Page 28 of Broken By the Bratva

“Okay, on my way,” she replied as I left.

I had just sat down when Tasha strolled through the door. “Did you sleep well?” I asked as she sat down.

Tasha smiled at me, nodded, and replied, “Yes, thank you.”

The maid came out with our breakfast, and we ate in silence. I watched her as she sat across from me. My emotions were up and down. I had to push them back if I intended to rescue Nadia. Swallowing the bite I took. I cleared my throat before speaking. “So, after breakfast, I think, you should go get ready, I have a whole day planned.”

She pulled her face lightly as she swallowed. “Okay,” Tasha replied between bites. I stayed downstairs as she went up to get ready. I had to ensure the guards knew where to be at all times.

Chapter 16 - Tasha

My stomach made a couple of wild turns as I prepared for our semi-date. I had no idea what to expect and it was slightly unsettling. Vadik had requested I wear something nice but comfortable. What did that mean?

Staring at the clothing hanging before me, I finally decided to wear jeans and a silky blouse. Checking the clock as I headed to the shower, I knew I had to be quick. The time seemed to have run away, it was almost time to leave.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I pinned up my hair and looked at my reflection in the mirror. “Yes,” I spoke to myself. “That’ll do.” Moving to open the door and head down, I found Vadik about to knock.

“Hi,” he breathed out pulling his hand back swiftly. “You look nice,” he added smiling.

I was relieved he approved. It was only a thank-you date, but it felt good to be going out. Outside three cars were waiting. “Why so many cars?” I asked as he held open the door for me.

“Just safety precautions,” Vadik responded closing the door. But I saw him speaking to the drivers and guards before he got in next to me.

Looking at him, I asked again, “What did you tell them? Why are there so many guards and where are we going?”

“No need to worry. Wait and see,” Vadik replied grinning widely.

I was slightly worried about the number of guards but as we drove the cars became less and I settled. The drive wasn’t long either. The limo had barely stopped when Vadik jumped out. He quickly moved around and opened my door.

Stepping out I studied the place and area trying to see if I knew where we were. But nothing looked familiar. There was a sign next to the entrance that read ‘Mini Golf’. I looked at Vadik a bit puzzled. “What are we doing here?” I inquired.

Vadik laughed heartily before replying. “Why do you look so unsure? Have you never played Mini Golf?”

“No,” I said shaking my head and shrugging. “I have not. Isn’t it a child’s game? I never considered it something fun to do.”

There were large walls surrounding the place. Entering through the main doors, I saw a small office on the one side and a cafeteria on the other. Vadik paid at the office and collected our gear. “Want something to eat or drink?” he asked handing me a silver golf club.

“No, thanks, I’m fine,” I replied.

I followed him out the other side to the course. It was much bigger than I had expected. The course held a variety of animated objects at the end of each putting lane. They started one side, with twists and turns leading to the end hole.

The first couple of lanes went very slowly for me. Vadik almost sunk each ball with his first shot. I took five to ten hits to get it close enough to sink it. There wasn’t much conversation as we started. I wasn’t sure what to talk about. I assumed he felt the same.

After four or five lanes, I felt frustrated at the course and Vadik. He appeared to find my poor play quite amusing. When we got to the fifth hold, Vadik went first. I watched his ball run the curves and land next to the end hole.

As I prepared to make my shot, Vadik held his hand up stopping me. “Would you like me to show you how to play?” he inquired.

“Sure,” I responded bluntly. He could have offered to show me with the first hole, but no he waited so I could amuse him first.

Vadik tapped me on the shoulder as he came to stand beside me. “Just relax, the more tension you have the harder it is to make a good shot. Just go with the flow,” he instructed.

“Easier said than done,” I replied over my shoulder rolling my eyes.

Holding his club out before him, he spoke as he showed me how to hold it. “Place your hands one above the other. Keep your grip close and tight. Your stronger hand should be the one in front.”

Shifting my hands, I held the club up. “Like this?” I asked.

“You almost have it, nice,” he replied, grinning. Vadik moved to stand behind me. “Let’s look at your stance,” he said, taking hold of my hips. Move your feet a bit more apart and bend your knees a tad.”

---