Possession of the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #15)

Chapter 21 - Aleksandr

I was sitting on the couch in my office going through the files Tasha had sent when Mila entered. It was all the files Mila had managed to download. “You know I wrote a report on those,” she said, sitting next to me.

Flipping through the files, I saw the report attached to the last one. “Oh, here it is,” I replied, kissing her forehead. Mila lay down with her head in my lap. Reading the report, I felt my anger building. It detailed the underground moves they had made and planned.

My blood was boiling by the time I had come to the end of the report. They had moved in on my gun shipments and my clients. Plus, they were planning on attacking my casinos.

Some of these were men my father had been doing business with since I was in nappies. I couldn’t believe the betrayal. They all appeared to have forgotten who had assisted them in their growth. They made their names with my father at their side. We had been dealing with them for so long, they felt like family.

Placing down the files on the corner of my desk, I looked into Mila’s eyes. “What’s your thoughts on the intel we discovered?” I asked.

She bit her lower lip as she thought about it. “First, I think someone within your organization is working with them.”

Her words made sense but increased the growing storm I felt inside. I couldn’t even begin to consider any of my family or employees for such a thing. I didn’t want to believe we could have a traitor in our midst. I knew it wouldn’t be any of the family who shared my blood.

“If you asked me last week about trust. I would have said with absolute certainty that I trust all my men; now I don’t know,” I replied. I took a slow breath. “The information proves that someone is talking.”

Lifting her head, I stood up and walked around my desk. “I hate having to second guess my men,” I uttered, slamming my fist on the desk.

Mila sat up as she spoke. “On page four, you’ll see that I mentioned that they were gathering intel on the family residences. One of them is surely the next target. I couldn’t get more on that, but we will have to look at it.”

As I nodded, Mila raised her hand, shifting on the couch. “Also, she added. “I have made a note on page six about a guy called Jason. He has some kind of deal going with them. I can’t tell you much about him, but I think we should start there. If you know him, it’s time to cut ties.”

I did know Jason. We had some dealings about a year back. I had wondered why he never returned my calls after that. I would be cutting more than mere ties, but I wasn’t going to share those details with her. Once I am done with them, they will regret being born. In my family, we don’t forget.

“Thanks, Mila, for everything,” I said, moving towards her as she stood up. I lightly moved a strand of hair out of her face and caressed her silky soft cheek. “I have some calls to make but will be down for lunch. Ask the chef to prepare for my siblings as well,” I added.

Mila kissed me and then headed out. I waited until I could no longer hear her footsteps before picking up the phone. I dialed Anton’s number and listened as it rang. On the third ring, he picked up. “Hey there,” his voice came booming through. “How can I assist today?”

“Come over to the estate, we need to talk. Bring Abram and Tasha as well. Akim is already here.” I said and hung up. I didn’t feel like explaining over the phone; I needed my family here and safe.

Dailing Abram’s number, I sat down. He answered quicker and this time, I didn’t wait for him to talk. “Anton’s on his way to pick you up. I’ll explain when you get here,” I said and hung up.

They all knew what it meant when I was straight. They had learned early on not to comment when I called a family meeting. It didn’t take long for them to arrive. I watched as they got out of Anton’s SUV and headed in.

I heard them coming up the stairs and down the hall as they seemingly argued about something. “Sorry,” Abram said as he stepped into my office. “I know I should knock, but you were expecting us, right?”

Nodding, I waited for them to pile in and take their seats. I gave Anton and Abram each a copy of the report Mila wrote. “Tasha,” I said, giving her a slight smile. “You had a copy. I take it you have worked through it?”

Tasha replied quickly. “Yes, I have, and I have a couple of questions and suggestions.”

“We’ll get to them,” I replied, watching my two brothers. As they read, I noticed a variety of emotions crossing their faces.

“What is going on?” Anton asked, raising his voice and his eyebrows. “What do you want us to do?”

Rubbing my chin, I grinned. “They want to harm us. But I think we could give them a run for their money, don’t you agree?” My tone was cold and ruthless. Akim pulled his face into a knot and Abram shook a tad as if a shiver had run through him. “I want you to find out who they are dealing with. We must hit them hard. To do so, it is time to take their clients. Can you handle that?”

Akim, Abram, and Anton stared at me. “What will you be doing while we handle business? It’s been a while since you’ve gotten your hands dirty?” Anton questioned.

I let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, brother, don’t worry. I’ll be handling our partners and finding the traitor.” I loved how Anton could get concerned so quickly. Glancing at Tasha, I realized she had never seen this side of me. She had been too young to be involved in such matters. Akim had heard the stories Anton told him. Even though he had not witnessed it, he had an idea.

The last time we took drastic measures was about eight years back. She was still a teenager and wasn’t part of the operations. “Am I going to meet the monster I’ve heard about growing up?” Tasha asked jokingly.

“Not if I can help it,” I replied. “Let’s grab lunch, as I also need to discuss things with Mila. But after lunch, the three of you should get moving.” My brothers nodded as they rose, and we headed down. We had lunch outside. Once we were done, my brothers left.

Neither Mila nor Tasha knew what I was capable of. I didn’t want to shock them, but had to prepare them. “Ladies,” I said as soon as we were alone. “We are being threatened, as you know. I have a past that is hidden. But with this threat, I might have to bring out a part of me I have buried.”

Mila and Tasha looked at each other, then Tasha spoke up. “We can assist. I know we can find the leak. Give us a chance.”

“This could get dangerous, and I would prefer you two stay out of it,” I added, giving Tasha a stern look.

“We are good at what we do, you know that. Let us help the family,” Mila added. “As long as it doesn’t involve the Morozov family, I am game for any move you have to make.”

“Okay,” I said, giving in. “Today you do the hacking; if you find something, relay the information to Anton and Abram.”

Mila stood sharply as she spoke. “Aleksandr, I know how Bratva families work; I can prove more valuable with Anton and Abram.”

Shaking my head, I inhaled sharply and closed my eyes. “Abram,” I huffed. “If you see the slightest inclination of trouble, you get her out. Do you hear me?”

I watched as Abram nodded. Turning to Anton, I continued. “I know you’re my go-to man. But I am asking, hear her out, listen don’t just dismiss.”

Anton nodded reluctantly, but I knew he would follow orders. Turning to Mila, I had to take another deep breath to calm my racing heart. I didn’t want to let her go. But I knew she could be valuable. “You will follow Anton’s orders. If things heat up, you go with Abram, okay?”

Mila sighed but nodded in agreement. “Right,” I continued. “Mila and Tasha will pull the building plans and find a safe way in and out. This afternoon, you head in. Make sure all the earpieces and mics, as well as the cameras, are working. Each of you will be wearing one. That is not optional.”

Anton and Abram smiled at each other and left. I knew they would ensure everything worked. Pulling Mila into my arms, I held her tightly. “Please be careful, don’t take chances. I don’t want any harm to come to you.”

She smiled and kissed my cheek. I didn’t want to let her go. I wanted to stand here and hold her forever. But I knew with my brothers, she would be safe. “Right, let’s get to work,” I said, stepping back.

I watched as Mila left to find Tasha and formulate a plan. There wasn’t much time, but they would get it done. Picking up the phone, I dialed Prim. He was one of our weapons dealers. He had recently done some trades with Jason. I wanted to find out how things went. I had to confirm if Jason was still trustworthy.

Prim was at his usual hangout and ready to see me. Wasting no time, I jumped in the car and headed over. The meeting didn’t take long as Prim knew why I came. “Jason is a snake, better watch your back,” Prim said after I asked him what he thought about Jason.

“Thanks, good to know. I’ve got to run, but we’ll catch up soon, okay?” I said, heading back out again.

Driving home, I knew I would have to call a meeting with Jason. I had to send a warning. I decided that would be our next step as I pulled up to the mansion.

Back in my office, I watched the video feed. The three had just pulled into an upper-class parking lot. “So, how did your meeting go?” Anton enquired.

“Not now, concentrate on the job at hand.” I huffed.

“You think you can persuade the dealer to switch sides?” Anton asked Mila.

“I can,” she replied, smiling. “You giving me the chance?”

“Not yet,” Anton replied sharply. “We’ll see after this.”

“Who have you reached out to?” I interrupted, noticing the tension between them.

“First, we have a kingpin, then a gun dealer, and lastly, there is a guy we’ve never met who trades in exotics.” Abram relayed.

Thinking quickly, I gave instructions. “Anton will deal with the kingpin. Abram, you take the gun dealer. Then let Mila speak to the tradesman.”

There was mumbling over the line, but neither of my brothers protested outright. I watched on the cam as the first car pulled in and stopped a couple of feet away. As soon as the man got out, I recognized him. I had seen him around but didn’t know he worked with the enemy.

Anton approached him. They spoke, and Anton handed him the briefcase. They shook on it and the man left. Anton was very chuffed with himself. “You see how it’s done?” he asked, getting back into the car. “I even got details on Jason’s operations.”

Mila just glanced at him. Before anyone got the opportunity to add, another car pulled in. This had to be the gun dealer. Abram got out and casually headed over. He convinced the guy to meet for a trade, which was a solid first step.

As he drove off, two cars pulled in. “Anton,” I said, feeling worried.

“I see,” he replied shortly.

Then Mila’s calm voice came over the line. “Guys, calm down, I’ve got this.”

I watched as she got out and headed to the cars. Anton and Abram got out but didn’t approach. They stood inside the car doors with their weapons drawn.

The guy glanced at them and spoke to Mila softly. I couldn’t make out what he was saying. Mila laughed before speaking. “Money calls for security,” she said. “I have powerful friends who can promote your business and grow your income.”

There was more mumbling. Mila handed the man a card as she replied. “Give me a call next week, and we can discuss terms.” She stood as the man got back in his car and left.

“What just happened,” I asked, letting go of the breath I was holding.

“I’ve got him hooked. He will call and set a meeting with us.” Mila responded sounding excited as she headed back to the car. “We have to do something about the girls,” she added.

“Right,” I replied. Listening to Mila working with the dealer was nice. She had something more than just business sense. “Thanks. You now only have one more stop; are you up for it?” I added

“Yup,” Anton replied. “We’re heading to Jason’s club. I hope the kingpin’s lead pays off.”

“I agree, I’ll send outfits and back-up,” I added. I watched as they went to the strip club. I had Tasha meet them with the van so Mila could change and send a team of twenty guards should anything go wrong.

The kingpin told Anton that they were holding a group of underaged girls. He said Jason planned to sell them to an underground sex ring. We dealt with heavy things, but this wasn’t right. I was surprised that they all agreed, even Mila. I was curious to see how she intended to handle it.

Mila got into the van with Tasha. “Okay,” she said. “I think Abram can pass as one of the guards.”

“Agreed,” I replied.

“Boys,” Mila said, smiling at Tasha. “How about you go around back and see if you can get Abram into one of those guard outfits.”

“Easy as pie,” Anton shot back.

I watched as my brothers went around the building. They cornered one of the guards, and Abram quickly changed into his clothing. As they came around the front, Mila was already dressed and waiting by the van.

They joined her and Tasha. “Now, Abram,” Mila said, holding his shoulders. “You will get me inside. You are bringing in a new girl looking for work. Got it?” she finished.

Abram nodded and looked at Anton. “It could work,” Anton said, pushing his hand through his hair. “Once inside, you find the girls and let us know where to go, right?” He added, looking at Mila.

“Right,” she responded.

I watched in anticipation as Abram led Mila to the door. “I’ve got a new girl for the boss,” he said smoothly. The two guards glanced at each other and let them through. Once inside, Mila and Abram split up. She went to one side, and he went in the other direction.

They opened doors and checked every room. Mila finally found stairs leading down to the basement. “I think I have something,” she whispered.

“Don’t move, Mila. Let us take it from here,” I breathed out over the line as I ordered my men to enter.

Mila didn’t wait for an invitation. My men had barely breached the club doors when Mila spoke again. “They’re all down here. I’m bringing them up.”

They managed to get the girls out without alarming anyone. My men knocked the guards out at all the doors and dragged them into the bushes. There was no need for violence, and no one got hurt.

Mila helped load the girls into the van and Tasha made sure she got them to a home of safety. From there, we knew the cops would do their jobs. “Come on home, family,” I said, leaning back in my chair. They had done good, and I was proud of each one.

As the three of them entered, I could see there was a shift in their perception of each other. Anton and Abram both appeared to have some admiration and respect for Mila. They were chatting and smiling at each other as they came towards me.

Mila was beaming with excitement. “We succeeded; together, we thrashed the enemy today,” she uttered. “Thank you for allowing me to go.”

Pulling her into my arms, I felt relieved to have her safe again. “You did a magnificent job,” I replied, smiling warmly at her. “You are an asset to us, Mila. I won’t forget what you have done.”

Mila rose to her toes and kissed me. I could feel and see the exhilaration coursing through her. It warmed my heart to see her so happy. “We are one step closer to our end goal,” I said as we greeted my brothers and watched them leave.

“Tomorrow, we will plan our next steps,” I whispered into Mila’s ear as we headed upstairs. We watched a movie and went to bed. I fell asleep, feeling her warmth against my bare chest, holding her in my arms.