brother’s face’s was enough to clear my mind. Standing up, I spoke out. “We love each other.” Taking Vadik’s hand, I pulled him up to stand with me. “Therefore, I see no reason we cannot continue our lives together.”

Alexandr walked closer holding out his hand to Vadik who shook it confidently. With that the alliance was official. Smiling, we sat back down. I felt sure that the rest would fall into place.

Iosif placed his cup down as he rose. “Well, I think we should think about all that has happened and meet again at a later date,” he said grinning at Vadik and me. “We would like to put things away and will work on a resolution.”

Alexandr walked up to him shaking his hand before responding. “I think that is a good idea. We will do the same. For now, let’s shake on a peace treaty.”

We watched with joy as the two men shook hands. Squeezing Vadik’s hand, I felt relieved that it all worked out. We got up with everyone and saw them out. Once they had all left, I leaned against the door breathing out deeply as I felt the strain leaving my body.

Vadik pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly. We went out the back and sat on the steps watching the sun setting.Leaning against his arm, he whispered as he kissed my head. “I want to do this with you for as long as I draw breath.”

Placing my hand on his thigh, I squeezed softly. “Yes, this is nice,” I replied. I loved being so close to him, feeling safe with him, and comfortable.

Chapter 27 - Vadik

Looking at her, my mind raced through the last couple of months. As I approached her, Tasha looked up from her laptop. “Hey, you,” she said, smiling.

“Hi,” I replied softly as I bent down beside her. Taking her hand and squeezing softly, I continued. “How would you like to take a trip with me?”

Leaning in, she tenderly kissed my cheek as she replied. “Oh, my. Where are we going? Nothing’s been planned.”

“I know, but I want to whisk you away,” I added as I pulled her up from the chair.

Tasha’s smile still lit up my world. Picking her off the ground I turned in a circle. She laughed while tapping lightly on my chest. “Enough, there’s work to be done. No time for playing,” she said.

Lowering her, I held her hips gazing into her amazing blue eyes as I spoke. “Tasha, please come with me.”

“Now?” she questioned sounding a bit taken back.

“Yes, now, I have something to show you,” I responded pulling her with me as I moved into the house. I have already booked a flight. If we didn’t leave, we would miss it.

“Okay, okay,” Tasha said slapping my hand softly. “Let me go and pack.”

“No, there’s no time, we have to leave now,” I added picking her up and placing her over my shoulder. “I have all we need in the car.”

The guard opened the door as he saw us approaching. Lowering Tasha, I placed her in the car and got in on the otherside. The trip to the airport was quick. Once we boarded the plane, our holiday could begin.

I loved keeping her in suspense. Tasha inquired about our destination the entire time, but I didn’t give in. As we approached, the pilot’s voice echoed through the speaker. “Please fasten your seatbelts as we prepare to land. Welcome to Paris. We hope you enjoyed the flight and thank you for trusting us with your lives. Have a fabulous holiday.”

Tasha looked at me. She had her hands over her open mouth as she gasped. Her eyes were filled with excitement. “You didn’t,” she huffed.

“Oh, yes, I did,” I replied pulling her closer and kissing her forehead. She was so excited. It looked like she was charged up like a light. Seeing her so childlike, so purely delighted by the smallest things fueled the fire burning inside my heart for her.

Once we collected our bags, well the one bag each that I had packed, we headed out of the airport. The wind was cool but not chilly yet. I placed my jacket over her shoulder before hailing a cab. Jumping into the cab, I gave the driver the card holding the hotel’s name and address. He nodded, looking at me in his mirror and drove off.

Tasha couldn’t sit still. She moved from side to side pressing me up against the door at time, just so she could see all around us. She pointed at numerous things. Some were big buildings, shops, food stands on the street, and even pointed out some of the street performers.

Watching her made me smile. Her joy started rubbing off on me as we neared the hotel. We drove past the Arc De Triomphe monument. Tasha pushed her face up against the window to admire it.

When the Eiffel Tower came into view, she practically jumped up and down in the seat. Even though it was a distance from us, it stood tall and could be seen clearly. Tasha’s smile made me think of a girl in love with a puppy.

Tere were so many French buildings that stood out and each held great historical and character value. I was amazed at her knowledge even though she has never been to Paris. We passed more than a dozen coffee shops but she pointed out each one.

“We have to stop at all of them. I’ve heard the French make the most divine coffee and croissants.?” she uttered half to herself.

The cab pulled up to our hotel and Tasha once again seemed to smash her face into the window as she admired it. Getting out, I was joined by the driver to take our bags out of the boot. As I opened the door for Tasha she seemed to bounce out like a bunny.

Turning to face me she made a pouting face as a single tear ran down her cheek. “Tasha,” I exclaimed taking her by the shoulders. “What’s wrong my love, why are you suddenly sad?” Lifting her face with my hand, I kissed her lips as I spoke again. “Are you okay?”

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