Page 53 of Broken By the Bratva

She didn’t even respond as she popped back into the limo and opened the door. I had just lowered myself when she grabbed my hand and dragged me out. It all happened so quickly. We were out of the limo even before the driver had gotten out.

Tasha had already dragged me halfway across the busy road. Pulling free, I headed back to the driver standing clueless next to the limo. “I’m so very sorry. We’ll be right back,” I said hoping her was a forgiving man. “She is just so excited. She can’t contain it. I’m sincerely sorry for this.”

He nodded and I headed back to Tasha who was already on the curb. Approaching her, I knew I had to say something. Stopping before her, I placed my hands on my hips as I spoke.“Tasha, you can’t be doing things like that. You nearly gave the driver and me a heart attack.”

Raising to her toes, she leaned forward kissing my cheek as she placed her hand on my chest. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset anyone. But we had to stop for this,” she apologized.

Turning, I saw it was one of the many coffee shops she had pointed out to me on our drive to the hotel. Taking her hands in mine, I sighed. Before I could speak, Tasha interrupted. “Please, just look at them. They look and smell so good and that’s not even mentioning the sheer size of them.”

“Okay,” I gave in. “Let’s grab you one. But you must promise to behave. No more in between stops, we have a lot to see.”

She bit her lower lip, smiled and then nodded vibrantly as she skipped inside. Once we got coffee, we could return to the limo and were off again. Stopping at our first destination, I thought Something was wrong as Tasha froze as soon as she got out.

Walking around to her, I stopped before her waving my hand. I was about to ask if she was okay when she grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me. “You chose the Eiffel Tower, you brought me here first?” she exclaimed. The smile on her face was only stopped by the sides of her head and her ears.

“I had to ensure my tigress got to see this wonder up close and in person,” I replied placing my arm around her shoulder. We walked underneath the Eiffel tower, went halfway up and took lots of pictures of the tower, its view and us.

Before moving on, we popped into a café for something to eat and another big coffee. Returning to the limo, we found the driver waiting patiently. “Could you take a picture for me?” I asked, handing him my phone.

Tasha and I stood side by side with the Eiffel Tower in the background. It was a perfect picture. She was much quieter as we headed to our second destination. I felt my food mulling in my stomach as my nerves tried to eat me up.

I wasn’t unsure of many things in life, but how she would react was a mystery. I had planned everything down to the last little detail and yet, I couldn’t predict the outcome. Tasha stood on the seat with her head out of the limo for most of the ride to our next stop. I was glad she did as I didn’t want her to notice as I fidgeted with the box in my pocket.

The limo stopped and I heard Tasha speaking as she came back down. “Wow, you must see this. I haven’t seen so many flowers ever.” Pinching her chin, she turned her head to the side as she continued. “No, I have. But only in movies and magazines.”

The driver opened the door and Tasha dashed out. Getting out, I straightened my jacket and smoothed my hair. My hands were sweaty, and I felt sick. Never before had I ever felt so tense. My stomach felt like it was tied into one big knot.

Turning, my gaze caught Tasha’s. She smiled as she lightly stood swinging. Her eyes were big and shining. She was an angel with the fields of flowers behind her. Remembering how much she means to me and how I feel around her, I swallowed my fear.

Walking to her, I untied the knot in my stomach and pushed away all the nerves trying to eat at me. Taking her hand, I led her into the field. Tasha pointed out several flowers she knew. Some were similar looking. She also mentioned which colors she liked most.

In the middle of the field was a water well. I stopped and leaned against it. Tasha turned with a puzzled look on her faceas she spoke. “What’s the matter, why did we stop? Don’t tell me you’re tired already.”

“No, not at all,” I replied holding my hands out to her. “Come stand with me for a moment. Let’s take in the magnificent view and enjoy the blossom scent floating on the wind.”

Next to the well grew a row of blue flowers. Bending down, I took a whiff. “These are divine,” I said glancing at her. “You should really come and smell them. I think as a perfume they would have a lasting aroma.” As she turned, I stepped back so she could get in close.

With her back to me, I knew it was now or never. Going down on one knee, I waited for her to turn back. Taking out the little blue box, I opened it and held it in the palm of my hand. Smiling proudly, I knew without hesitation that she was my soul mate.

“Tasha,” I said and waited. She glanced at me over her shoulder then spun around looking from me to the box and back at me. Her hands instantly moved to her mouth as she gasped.

I could see tears shimmering in her eyes. “Before you say anything, let me speak,” I said taking a deep breath. “I know we started our on a rocky path. Well, come to think of it, our relationship was forced and that couldn’t have been fun for you.”

“Oh, Vadik,” she huffed taking a step closer.

“Wait,” I replied raising my hand. “I’m not done. As we spent time together, I got to know the real you. The brilliant shining woman under all the armor life has blessed you with. With each passing day, my love for you grew. My heart swelled until it felt like it was bursting.”

Tasha’s tears started rolling down her cheeks as she came up to me. “I love you more than I could ever show, Tasha. You deserve a proper proposal and wedding.”

As I spoke, I watched her face. “Tasha, my tigress, will you do me the honor of willingly becoming my wife?” The tears now flowed freely from her blue eyes. She nodded as she swallowed hard.

Wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks, she replied softly. “Yes, caveman, I will marry you.”

Squinting, I shook my head as she giggled. Tasha leaned in and kissed me. Touching my lips as she pulled back, I could still feel her. This kiss was different. She leaned back slightly as she whispered. “Don’t you worry, I will explain the caveman thing to you.’

Pushing the ring over her knuckle, I felt a warmth in my chest. She was finally going to be fully mine. Standing up, I lifted her into my arms turning in a circle as she hugged me tightly. Placing her back down, I spoke softly, “I love you so much.”

“Not a chance that you love me more than I love you,” she responded looking at the new diamond ring on her finger.

---