Possession of the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #15)

Chapter 12 - Mila

I was delighted to see Dahlia. She had called to ask if she could come around for a visit. She wanted to see how I was doing. I felt sure one or all of my brothers had put her up to it. But at this stage, I welcomed any company.

Dahlia arrived shortly after Aleksandr had left for a meeting. So, I was told by the butler. We strolled through the gardens and the Maze of Roses as we talked.

“How have you been doing? Have you settled in yet?” Dahlia enquired. She sounded eager to know how things were.

Aleksandr, being her half-brother, I wondered how much I could share without upsetting her. And without him hearing about it. “I’m doing well, thanks. How are things at home?”

“All’s good; everyone misses you, though,” Dahlia replied, looking at the ground.

I knew she was withholding something and needed to find out what it was. “Dahlia,” I said, smiling. She looked at me for a second. This was just enough to confirm my suspicions. “Would you like to play tennis?” I added. I needed to find a way to keep her a bit longer. I wanted to pick her mind.

Dahlia glanced back at the mansion. “Sure,” she replied, half hesitantly.

Neither of us played it as a sport or regularly. But we could at least hit the ball back and forth between us. It would allow me to speak to her in a calmer setting. We were both dressed casually, so there was no need to change. Especially because it wasn’t intended to be a match.

To the side of the court were some benches with a locker, a table, and a water cooler. We each grabbed a racket and got onto the court. “Have you been playing a lot since coming here?” Dahlia asked as I served the first ball.

“No,” I replied, laughing. “It’s my first time on the court. How’s things going at home? Are there any new jobs coming in?”

Dahlia hit the ball back at me with force. It came flying past my head, almost hitting me. “Hey,” I shouted at her after ducking the ball. “What’s up, you angry at me for something?”

“No,” Dahlia replied, a bit winded. Dropping the racket, she came up to the net. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit so hard. Are you okay?”

Shaking my head, I walked towards her. “Dahlia, I’m fine. But tell me what’s going on. I know you, and something is up. What are you hiding?”

She glanced around nervously as she took hold of the net. Placing my hands over hers, I spoke softly. “What is wrong? You know you can talk to me.”

“It’s nothing, I have to go,” Dahlia uttered. She turned and started to the court gate.

Sprinting around the net, I caught her before she could step out. “Hey, I’m not angry at you,” I said, pulling her into a hug.

Dahlia hugged me tightly. “I’m going to be late for the job,” she uttered, pushing me away.

Grabbing her arm, I swung her back to face me. “What?” I asked. “Is there a job? Why did no one contact me?”

I could see she was very uncomfortable with my questions. “Mila,” she said, pulling at my fingers. “ It’s complicated.”

Letting go of her arm, I watched as she stumbled. Looking at me, I realized what she wasn’t saying. “It was Aleksandr, right? He interfered?”

“Mila,” she added softly, coming towards me.

Stepping back, I felt angry and deceived. “No, don’t touch me, just leave Dahlia,” I spat as I turned. Hastily, I returned to the mansion, leaving her standing there. I will show him he is not the boss of me, I swore as I headed out the front door.

Stopping in the driveway, I looked around. Three guards were standing to the side and one heading their way. Walking quickly, I caught up to the one before he reached the others. He stopped and looked at me. “Yes, miss, how can I help?” he asked politely.

“I was wondering,” I replied softly. “If you have a phone on you. I need to get hold of Tasha, but mine doesn’t work.”

He looked at the others, now staring at us. I wasn’t sure if they knew that Aleksandr had taken my phone, but I had to try. “Please, I’ll be quick,” I added, smiling innocently at him.

There was no reaction from the others as he handed me his phone. “Thank you, I’ll just be there by the door.” He nodded and strolled off to join the others. Walking back to the front door, I sat down on the steps as I searched his phone for Tasha’s number.

I was sure they all would have the numbers for every member of the family. As I found it, I smiled. I was right. They are all saved on the phone. Pressing the dial button, I glanced at the guards. They appeared to be having a nice conversation and weren’t paying much attention to me.

I listened as it rang. My anger had subdued slightly, and I could manage a friendly tone when she answered. “Hi, Tasha. Sorry to be calling from the guard’s phone, but mine didn’t work,” I said, knowing she would find it odd.

“Oh, okay,” Tasha responded. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, no, everything is fine. I was just wondering; I saw some of the guards coming through the trees at the back with the horses earlier. Are there other entryways onto the property?” I hoped my question didn’t raise any red flags with her.

“Yes,” she replied in her eager tone. “I’m sure the guards are patrolling those if you were worried someone may sneak onto the property.”

Grinning, I was relieved that she was so open. “Oh, okay, cool. Are there other paths as well, or only the front and back?”

The phone was silent for a bit, but I could hear her breathing, so I waited. “I think there are four. But I’m not so sure where the last one is. The third one is to the side, past the pool. There is a small road leading to the highway.”

“Great to know; thank you so much,” I replied.

Tasha sighed before speaking again. “Mila, are you sure everything is fine? Do you want me to come out there?”

As her words came through the receiver, I realized I would have to give her a valid reason. “Everything is fine, I assure you. I just noticed the guards moving in and out in different directions. I was just curious, is all,” I replied in a friendly tone.

“Okay, good. We must schedule another swim soon,” Tasha blurted.

“Yes, we must do that. Thank you, have a nice day.” I responded. I had to get off the phone and work on my plan.

“You too,” she said as I hung up.

Walking towards the guards, I held out the phone before me. The one came my way, meeting me halfway. “Thank you,” I said as I handed it back to him. He nodded, took the phone, and returned to the others.

Entering the house, I wondered how long the road was to the highway. I had to get to my family and assist them with the job. Glancing at the wall clock, I noticed the day was still young. Most of our operations were evening jobs. Heading around the pool, I scanned the trees for an entrance.

There it was. It was well hidden. Once I knew what to look for, it was easy to spot. Glancing around, I made sure no one was watching as I approached the tree line. As I headed into the trees, I moved faster. I didn’t know what time Aleksandr would return, but he wasn’t going to stop me.

By the time I got to the road, my legs were burning. Bending forward, heaving, I allowed my lungs to take in some air. Feeling steadier, I started towards town. I noticed there were quite a couple of cars, trucks, and vans passing by.

I hadn’t gone too far when a truck slowed and pulled up beside me. “You need a ride, hun?” the elderly gentleman asked from behind the wheel.

“Thank you, sir,” I replied, hopping on the back. He appeared to be heading past town as he stayed on the road. Nearing an area I was familiar with, I tapped on the roof. He slowed down and stopped. “Thank you again,” I said, getting down.

“No problem, keep safe now,” he replied and drove off.

I walked into the side section of town. Entering one of my regular hangouts, I was greeted warmly. “Could I borrow your bike?” I asked the barman as he handed me a beer.

“You in trouble, Mila?” he questioned.

“No,” I replied, smiling. “I just need to get home. I was dropped not too far from here. My bike’s at home.”

He nodded and slid his keys across the counter. “Thank you,” I said, rising. “I’ll get it back to you soon.”

I was thrilled to be riding a bike again. Pulling out of the parking area, I opened the throttle, feeling the wind through my hair. Heading to the office, I was sure one or all of my siblings would be there.

Pulling up, I parked on the sidewalk. There was no time to waste. I knew Aleksandr would find me missing and come looking, but I had to do this job with my siblings. It was part of me. I wasn’t going to sit back and just let my life go.

Stepping out of the elevator, I took a deep breath. It felt good to be back. I saw Piotr and Leon talking in the hallway. I casually walked up to them, beaming. “Hi, guys, what’s up?”

They looked stunned to see me and a bit confused. “Mila,” Piotr breathed out. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you think? I’m here to do my part.” I replied, grinning.

“No,” Leon added. “You can’t be here. I’m sorry, but…”

Feeling my anger resurfacing, I shook my head as I protested. “No, you are not going to do that to me.”

“Mila, calm down,” Piotr said, gently taking my arm. “You are married now and Aleksandr …”

I couldn’t allow him to continue. Interrupting, I spoke harshly, stomping my foot and lifting my hand up. “Stop, Aleksandr is not the boss of me. I am part of this family, and I always do my part. I am not a child and will not sit on the sidelines. Are we clear?”

They looked at each other and nodded. Walking past them, I headed to the boardroom. I scanned the operational plans and speedily read through the file. Once I knew what was required, I went to the changing rooms. I sought out a nice outfit and got dressed.

As I came out, I saw Konstantin and Alyssa there. “Hey, sis,” Konstantin said, pulling me into a hug. “We’ve missed you.

“I have also missed you all. But I am here, so let’s get to work.” I replied, hugging Alyssa.

“I am glad you could make it,” Alyssa said as we went down to the van.

Piotr drove with Alyssa and me in the van; the other two followed in Leon’s truck. “Where’s Dahlia and Cindy?” I inquired as we neared the location.

“They went ahead to do some surveillance,” Alyssa replied. “They will meet us there.”

Feeling like myself and being where I belonged was phenomenal. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as we came to a stop across the road from a large office building.

“Right,” Piotr said, turning in his seat. “The who of who are all in there. Focus on the target, flirt a little, and get what we need.”

“I know my job,” I said jokingly. The van doors swung open and there stood the other two ladies. Dahlia was more shocked than Cindy to see me.

“Mila?” Dahlia huffed. “What are you…”

“I’m here to do my job, sis,” I said, getting out and tapping her on the shoulder. Without looking back, I headed across the road and entered the party. It was a masked cocktail event.

Grabbing a mask from the table by the door, I headed to the bar area. This politician was famous for his drinking. Plus, he enjoyed the company of women. It didn’t take long for me to spot him. He was standing by the side of the bar, surrounded by women.

Walking up to the bar, as close to him as I could, I leaned slightly forward onto the bar. I made sure to push out my breasts and speak in a light tone. “Can I have a vodka on the rocks?” I asked the barman.

He nodded and turned to pour my drink. While I waited, I glanced at the politician. I had caught his eye. He was looking straight at me through the heads of the other women. I gave him a wink and a broad smile, then focused on the barman again.

I knew this move worked as I had used it often. Taking my glass, I turned slowly, ensuring the politician was still looking. As I leaned back against the bar, pushing my breasts out, I heard him excuse the others. He slid along the bar towards me.

Sipping from the glass, I shook my head lightly. I felt his cold hand close over my forearm. I was about to give him my best smile. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of trouble. Aleksandr had just stepped into the room. He was scanning the crowd of people.

Our eyes met, and I saw the flames igniting in his. He stormed at us. I knew I had to do something before he blew my cover. Tapping the politician’s hand, I smiled, leaned closer, and whispered. “Just give me a second to freshen up.”

He beamed at me and nodded. Moving away quickly, I swept across the floor to the left and entered the women’s bathroom. I was relieved it was empty. Knowing Aleksandr would be on my heels. The door slammed open. Aleksandr was already on top of me as I turned.

He grabbed my arms and shook me lightly as he huffed. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Let go,” I spat back. I knew my family was on the other side of the wire and would be hearing everything. “Aleksandr, please. Let me just finish this job, then I will go with you.”

“You are married to me. You do not belong out there,” he replied flatly. I could feel his anger radiating off him.

Stepping closer, I rose to my toes and kissed his cheek. “Please, I am begging you. Let me do this one job. Please.”

I waited as he considered my words. I hoped that the bit of affection I showed would break the barrier. Aleksandr gave me a weak smile as he nodded. “Just this one. But I will be watching,” he huffed as he walked out.

After dabbing my face with cold water, I took a deep breath to calm the rage rolling through me. Returning to the bar, I noticed the politician back in his corner. This time, I walked up to him. Pushing some of the other women aside, I fluttered my eyes. “Aren’t you going to buy a girl a drink?” I said in a soft tone.

He waved to the barman and ordered me a drink. Looking at the other women, he asked them to excuse us. I waited until they had all left before sitting down.

“So,” he said smoothly. “I have never seen you around here.”

“I’ve just transferred,” I whispered. Placing my hand on his knee, I leaned closer as I continued. “Maybe you can direct me in the right way?”

His smile turned into a grin as he responded. “May I can. What is it you are seeking?”

The barman returned with my drink, which he took and handed to me. Taking the glass from him, I grazed his fingers. He stared deep into my eyes before speaking again. “I can tell you where to look. But maybe I should rather show you?”

I knew I had him hooked. Glancing down, I acted shyly. “Oh, sir,” I breathed out, licking my lips. “I’m looking for the main planner's office. I was supposed to collect some documents from it and deliver them to the major.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I looked for Aleksandr. He was standing in the corner, glaring at us. I knew I had to be careful of what I did next. He could storm over any minute and cause a scene. I couldn’t let my family down.

Taking a sip of my vodka, I licked the side of the glass as I spoke. “Could you maybe just tell me where it is? I’m sure we can find another place to go instead of there?”

The politician’s eyes lit up as I spoke. “Yes, yes,” he mumbled. “I know just the place.”

Pressing a finger to his lips, I whispered again. “First, the office, tell me where it is?”

“Up the stairs, level three, the second door to the right,” he blurted out. He was lusting so heavily, that it looked like he was drooling.

Caressing his cheek, I smiled. “Thank you,” I added as I stood.

He took hold of my hand, pulling me back around to face him. Shifting forward on the couch, he beamed up at me. “Want to see my office? It’s on the fifth floor with an amazing view.”

“I just have to revisit the ladies, if you don’t mind,” I replied, smiling. My face felt stiff from all the smiling, but I had to make a smooth exit.

“Sure,” he replied as he rose. “I’ll wait for you at the elevator.”

Nodding, I turned and walked away. I headed towards the bathrooms but turned just before entering. I carefully walked behind a group of people, watching the politician move away.

Heading to the door, I felt a hand close around my arm. Breathing in sharply, I thought he had seen me and came to drag me off. Turning, I was slightly relieved to see Aleksandr. I allowed him to lead me out.

We walked across the road to the van. “I’ll wait by the car,” Aleksandr said, letting me go.