Page 2 of Broken By the Bratva

“Vadik,” Pavel added stepping back as he spoke. “Are you sure we can do this? She’s a…,”

Before he could complete his thought, I rose from the table. Turning to them I folded my arms across my chest. Leaning back against the table, I responded with confidence and authority. “I’m volunteering to orchestrate this kidnapping and will take what comes. So, you guys run along and get us something to eat and drink.”

I watched as they nodded and bolted out the door. Sitting back down I turned my chair sideways so I could see out the window. Deep down inside I knew we might fail and this time it would have a huge impact on our lives.

But I had no other options. Everything was my fault. We wouldn’t have become slaves to the Chernykh’s if not for our family name. My brothers slaved away their lives. They never even had the chance at a decent try. They didn’t get to live normal lives and all they wanted was Nadia.

They had a stronger bond with her than me. Maybe because they were younger. I didn’t know. But I had to try and get her back for them. Our family wasn’t whole anymore. There was a giant hole in it without her and I had started feeling it too now.

If she just wasn’t so stubborn. I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy feat, but I had to try. Turning my chair back, I focused on what had to be done. I knew what to do even before my brothers returned.

As they stepped into the house, I spoke. “Grab your chairs and come sit with me. I have a plan we just have to finalize a couple of things.”

I waited for them as they opened the six-pack, took out three beers, and shared the food. Once they were seated, I could share the plan with them. We discussed times, places, vehicles, and strategy. We had to be sure we thought of every possibility, covered every outcome, and knew how to solve each problem that could arise.

With a solid plan in place, I made some calls to get what we required. Makari and Pavel went shopping for some other items we may need that would look suspicious if we ordered them over the phone.

Everything we’ve been through since the incident has been total chaos. But as I am the eldest, I knew this was my responsibility. I would be accountable for everything we did, all our actions, and even our failures. If things went wrong, I ensured that I took the blame.

Thus, I had to be the one to do this. Looking at my brothers, I spoke slowly considering my words with care. “Thank you both. You can be in the van. I will capture her. Once I get away with her, you two can return home. I will take her to a safe place.”

Makari and Pavel glanced at each other and nodded in agreement. So, with our plan in place, we got ready to head out. As we drove, I listened to them arguing. They were going on about who was going to drive and who was the third wheel.

“Stop,” I finally huffed at them. “If we are going to do this, we need to agree. Maraki will drive, and I will get her and Pavel…,” Taking a deep breath, I waited for him to look at mebefore I continued. “You are not the third wheel. I need you in the back with me, okay?”

Pavel nodded but I could see he wasn’t pleased. “If anything goes wrong,” I added as we neared town. “Please leave. Don’t wait for me, just get out. Do you understand?”

“But…,” Pavel started saying but I nipped it in the butt.

“No! No butts, you get out, you hear me?” I spat back.

This was my responsibility. They nodded in agreement, and we drove further in silence to the tech store Tasha frequented. It was midday, but we would take our time and watch her for a while.

Chapter 2 - Tasha

Stepping out into the fresh morning breeze, I inhaled deeply. Stretching my arms out into the air, I turned as I absorbed the life force surrounding me. To finally be allowed out and about was fantastic. After being cooped up, watched, and monitored for weeks, I had my freedom back.

I couldn’t help but smile as I walked to the new car Abram bought me. My bike was back home, and I couldn’t wait to return to my humble dwelling. I just wanted to catch up on work after staying in one of our safe houses for weeks.

Abram had insisted I use the car he got me, which worked in my favor today. I had to make a couple of stops before heading home. I wanted to upgrade my computer system and needed to get some components.

I only noticed the chill in the air as I got into the car. Trembling a tab from the cold, I turned on the air conditioner. As I started it, I could hear Alexandr’s voice in my head. “Be careful out there, all looks calm, but we never know,” he grumbled earlier as I called to let him know I was leaving.

Shaking my head, I pulled out and headed into town. I was relieved to be out of there and excited to get to the store. The roads were quiet, and I got to the computer store quicker than expected.

Entering one of my favorite tech stores, the teenager behind the counter spoke loudly. “Tasha, it’s been a while.”

Laughing, I replied as I moved towards the back. “Sorry, Lenny, been a little busy.” Lenny and his dad own the store. They have been my salvation for most of what I needed when it came to computers, software, and parts.

Pausing as I was about to disappear into the shelves, I glanced back at him as I spoke. “Do you know if your dad managed to get hold of that tablet software I asked for?”

Lenny grinned, and nodded his head, speaking in a lower tone as he responded. “You know it.” He was a special kid. “Let me grab it for you,” he added as he headed to the back of the store.

Moving down the aisle that held the screen cards, I spotted a new one. Looking at the specs, I noticed they were better than the current one I had. Grabbing it, I went back to the counter waiting for Lenny.

Lenny came bouncing through the aisle. He slid the flat package across the counter towards me. Placing my hand down, I managed to stop it from falling off the other side. Standing by the cash register, he leaned closer to me as he whispered. “This edition is customized as requested, my lady.”

“Alright,” I huffed as I leaned forward and pulled him closer into a quick hug. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

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