Possession of the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #15)

Chapter 15 - Aleksandr

Sitting in my office chair staring out the window, I reflected on the last couple of days. We have had two dinners with Mila’s siblings now and things were easing up a bit. We have been spending more time together getting to know one another.

I learned more about her younger days, her bond with the three men, and that she loves waterlilies. As we talked, I could pick up on her deep fear of losing her brothers due to a couple of close calls in their journey. She told me about their street days, creating the org, and her need for friends.

We spoke about food, shared our travels, and even vehicles. It has been eye-opening the last couple of days. She was happier and shared more easily as we spent more time with her siblings.

Today, I have invited them to my humble abode. Her brothers and their wives would be here around two. I also decided it was time to bring the two families together. I mentioned to Mila at breakfast that I had thought about it; she didn’t reject the idea. But I didn’t inform her that I had called them.

I was slightly worried about Anton, as he could sometimes be hard to understand. Konstantin also seemed to be hot-headed. I hoped the two of them didn’t get into it. I told my siblings to bring a friend so it wouldn’t seem too odd. The Smirnovs were all married, and we weren’t. I planned on settling her family first, so I asked mine to arrive a bit later.

Shaking my head, I glanced at the computer screen. I didn’t know how long I had been preoccupied, but there were three new emails. Once I started working again, it didn’t take long for me to get absorbed. There were a couple of emails to send and orders to sort. I was concentrating so hard, I had to listen twice for the knock at the door.

Looking up, I waited to make sure. There it was again, a third knock. “Come in,” I called out, wondering if everything was okay. My staff knew not to bother unless in an emergency.

Mila poked her head around the door. Smiling, she spoke as softly as she had knocked. “My family’s here, are you joining us?”

Nodding, I replied with a soft smile. “In a moment, dear.” As I watched the door closing, I remembered that I had not informed her that my family would also be joining us. “Mila,” I called out.

She opened the door and looked at me with raised eyebrows. “Yes?”

“I invited my siblings to join us. I was going to inform you this morning, but I got so absorbed in my work. I just thought it was time for the two families to get to know each other.”

Mila nodded slowly. I was sure she was considering all the outcomes as I had done a million times. “Okay,” she said, smiling, and left.

Leaning back in my chair, I breathed in deeply. I hoped I had made the right choice. After sending the last email, I got up and headed for the door. Walking down the hall to the ‘party room,’ as Akim called it, I heard Mila laughing. It was a pleasant sound I loved but didn’t hear often enough.

I stopped for a moment and just listened. As I entered the room, everyone fell silent. The room was spacious but quite full as well. On one side of the room stood a snooker, pool, and poker table. At the back was the family bar, and on the other side was a dartboard, air hockey table, and jukebox. In the front, next to the door on either side, were pinball machines.

The room had a dark ambiance due to the black and red flooring and walls. The jukebox was playing a Bob Marley song, which was somewhat brightening the atmosphere. In the center of the room were chairs and couches where everyone was seated. It was the perfect visiting spot where no one could ever feel left out.

All the Smirnovs were looking at me as I walked across the floor. Dahlia stood and came closer. “Hi, brother,” she said, embracing me. “It’s nice to see you, and I’m thrilled you could join us this time.”

Twice now that they have come calling, I had been out or busy but this time I invited them. I had to be here as I was the one who decided to bring the two families together. I sat next to Mila on the double couch as the others relayed their greetings.

“Thank you all for coming,” I said. “I see at least Mila made sure you were all settled. Does anyone need another drink?”

Piotr glanced at the others before responding. “We’re all good thanks.”

“Then it’s only me,” I added as I rose and headed to the bar. “So, what were you talking about before I interrupted?” I questioned, glancing over my shoulder.

“Not much,” Dahlia replied. “We were telling Mila about some of the jobs we had done. I had made some silly mistakes.”

Grinning back at her, I responded in a neutral tone. “Well, please remember to tell me about those at some time.”

Dahlia rose and joined me at the bar. She replied as she came closer and hugged me again. “I’ll do so.”

Turning with my drink in hand, the door opened. The butler gave a small bow as he announced my family's arrival. “Sir, your guests have arrived.” He stood to the side, allowing my siblings to pile into the room.

Looking around the room, there were conflicting expressions. Anton turned and thanked the butler as he left the room, closing the door behind him. As Anton turned back, he met Konstantin’s gaze. I could see the fires lighting up between the two.

“This is a surprise,” Piotr said as he rose.

Smiling, I stepped forward and gestured for my sibling to sit down. “I’m glad you could all make it,” I said, watching Tasha hug Dahlia and Mila. Tasha sat on the single couch between the two double couches. Mila and I sat on one, and Dahlia sat on the other with Konstantin.

Akim and Abram took their usual spot on the double couch furthest away from the rest. As they flopped down, seemingly in sync, Abram ruffled Akim’s hair. This led to Akim giving him a light tap on the cheek. I knew where this was heading. It was their way of making light of a stressful setting. But I couldn't allow their usual antics. “Slow down, guys,” I said in a light tone.

They straightened themselves and smiled at everyone. None of them had brought a guest or partner, as I suggested. This was normal under the circumstances. We worked long hours and didn’t have many friends. The family was everything, and we were tightly knit.

Anton flopped onto the couch opposite Piotr and his wife, staring at Konstantin on the sofa next to them. They were acting like children, but I wasn’t going to interfere. I needed to see where this was heading.

Mila cleared her throat as she stood. Anton looked up at her. He shook his head and got up again. Grinning, he spoke softly as he hugged Mila, “Hi, sis.”

I watched as Dahlia also neared him and held out her arms. “Anton,” she said.

He looked around the room and then gave her a quick hug. At least he didn’t push her away. This could be good for him, I thought. Being part of a bigger crowd. Maybe he will learn to behave between people.

The tension in the room was devouring the air. It felt like someone had turned up the heat as I felt sweat running down my back. Squeezing Mila’s hand, I hoped this didn’t backfire on me. But I wasn’t going to diffuse the tension; it needed to play out.

I noticed Dahlia placing her hand on Konstantin’s leg. She leaned closer and whispered to him. Whatever she said changed his mood as he smiled, kissed her cheek, and relaxed his shoulders.

Mila had also felt it as she shifted forward, slapping her hands on her knees. “Please, everyone,” she said sternly. Can we all pretend to get along for family’s sake?” As she uttered the last part, she focused her gaze on Anton.

Anton moved uncomfortably realizing all the attention was on him now. He lowered his head and sighed. “I will behave if he does,” he uttered, lifting his head and looking at Konstantin.

Mila glanced at Konstantin and then at Dahlia, who appeared to be giving her a small nod. “Oh, he will. We are family and it is time to bury the hatchet, okay?” she added.

Everyone looked at each other and then nodded. My heart swelled as Mila sat back. I couldn’t help but stare at her in awe. She had a knack for calming situations and getting people to acknowledge differences. It was surprising how quickly she got Anton to agree.

“Abram?” Piotr said, moving forward on the couch. “Your name is Abram, right?” he asked.

Abram nodded but didn’t respond. “I was wondering what kind of work you do in the family trade. Sorry if I’m asking a personal question. But I couldn’t help noticing some of the things you did. It seems like you had military training; I could be wrong. Excuse the intrusion if I am.”

Anton chuckled as he responded before Abram could. “My younger brother only served for a year. I am surprised you could pick up on it.”

This appeared to grab everyone’s attention. Leon cleared his throat, “May I ask why?” he added.

Abram sighed, shaking his head at Anton before responding. “I was a, well, a troubled child, according to my father. He thought it would teach me some discipline.”

“I could see it. I also served,” Piotr added.

“Let’s get a drink,” I interrupted as I rose, waving my hand at everyone. Piotr and Abram stood up, joining me at the bar. We would pour drinks for everyone.

Cindy and Alyss joined the other three women and started chatting up a storm. As we returned with the drinks, I noticed Anton and Konstantin staring at each other. Akim was staring up at the ceiling. He was trying to look like he didn’t have a care in the world.

We handed each of them their glasses. The women were now occupying one side of the couches. Moving past, we sat on the other side. Passing them, I heard them talking about clothing. Smiling, I nodded to Mila as I sat down on the other single couch next to Anton.

Piotr, Leon, and Abram appeared to have made a connection and were talking nicely. Turning my attention to Konstantin and Anton. I decided to break the ice. “Konstantin,” I said, drawing his attention. “You’re into guns, as I understand from Mila?”

“I am,” he replied, glancing at me.

“So is Anton,” I replied, tapping Anton’s shoulder.

“You are?” Konstantin asked inquisitively.

Anton nodded, giving me a sideways glance. “Yeah,” he replied. His tone was flat, as if he wasn’t truly interested in discussing the topic. “Knives as well. Most weapons, if I’m honest.”

I could see Konstantin’s mood changing as he spoke. “Really, so am I.”

This seemed to shift Anton’s opinion. He shifted sideways, and the two started talking shop. The discussed models, flaws, preferences, and more.

Looking around, everyone appeared to have settled. Only Akim and I were not engaged. Akim was a loner. He tried his best to stay out of conversations and gatherings. So, I understood his evading personality.

But I was a people’s person. Yet, I couldn’t shake this feeling that her siblings still hated me. They blamed all of their issues lately on my interference. I watched the women for a while, listening to the conversation around me. Every so often, Mila glanced my way. Every time our eyes met, I felt a surge running through me. I only took in tad bits here and there of the chattering around me. My mind was drifting.

I was frustrated at the fact that I still hadn’t been able to claim her. Just looking at her, and seeing her smile, I knew she was starting to feel something. I was aware that I had to be patient in order to win her heart as well. She was my weakness, the air I breathed. I would wait for her to come to me.

As the evening passed, we enjoyed pizza and snacks. We all had a tad too much to drink but not so much that we lost our marbles. As things started coming to an end, I decided that I had to establish my dominance. I couldn’t let everyone think I was bending to her every whim.

Rising from my perch, I slowly moved around the side of the others towards her. Standing by her side, I placed a hand on her shoulder. Mila looked up at me, her eyes slightly bigger as she raised her brows. I nodded softly, indicating that I wanted her to come with me.

Mila excused herself and came around the couch to stand before me. I took her face into my hands, pulling her closer, I kissed her hard. Initially, I wanted to show my dominance, but my plan blew up in my face.

I felt her hands moving to my chest and was sure she would push me back. But she didn’t. Our kiss soon exploded into a passionate battle of lips and some tongue. It felt like I was trying to devour her with my kiss. Mila moaned softly into my mouth, and I felt my senses springing to life.

I don’t know if anyone heard her, but I didn’t care. At that point, my mind was focused on other things. Pulling away, we stared into each other's souls. I knew she was as turned on as I was. She was trying hard not to show it as she turned and headed to the bar.

Watching her, I wondered how she looked so normal. She was good, I have to admit. Mile returned to her place, and the women carried on with their conversation as if nothing happened.

Looking at the men, I noticed some disapproval from Anton and Konstantin. If they only knew how similar they were. Abram, Konstantin, and Leon continued their conversation. Akim had moved to one of the pinball machines and didn’t even notice us.

I poured another round of drinks and took my seat. “Guys,” I said as I sat down. “I think this is the last one. We all have jobs and need our rest.

Piotr nodded, holding up his glass. “To a great gathering,” he said, grinning.

The room quickly filled with agreement from everyone. I couldn’t keep my eyes off Mila. Soon, it was time for our guests to leave. I hoped for more of our passion once they left, but I would take my cue from her.

After seeing everyone off, we headed upstairs. “I’m going to take a bath,” Mila said, stepping into our room.

I nodded and knew that tonight wasn’t going further. I waited for her to finish before taking a cool shower. Laying on the couch, my mind kept going back to the fire in her kiss. Soon, I would open the box of fireworks she was holding so tightly.