Page 7 of Thorns of Love
TATIANA
And my last brother wed.
I watched Sasha and Branka, standing by my car. Hugs and kisses were plenty. Whispers of promises and love. Then those two would ride off into the sunset together.
Or the tattoo parlor.
It wasn’t my idea of romance but they were happy. It was all that mattered to me. Sasha deserved his happiness and so did Branka. The two of them looked good together. There was no doubt that Branka loved my brother - not after she took a bullet for him.
I envied their love. I envied their connection. But the bitterness was nowhere to be found. Yes, I wanted what they had, but I also had a bundle of joy that I’d created all on my own that eased any sense of sorrow.
Okay, technically it wasn’t created on my own but those were minor details. I already started to picture our life together. Maybe we’d have to hide, but I’d keep my baby happy and protected.
The October sun shone bright, warming my skin. New Orleans had always been home. Until it wasn’t. Now wherever my baby was would be my home. My brothers were always my rock in the storm. Until they weren’t. Maybe it was a natural way of life. Growing up and all that.
It came late for me because they’d always sheltered me. Though there was nothing and nobody on this planet to shelter me from Illias Konstantin. I wasn’t exactly sure that I wanted to be sheltered from him. I’d have to handle him on my own.
Ironic really! A whole year after Adrian’s death, I learn of this new life growing inside me. There was uncertainty but joy outweighed it all.
I sensed Vasili’s presence behind me. Protective. Warm. Sheltering.
Except, he couldn’t help me with my current predicament. Not with Illias Konstantin. I’d never forgive myself if my family got hurt because of me. So this time, I’d protect them, like they’d always protected me.
“Getting on Konstantin's bad side is a bad move, Tatiana,” Vasili warned. “The whole crime world, in fact anyone who ever crosses paths with him, doesn’t want to get on his bad side. And we are already on tenuous ground with him.”
I shrugged, not acknowledging him with an answer. Okay, maybe I feigned my nonchalance a bit. Fake it till you make it and all that. While I had this baby in my belly, I was untouchable. And so was my family.
For now.
“Are you listening to me, Sestra?” Vasili grumbled.
“Yes.”
“Konstantin has the ability to inflict irrevocable damage on all of us,” he warned. It wasn’t anything new. “He might seem silent but his wrath is lethal. He learns your weakness and exploits it. Trust me, Tatiana, right now we have plenty of those. In our children. They are a blessing but they also make us vulnerable. More than ever we need allies.”
My gaze strayed to the streets, watching the city buzz with life. For the first time in forever, I could breathe. Hope and love bloomed in my chest and in my womb. I’d have to tread lightly and ensure my baby was safe.
My baby and our family.
I squared my shoulders, my decision was made.
“Nothing will happen to you,” I told my big brother. For the first time ever, it was me who’d protect my family. “Nor our family. Especially not my nephews and niece.”
I turned around and faced my brother’s dubious face. He was used to playing the protector, but now it would be me protecting them.
“Do you trust me, Vasili?” I rasped.
Our gazes locked, and for the first time, I didn’t feel like his little sister. I was his equal, playing chess with one of the most ruthless men in the world.
“I trust you with my life and my children’s,” he declared.
Pride and love for my family swelled in my chest. No matter what came down the road, I’d always love them. I’d always be there for them as I knew they’d be there for me.
“Then trust me to protect you.” I wrapped my arms around him. “To protect us.”
Vasili sighed. “The only way to avoid war with the Pakhan is to agree to his terms. For you to marry him.”
I watched my big brother who had been so much more than just my eldest brother my entire life. Sasha had been my protector and my brother, but Vasili was everything. And he took the responsibility seriously. I had never lacked thanks to his protection and love.
