Page 14 of Broken By the Bratva

This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. Looking at what had to be done, I knew that I had no other options left. Iwould have to enlist her help if I wanted to get the data for the Chernykh’s.

I would discuss it with my brothers in the morning and then see if I can sway her to assist.

Chapter 8 - Tasha

I could hear them arguing through the door. Vadik sounded angry as his brothers tried to explain something. I couldn’t make out all they were saying. But I did hear something about a debt they have to repay before they could cut any ties.

Pavel, the youngest of the three siblings raised his voice and I could suddenly hear him clearly. “How many jobs must we do before our debt is paid?”

Makari, the middle brother was mumbling about being set up to fail.

Chills ran down my spine as I heard Vadik’s deep smooth voice rising as he spoke. “I know it’s difficult. But we only have to hold on a little longer. We just need to get through the missions one at a time.”

Pavel was almost screaming at Vadik as he responded. “That’s bullshit and you know it! The last couple of missions were more than impossible. I think they are setting us up to fail and to what extent?”

I felt a slight pang in my chest. I didn’t think they were really all that bad. But there may be something to what Pavel is saying.

Makari spoke next, his voice now also raised. “Yeah, what’s up with all these new types of jobs? We know nothing about hacking. How do you intend to get the intel they asked for?” Before anyone could respond, he continued. “Wait, I know. They want to punish us for Nadia’s mission, don’t they? That’s why they give us jobs they know we can’t complete.”

I could hear Vadik sighing as he moved around. “You’re right, I guess. They want us to suffer for her betrayal and failure. They know we can’t do this.”

Pavel spoke next. “Nadia is blood, and we will take whatever they throw at us, right.”

I wondered what he meant by this. Yet, my mind wandered off as I considered the fact that we may have had a hand in this situation. Even if it was only a small part. I didn’t want my brothers and Nadia back in this fight, I didn’t want them at risk.

Moving away slowly, I returned to my room. I had to talk to Vadik. They had another job coming up, and I decided I would help them. I heard him talking about gathering intel and felt sure it would involve hacking.

It was the least I could do. After all, they had not harmed me in any way since they kidnapped me. It could be a way I could thank him for not being a total ass hat. Shaking my head, I tried clearing the thoughts swimming around my head. It could also be a good way to get close and gather intel on the Chernykh’s.

I didn’t want to be discovered by them. I wanted to make things harder for them. To do that, I needed my own intel. Laying back on the bed, I wondered how I would get word to my brothers without upsetting the apple cart.

There was a knock at the door. Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes wondering how long I had slept. I hadn’t even realized I had dozed off. “Yes,” I spoke as I stood up.

“Lunch is ready,” Pavel’s sweet voice came through the closed door.

“Thank you, I’ll be right down,” I responded lightly. After washing, I headed down to the dining room. Pavel was sitting atthe large table by himself. “Where’s everyone?” I inquired as I took my place.

“Vadik’s in his office,” he said between bites. “Makari, well, I don’t know.”

I quickly ate the toasted sandwich. I needed to see Vadik. I wanted to offer my assistance.

“Thank you for sharing lunch with me,” I said as I rose.

Pavel looked up at me. He smiled broadly as he lifted his hand to his brow saluting me. “You’re welcome,” he replied.

Turning, I rushed out and up the stairs. Vadik’s office was down the hall from my room. I passed his room and stopped before his office door. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. There was mumbling from inside.

Opening the door, I peeked my head around it. He was sitting on a couch by the fireplace. He didn’t even look up as I walked in. His elbows were perched on his knees and his head rested in his hands.

I felt a knot forming in my throat as I watched him. All of this had to be hard, but he didn’t show it to his siblings. He always had this strong vibe he gave off. Yet now he sat here looking defeated. I had never seen him this way.

Gathering my courage, I spoke clearly. “Vadik, I want to assist you with the new mission. That is if I can.”

As he lifted his head looking at me. I felt my breath catching in my throat. His light green eyes appeared lighter than usual. I felt sure the light coming in through the window was playing with them, but they were so beautiful.

There was a flicker of concern in those shining eyes as he spoke. “Are you sure you want to get involved in something so dangerous as this?”

Nodding, I replied quickly. “Yes, I want to assist in any way I can. I know you can’t do this on your own.”

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