Possession of the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #15)

Chapter 1 - Aleksandr

That woman had bewitched me. Since the very first time that I laid eyes on her. Her fierceness, her fighting spirit. I couldn’t get the image of her out of my mind. We’d only met three or four times since, but she was something.

I had to see her again. Grinning at myself in the rearview mirror, I knew today would be good. The wind combed through my hair and cooled my heated skin as I drove. I had waited long enough.

Sitting in my car, I looked at the large office building beside me. After my sister married Konstantin Smirnov, we allied. They have grown as an underground organization. These days, they exclusively work for the Morozov Bratva. They were the one family that could take us down.

However, with the alliance, we could make use of the newfound leverage we have. But I needed to find a way to strengthen it. Getting out, I smoothed the crinkles from my suit jacket and pants. I had to make a good impression at this meeting. I had to persuade them that this suggestion was the only way to move forward.

Since my sister Dahlia married and had twins, this was our first official meeting. Entering the building, I took a deep breath before taking the elevator to the top floor. The doors opened, and there she stood, my Dahlia.

“Brother,” she said, smiling.

Stepping out, I hugged her tightly. “Dahlia, how have you been? How are the little ones?” Pulling back, I held her face in my hands, staring into her eyes.

“We’re all good. How are my other siblings doing these days?” she asked. Turning, she placed an arm around my waist as we headed past reception.

“Good, but missing you, so do I. We must get together again soon.” I replied as we stopped before the conference room door. “How’s the mood in there this morning?” I asked, pulling her into my arms again. I gave her another tight hug before stepping back.

Laughing softly, she replied. “You’ll be fine; just don’t knock them dead.” She always had this sparkle about her that could light up any room.

“How I have missed your company,” I added as she kissed my cheek. Looking into her eyes, I could feel the family bond, the love she was glowing. I had to give her one more hug. Pulling her back in, I tried to absorb her essence.

“Go now,” she said, giggling as she lightly pushed me away. “They’re waiting.”

Turning on my heels, I pushed the doors open and walked in, holding my head high. She had calmed any nerves I might have felt. Dahlia was a remarkable woman. I was proud to call her family.

The four Smirnov siblings stood by the window staring out as we entered. Piotr and Leon’s wives were seated at the table. Silence filled the room as they turned and looked at me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was the topic of their conversation. I noticed Mila immediately. She was radiating as usual with that spark firing in her eyes.

“Morning,” Piotr said, walking to the head of the table. “Please take a seat. Would you like something to drink?”

“I’m good, thanks,” I replied, sitting at the other end of the table.

The rest sat next to Piotr on both sides. I had to admit the atmosphere in the room was thick. Shifting my tie around my neck, I took a deep breath before I spoke. “I hope the intel I gave last week assisted your operations?”

“It did, thank you,” Leon replied.

“You wanted a meeting?” Piotr added, glancing at the others. “How can we assist you?”

By their inquiring stares, I could see there wasn’t much trust yet. But I felt sure that would change. Clearing my throat, I smiled as I spoke. “I was hoping we could work on strengthening our ties. That way, we would know neither of us would betray each other.”

I waited as they looked at each other. Piotr shrugged. “What do you suggest, Alex?”

This was it. How could I put it out there without causing a war, I wondered. Throwing them my best smile, I kept my tone even as I spoke. “First, I have to correct one small detail.” They all looked at each other and waited. “Alex is a nickname; my real name is Aleksandr Dubow.”

The room filled with gasps as no one knew that, not even Dahlia. “Secondly, I suggest an arranged marriage as it would surely provide us with all we need, don’t you think?”

It felt like I had just thrown a matchstick into a box of explosives as I watched their reaction. Piotr stood so fast that his chair went flying out behind him. The chair toppled over and slammed into the wall. “An arranged marriage!” he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. “You haven’t even been honest about your name, now you expect this?”

My ears vibrated as his anger surrounded me. Maybe my timing was off, I thought. “No,” Leon huffed as he rose and walked to the window.

“It can’t be done,” Konstantin added, taking Dahlia’s one hand. “Mila is the only member of our family who is not married, and we will not have such a thing for her.” Dahlia shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She pushed a strand of hair back from her face before chewing on her nails. She glanced from me to them and back.

I could see they were all upset; some handled it better than others. Mila sat in silence, not moving. She was studying me in silence. It felt like she was burning holes in me with her intense gaze.

“I am sure we can find other ways to strengthen our connection,” Leon said, turning back. He looked at his siblings and shook his head.

Piotr looked up from the table, where he stood frozen for a bit. “Thank you for coming,” he huffed. “We will discuss other ways and get back to you.”

Looking at Mila, I wished I knew what she thought. She had not yet stated her opinion, and I wanted to know. “I know you think I’m crazy,” I said as I rose. “But I truly think this is the best option.”

Dahlia looked like she was about to climb out of her skin. Her complexion appeared lighter than normal. Yet, Mila simply looked at me. She was scrutinizing me. I was sure of it as her eyes narrowed and a frown formed on her brow.

“Mila,” I said. “Do you have anything to say?”

“I will do it,” she replied.

The three men all turned and spoke almost in unison. “What?” I could see waves of confusion and shock filling them.

Mila glanced at the family around the table. She gave them a tender smile and then looked back at me as she clarified. “I will marry him.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. But neither could the others. “Are you insane?” Piotr asked, walking to her side.

“You don’t have to do this,” Konstantin chimed in.

Mila got up and walked towards me. Holding out her hand, she continued. “I will marry you, Alex or Aleksandr. What do you prefer to be called?”

Taking her hand, I kissed it before speaking. “Aleksandr is fine, dear. The deal is done, then. I will be in contact.”

I turned and left before she could change her mind.