Possession of the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #15)

Chapter 14 - Mila

After breakfast, I asked Aleksandr to call Tasha and ask her to come over. I had to see her. I could only hope she would accept my apologies and forgive me. He nodded and went to his office. I sat in the entertainment room, deciding whether to read or watch a movie.

Aleksandr came waltzing in about ten minutes later. I was standing by the window staring out as I couldn’t decide what to do. He handed me my phone back, smiling. “Aleksandr,” I huffed. “Thank you so much.”

He held out a black bag as well. “It’s my pleasure. I’m sorry I kept it for so long. This is also for you, my dear.”

Taking the bag, I sat down and opened it. Inside was a new laptop. “Aleksandr, thank you, but I have one at…” Before I could say, at home, I swallowed my words.

He smiled and kissed my forehead. “Tasha’s number is in the bag as well.” Aleksandr turned and headed to the door. “I have some work to catch up on, but how would you like to go out for dinner again?”

I wondered what he was up to but decided to go along. “That sounds nice, thank you.”

Aleksandr left, pulling the door closed behind him. I took out the paper and dialed Tasha. I listened as the phone rang. After three rings, the line opened, and Tasha’s friendly voice boomed through. “Tasha here.”

“Hi, Tasha. It’s Mila. How are you?” I replied.

There was a moment of silence. I felt bad for using her. My heart was heavy with sadness that I had betrayed such a trusting person. It wasn’t my intention when I started my search. It just happened.

“Tasha, I am so sorry for any pain I caused you,” I added, hoping she didn’t decide to hang up on me.

“Mila,” she finally replied.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to muster up my friendliest tone. “Tasha, I didn’t want to do this over the phone, but I must apologize. I really didn’t want to hurt you.”

Before I could say anything more, she responded. I could hear the anger and disappointment in her tone. “No, you just want to hurt my brother.”

“Tasha,” I breathed out. “I didn’t intend on hurting anyone. Can we please sit down and talk about this? I don’t want misunderstandings to come between us, please?”

There was another uncomfortable silence, but I waited, allowing her to gather her thoughts. When she replied, I could hear she was calmer. “Okay, I will come around a bit later.”

“Thank you, Tasha. I will see you in a bit then?” I added.

“Yes,” she replied before hanging up.

She knew how to flaunt the dramatic, I thought as I stared at my phone. I would make this right, I swore. I liked Tasha and knew we could be good friends.

Heading to the kitchen, I asked the staff to prepare some snacks for us. I then went to the pool area and ensured we had fresh towels and drinks. We had a nice time swimming and bonded in the pool. I hoped to recreate that moment.

Tasha arrived an hour after our call. She appeared a little distant as I met her by the front door. “Tasha,” I proclaimed, hugging her.

“Hi, Mila,” she replied, pushing me away. “I’m just here for my brother’s sake.”

Stepping back, I realized this would be harder than I had anticipated. “Thank you for coming. I thought we could have a quick swim if you’re up for it?”

Tasha’s eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Okay,” she said, nodding. Turning, we headed out to the pool area. Everything was set up and ready. “I’m just going to change,” Tasha added as she headed to the locker room at the back.

Stretching out on one of the loungers, I waited for her to return. Tasha came back seemingly a little happier than when she left. I wondered what happened in the short period that changed her mood.

We sat with our feet in the pool and the snack plate between us. “Tasha,” I said, looking into the water surrounding my feet. “I feel awful about my actions. There is no excuse for what I did. I can only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I truly enjoy your company.”

Tasha lightly kicked my foot with hers as she spoke. “I enjoy your company as well, Mila. My brother is a good person. I don’t want you to hurt him.”

Glancing at her, I could see the sincerity in her eyes. “I am sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.” Holding out my hand, I continued. “Friends again?”

Tasha shook my hand energetically as she responded. “Friends.”

Tightening my grip, I plunged into the pool, dragging her with me. We spent the next hour splashing and playing in the pool. Hanging onto the side, we smiled at each other as Tasha spoke. “I have to run, but this was nice. We could do this every week if you wanted?”

Nodding, I replied as we got out. “I think that’s a great plan.” I watched as Tasha headed up to change.

After walking her out, I headed to our room to prepare for my evening out. After a relaxing bath, I stood before my closet, trying to decide what to wear. After what felt like an eternity, I settled on a dark blue, and purple evening dress.

It wasn’t as fancy or flaunty as the others, but it was perfect for an evening meal. I was pinning my hair when Aleksandr entered the room. “Evening, dear,” he said, coming closer. “You look stunning like always.”

He kissed the top of my head and smiled at me in the mirror. “I’m just going to wash and change then we can go if you are ready,” he added as he walked to the bathroom.

“Sure,” I answered as I watched him in the mirror. He was a handsome man with the loyalty of all that knew him. Yet, I couldn’t accept it. Even though I hadn’t found much on him, I still felt sure I would find something.

Aleksandr came out wearing his dark blue suit. For a moment, it was like we were a real couple. Raising from my seat, he held out his hand. Placing mine in his, I felt a small fluttering in my stomach. “Ready,” he asked softly.

Smiling at him, I nodded.

The butler was ready with the door as we descended the stairs. The early evening breeze was welcoming on my suddenly hot skin. The drive to one of his other casinos was quick. The restaurant area was built onto the side of the building and not inside like the others. It provided an interesting look compared to the others.

Entering, I saw my family all seated at a table to the side. “Surprise,” Aleksandr said as I gasped. I had not expected to see them. Aleksandr was beaming at me as he leaned closer and whispered in my ear. “Mila, I genuinely want things to work between us.”

I appreciated the gesture but was still wary. He could have alternative motives for bringing them here. But I was ecstatic to see them. “Thank you,” I replied softly.

As we approached, they all rose. Taking turns hugging, kissing, and greeting me made my heart swell with love. I had missed them so much.

We sat down, had drinks, shared a three-course meal, and caught up on everything that was happening. I had missed quite a bit, but after two hours, it felt like I had never left. After our final round of drinks, Leon and Cindy were the first to leave. Shortly after, Piotr and Alyssa also departed.

Konstantin and Dahlia stayed a bit longer. Once they had left, we headed home. Back in our room, I used the bathroom first to change and get ready for bed. Coming out of the bathroom, I found Aleksandr staring out the window. “This was nice,” he mumbled.

Joining him at the window, I spoke softly. “Thank you, Aleksandr. I had a lovely evening.” I was a bit reluctant to thank him but had enjoyed the company of my siblings. Plus, he gave me my phone back and I now also have a laptop. It would give me more access to things.

Maybe he was really trying. I couldn’t be sure, but time would tell. Aleksandr turned to me, taking my hands in his. His touch was warm and tender. Looking up into his golden eyes, I felt my heart skipping a beat. “I would like to do this more regularly,” I added, smiling softly at him.

Stepping closer, Aleksandr smiled warmly. Our hands were the only obstacle between us. I could feel the heat his body was giving off. His tone was filled with tender care as he responded. “I think we can come to a new agreement. We can do this once a week, or more if time allows.”

My breath caught as he leaned in closer. “I would appreciate it,” I whispered, trying to steady my emotions. His stare was penetrating. It felt like I was floating on golden clouds. My stomach made a couple of tumbles as he slowly came closer.

“I will do my best to make it happen,” he replied, brushing my lips with his. Aleksandr lifted his face and kissed my forehead. He stepped back, let go of my hands, and headed to the bathroom.

Getting into bed, I wondered if I was wrong about him.