Deadly Vows (Avilov Bratva #2)

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Talia

I closed the door to my bedroom, my sanctuary turned prison again and leaned against it with a heavy sigh. The weight of Aleksandr’s words still lingered, a crushing disappointment settling over my heart. He wouldn’t admit he loved me. I could feel the tears threatening to spill, but I refused to let them fall. I had cried enough for one lifetime.

Aleksandr had tried to convince me that he was keeping me at the mansion to keep me and the baby safe. I wanted to believe him, but his cold demeanor and the way he kept his emotions locked away made it hard. Was he protecting us out of duty or something deeper? I didn’t know.

I crossed the room and sat on the edge of my bed, the luxurious mattress giving way under my weight. My thoughts wandered back to Danny, my ex-boyfriend. He had cheated on me and then stalked me, turning my world upside down. Trusting men had never come easy for me, especially after growing up in foster homes filled with abuse. I had little experience with love, and the glimpses I had seen were tainted by pain and betrayal.

But Aleksandr was different—or at least, I wanted him to be. I craved his love and yearned for the family I had always dreamed of. But was I fooling myself? I didn’t know what to believe anymore.

Feeling the walls closing in, I grabbed my phone and dialed Sandy’s number. She was the one person who was always there for me, no matter how far away we were from each other. The phone rang a few times before she answered.

“Talia? Is everything okay?” Sandy asked.

“No,” I admitted, my voice breaking. “Aleksandr… he won’t admit he loves me. He says he’s just keeping me here to keep me and the baby safe.”

There was a pause on the other end. “Do you love him?”

“Yes,” I whispered. “At least, I think I do. And after everything that has happened, I want to believe he loves me, too, but I’m second-guessing myself.”

“Talia, what do you want from Aleksandr?” Sandy’s voice was gentle but firm.

“I want him to love me,” I said, my voice trembling. “I want him to love the baby and marry me. I want the family I’ve always dreamed of.”

Sandy sighed. “It’s not easy to love a man like Aleksandr, Talia. He’s involved in the criminal world, and men like him keep themselves closed off to love and relationships. You might have to face the fact that although it’s obvious he cares for you, he may never be the man you want him to be.”

Her words were like a slap across my face, but deep down, I knew she was right. Loving Aleksandr was like trying to hold onto a phantom.

“You’re right, sis,” I admitted. A tear slipped down my cheek as I ended the call with Sandy, feeling more lost than ever.

The night was long and restless. I tossed and turned, unable to find peace in the silence. My mind replayed Aleksandr’s words over and over, mingling with memories of Danny and the foster homes. I wanted to believe that Aleksandr was different and capable of love. But the fear of getting hurt again was strong.

Hours ticked by, and I gave up on sleep by the time the sun peeked over the horizon. My stomach growled with hunger, the baby wanting to be fed. I slipped out of bed, put on my robe, and tiptoed downstairs, hoping to find something to eat without waking anyone. As I entered the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. To my surprise, Nikolai was there.

“Good morning,” he greeted me with a nod. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“Morning, Nikolai,” I replied, my voice still groggy. “No sleep for me.”

He handed me a cup of coffee, and I accepted it gratefully. “Thinking about Aleksandr?” he asked, his tone casual but knowing.

“Yes,” I admitted. “And other things.”

We stood in silence for a moment, sipping our coffee. Finally, I gathered the courage to ask, “Has Vic been found yet?”

Nikolai’s expression darkened. A storm brewed behind his blue eyes. “No, he’s still in hiding. But it’s only a matter of time before he’s found and disposed of.”

A chill crept down my spine. Murder, kidnapping, disposing of people…it was ruthless. But this was the world Aleksandr belonged to, which I was now a part of.

“I want to see Sandy,” I blurted out, needing a distraction from my thoughts. “But I don’t know how to get Aleksandr to agree to let me go.”

Nikolai considered my words. “If you can convince Dimitri, then Dimitri will convince the pakhan . As his brother, he knows how to convince him of things.”

A spark of hope ignited within me. Dimitri was one of the few people Aleksandr trusted implicitly. If I could get him on my side, I could see Sandy and clear my head. I needed her advice, her support. I absently rubbed at the wrist tattoo connecting me to Sandy.

“Thanks, Nikolai,” I said, feeling a glimmer of determination. “I’ll figure something out.”

I took some crackers out of the cabinet and finished my coffee. As I munched on the crackers, a plan began to form in my mind. Convincing Dimitri wouldn’t be easy, but I was willing to try. For me, for my baby, for the chance of a future with Aleksandr.

When I finished eating, I made my way back to my room. The plan played out in my mind, and I knew I had to approach Dimitri carefully. I needed him to see that my request was reasonable and that seeing my sister was essential for my well-being and, by extension, the baby’s. Dr. Daria keeps saying I need to stay stress-free. After everything, including being kidnapped, I could use some chill time with Sandy.

I decided to approach Dimitri later in the day when he would be less likely to be busy. I distracted myself with various activities around the mansion. Still, my mind kept drifting back to Aleksandr and our conversation. His refusal to admit his feelings gnawed at me, but I couldn’t let it consume me. Not now.

I knew it was time when the afternoon sun began to dip behind the mansion. I found Dimitri alone in the office, going over some documents. I took a deep breath and knocked on the doorframe.

“Dimitri, do you have a moment?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He looked up from his work and nodded. “Of course, Talia. What’s on your mind?”

I entered the room and sat down across from him. “I need your help,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I want to see Sandy. It’s been too long, and I think it would do me and the baby good.”

Dimitri’s expression remained neutral, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind. “And you want me to convince Aleksandr to let you go?”

“Yes,” I admitted, peeking at him from under my lashes. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need this. Sandy is my only family, and I need her support.”

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered my request. “You know how protective he is of you and the baby.”

“I know,” I said, my voice softening. “But I won’t be gone long. Just a day or two. Please, Dimitri, I need this.”

He was silent for a moment before he nodded. “Alright, Talia. I’ll talk to Aleksandr. But I make no promises.”

Relief flooded through me, my smile big and genuine. “Thank you, Dimitri.”

Somehow, Dimitri convinced Aleksandr, and by evening, I was packing to visit Sandy. His agreement was reluctant, but it was a victory, nonetheless.

As I prepared to leave the following day, I felt excitement and nervousness. As I zipped up my small bag, Aleksandr entered the room. His presence filled the space, and I turned to face him, my heart pounding.

“You’ll have Dimitri and Nikolai with you,” he said, his tone firm. “And Ivan is already with Sandy.”

“Thank you,” I replied, meeting his gaze.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. “This doesn’t mean I don’t care about you, Talia. I need you to stay safe. You know that, right?”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “I know.”

He gently cupped my face causing goosebumps on my arms. “Be careful,” he whispered before leaving the room.

The drive to Sandy’s apartment was uneventful, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Nikolai and Dimitri were with me, their presence reassuring yet a reminder of the world I was entangled in. When we finally arrived, Sandy greeted me with open arms, her smile warm and welcoming.

“Sis!” she exclaimed, hugging me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” I said, feeling a sense of peace for the first time in days. “How did you convince Aleksandr to leave the hotel and come home?”

“I told him he didn’t have a choice,” she winked.

Linking her arm in mine, she led me to the sofa. We spent the afternoon catching up, talking about everything and nothing. It was a much-needed escape from the tension building up inside me. As the sun set, we sat on the balcony with Dimitri standing guard. The brisk autumn breeze reminded me that winter wasn’t far behind.

“I talked to Dimitri,” I told Sandy, recounting the events that led to my visit. “And he convinced Aleksandr to let me come.”

Sandy smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re stronger than you think. And smarter, too.”

“I don’t feel strong,” I admitted. “I feel confused and scared.”

“That’s normal,” she said, squeezing my hand. “Just remember, you have to decide what you want and what you’re willing to accept. Aleksandr may never be the man you dream of, but if he cares for you, that’s a start.”

I nodded, her words resonating with me. The future was uncertain, but for now, I was grateful for this moment of clarity and my sister’s support.

We spent the night watching movies and eating popcorn until we fell asleep together, cuddled in Sandy’s bed.

The next morning, I woke to the sounds of silverware clinking in the kitchen. I climbed out of bed, wrapped the soft throw blanket around my shoulders, and left the bedroom. Ivan and Nikolai were sipping coffee on the sofa. At the same time, Sandy was perched on a stool, watching Dimitri fry eggs on the stove.

“Good morning,” Sandy greeted. “Are you hungry?”

“I’m always hungry,” I laughed. “It’s hard work growing a baby.”

“Sit,” Dimitri pointed to the empty stool next to Sandy.

“Smells delicious,” I groaned, licking my lips.

Leaning toward Sandy I whispered, “He’s handsome and cooks.” I lightly elbowed her in the ribs as her cheeks turned a deep shade of red.

“Cut it out,” she giggled.

Dimitri placed two plates full of delicious eggs, bacon, and toast in front of us. I devoured mine and then asked for more. When I was satisfied, I prepared to return to the mansion. Sandy hugged me tightly, whispering words of encouragement. “Stay strong, Talia. You’ll figure this out. And stay safe .”

“I will,” I promised, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

The drive back was quiet. I had a lot to think about, and decisions to make. I couldn’t change Aleksandr, but maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to navigate this complicated relationship and build the family I had always dreamed of.

As we pulled up to the mansion, I breathed deeply, ready to face whatever came next. This was my life now, with all its challenges and uncertainties, and I was determined to make the best of it for myself and the baby.