Page 48 of The Bratva's Hunted Bride
“Timofey…” I complain, worried sick.
“No, Talia. I am telling you that this is separate. This is business, and it is not something you should get involved in.”
He holds me for a long time, stroking his fingers through my hair while my thoughts spin wildly. I can hear from his voice that he’s not willing to discuss this the way I want to discuss it. And that’s fine. I will have to take matters into my own hands. I refuse to believe this is something separate from what happened with my brothers at the party, when they saw me with Timofey.
I just need to get in touch with Marlen and speak to him. If I can sort out the issues between my brothers and me, then I can stop the attacks.
Timofey pulls away from me and groans. “I’m so sorry, I have to go.”
I nod slowly, closing my eyes for a second. “I understand,” I say softly, anxiety bubbling through me.
He wraps his massive hands around my shoulders. “Talia, I mean it. This isn’t for you to worry about. Ok? I will sort this out myself.”
I nod again.
“Ok.”
He cocks his head to the side, studying my face for a moment. Then he steps close and kisses me.
It shoots desire through me.
Timofey leaves for the morning, and I stand alone in the kitchen, making a cup of tea while I try to figure out what to say to my brother.
Timofey has been a lot more relaxed with my security, and he leaves his office unlocked. So, I can easily call Marlen.
I just have to be careful with what I say and how I handle him. He’s obviously still furious with me.
And those horrible things he said to me when I last saw him are still circling in my thoughts often enough.
After a cup of tea and a shower, I get dressed, blow dry my hair, and finally feel confident enough to make the call.
The knot in my stomach is only getting tighter the longer I wait.
Sitting in Timofey’s chair behind his home office desk, I pick up the phone and dial my brother.
It rings twice before his gruff voice comes through the line.
“Timofey Abashin. To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asks, his voice low and dangerous.
“It’s me,” I say nervously.
Marlen is quiet for a moment before he snaps. “What do you want, Talia?”
“I wanted to talk.” My heart sinks into the pit of my stomach at his tone. He still hates me.
“I found out about you constantly attacking Timofey’s operations. Please, Marlen, stop. There has to be a way for us to work this out.”
He laughs, nasty and cold. The sound pushes through me like needles.
“You betrayed our family, Talia. Tell me why I should even bother talking to you, never mind doing as you ask?”
“Because…” I stammer, searching for a way to get him to see I’m still me.
“Because what? Because, from my side, I plan to tear down every single one of his businesses. One by one. Until he has nothing left but ash. And then I plan to kill him,” Marlen growls, his voice becoming darker and angrier.
“Don’t!” I shout, terrified. “Don’t do that. Marlen, it’sme. It’s yoursister. Why are you doing this?” I complain, tears stinging my eyes.Would he really kill Timofey? I don’t know. I don’t want to believe he would, but I’ve never heard Marlen so angry in my life.
“Lessons must be learned,” he says simply.
