Page 23 of Broken By the Bratva

Vadik stirred and groaned as I started stitching up the wound. “May I ask how this happened?” I inquired in a gentle tone.

“Vadik can tell you what he wants you to know once he wakes,” Makari replied.

I felt my insides turning as I closed the wound. What had I done by being selfish? I allowed my emotions to get the upper hand and look at what happened. He wouldn’t be lying here had I just gone with and helped them.

Scanning him, I noticed a gash on his other side. “Help me turn him so I can get to that side,” I said as I rose.

His brothers gently turned him to his side. I quickly cleaned the wound and applied lotion before putting on the gauze and bandage.

Once the wounds were closed and I had applied the wrapping we could try and move him. Looking at the two men beside me I spoke, “Where can we put him to rest, he can’t stay on the couch.”

They looked at each other and nodded. “Right,” Makari huffed as they lifted Vadik from the couch. “Under the stairs in the corner room,” he added as they started moving.

I went ahead of them and opened the door. There was a single bed, a table, and a couch in the room. Opening the covers, I stood at the end of the bed until they placed him down.

Pavel stepped back and spoke as he turned to leave. “I guess he will be fine here. Can you manage on your own now?”

I nodded while pulling the covers up to warm him. “Thanks,” I replied without looking back.

“I’m also leaving then,” Makari added. “Let me know if you need anything or if he changes?”

“No problem,” I replied over my shoulder. Sitting down on the couch I watched him with a heavy heart. Even though this was partially my fault, I wasn’t the only one to blame. Looking out the window, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to escape.

I could simply leave. With Vadik down for the count, no one would be there to stop me. They may not even notice I was gone. It could be a day or so before they realize. Standing, I walked to the window, the light outside was still enough for me to get to town and call my brothers.

Turning to face him, I swallowed hard. I felt guilty. What if something happened to him and no one was there to check and ensure he was, okay? No, shaking my head, I sat back down. I had to stay and ensure he recuperated. I would stay the night to be sure he survived.

He was badly injured and needed me. Plus, even when he is back in full health, the right time for me will come. I will stillbe able to escape, I just need to be patient. Plus, when I do it later, it will be much sweeter knowing I got away.

Getting up, I quickly went to the table and sent Abram a message via Nadia. I informed them of the developments and let them know I was still good. Grabbing the extra blanket from the foot-end of the bed. I covered myself as I sat back down. Wiggling down, I got comfortable before closing my eyes.

Chapter 13 - Vadik

Lifting my head, I looked around. Tasha was standing by the window staring out. She didn’t notice I was awake at first and jumped as I spoke. I had to admit, I might have also been frightened if I had heard someone talking to me in such a hoarse voice.

“Hi there.”

She spun around to face me. A small smile formed on her luscious lips, but it was only briefly before being replaced by a frown. I smiled back as I studied her. Her robe had come undone, exposing her nighties. She was wearing the sexiest nighties I had ever seen.

“How are you feeling?” she asked walking towards me. She stopped next to the bed.

Pushing up on my arm, I ground my teeth, biting back the scream as my body flooded with pain. Flopping back down, I groaned softly.

Tasha snickered at me, “You need rest to heal. Don’t try to move right now!”

My body protested every move I made. Glancing up at her, I noticed her frustrated gaze. “Why?” she huffed sounding outraged. I didn’t know where this anger suddenly came from.

“Why what?” I inquired confused.

Tasha glared at me as if I had offended her. It sounded like she was yelling and fighting with me as she responded. “The Chernykhs! Why do you let them use and abuse you? They make you do all their dirty work. They walk all over you and undermine you. And you simply allow it! I don’t understand.”

Tears started rolling down her cheeks as she. Taking a deep breath Tasha started turning away. Taking hold of her hand even though it hurt me, I stopped her. The ache in my heart was stronger than the pain in my arm. “Tasha,” I whispered. “Please sit with me. Let me explain.”

Closing my eyes I took a deep breath. I felt her bottom against my leg. Looking at her I smiled tenderly as I squeezed her hand before speaking. “Thank you for caring, but please don’t stress about things you don’t understand.”

Tasha shifted softly to face me. “Please tell me what they have on you. It’s all that makes sense,” she whispered.

Lowering my gaze, I swallowed hard. This wasn’t easy to talk about. But I owed her that much. My throat felt dry and scratchy as if a sandstorm had passed through it. Looking at her, I started to explain. “So, my father used to work for them, the Chernykhs. Everything was good, we were a happy family. Then one day it all changed.”

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