Page 32 of Broken By the Bratva

Once it was fully opened, I found myself starstruck. The night sky was so beautiful. It was filled with stars and even a hint of color. I felt a lonely tear slipping out of my eye and streaking down my cheek.

I was glad Vadik couldn’t see my expression. I breathed in slowly. It felt like I was floating on clouds emerging in the absolute brilliance of nature. “Thank you,” I whispered not wanting to disturb the night sky.

Feeling his fingers closing around mine, I glanced at him. “I’m glad you enjoyed your day and evening,” he replied softly squeezing my hand.

Pulling his hand properly into mine, I smiled as I responded. “We can do this any time, you just let me know when.”

“I would love that, today was amazing,” he said. I stared at the stars in the sky. It was a good day. I could do it again. He appeared to be a good guy even though he had a hard shell. Inside I was sure he was much softer.

Chapter 17 - Vadik

The drive to the Chernykh’s property was quick. I had to make time to spend with the boss’s children. With everything happening, I wanted them to know that I, or rather that we could be trusted.

Even though I had called the meeting, it felt like there was a large piece of rock stuck in my throat. I was nervous but knew we had to do damage control after being silent for more than a week. Plus, I felt like getting closer to the two eldest sons could prove vital in the future.

I parked to the side of the door to the massive mansion. Getting out I noticed the increased pressure of guards. They looked like a colony of ants parading around checking every bush and corner. I wondered what was going on but didn’t dare ask. They were a private family.

The two eldest sons, Iosif and Avgust, were waiting by the door. I met them a couple of times when I came to see their father about the jobs we were doing. “Hi, there,” I said lifting my hand as I walked closer. “How’s your father doing?”

Avgust nodded, opened the door, and stepped inside. Iosif just glared at me as I came to stand before him. He was the eldest and would be taking over from his father. “Follow me to the office, we can talk there,” Iosif said. I could hear the aggression in his tone.

I walked behind him with Avgust behind me. For a moment, it felt like I was a prisoner being led to the guillotine. I knew they were better than their father. He is a brutal man. But the couple of times I dealt with these two men had been oddly more pleasant.

We passed the indoor swimming pool, and I saw two young women lounging on the far side. I was sure these were their two sisters. Three other younger men were splashing around in the pool.

I hadn’t met all the children in person. But you didn’t have to be a genius to know these were all siblings. Hearing Iosif clearing his throat, I turned my attention back to him. He was waiting at a door just a couple of feet away.

Stepping in, I found myself in a more traditional office. This wasn’t his father’s office. Mr. Chernykh had a luxurious office on the other side of the mansion. This one was bare. It only had a desk, some cabinets, and four chairs. There were no photos or any other signs that it was used regularly.

This setting would appear cold to an outsider, but I knew these men. They weren’t cold and ruthless like the man they called father. Even though they grew up under his strict and evil rule, they were kinder and softer but only up to a point. I felt sure out of all of them Iosif may end up being almost as dangerous as his father.

Iosif leaned against the desk while Avgust stayed in the doorway. He was leaning against the door as if he was a guard. Iosif spoke, his strong demanding voice ringing through the room. “So, do you want to tell me why you called this fucking meeting as you know what’s going on?”

I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy meeting. Their father had an iron grip on things. Taking a breath, I spoke calmly. “I just wanted to let you know that I am here. If there is anything you need done, I’m here. I know I’ve been silent for a while, but I am ready to work.”

They looked at me suspiciously, their eyes narrowing as a deep furrow appeared on their brows. I knew I had to explainmyself quickly. “What I meant to say is if you should need assistance with anything, any job, we are here for you all. You can call on us for anything that needs to be taken care of. I am here to aid you.”

I waited patiently as they shared an intense look. It appeared they were sharing their thoughts. I knew this wasn’t possible. Yet, one would think so seeing them. Deep down inside, I knew I would do anything they asked to protect my sibling.

Plus, I had to protect Tasha and her identity. I wanted her as safe as possible. If that meant I had to do a couple of morally compromising jobs, then so be it.

Avgust cleared his throat, bringing me back from my thoughts. “I can’t speak for my brother. But I am glad to hear that you are still loyal to us,” he said stepping closer with his hand outstretched.

As we shook, Iosif laughed. It was more of a hoarse chuckle and strange coming from him. He has never been the overly friendly kind. Thinking about it, I have never heard him laugh before. “Don’t look so tense,” he said taking hold of my shoulder and squeezing hard. “Come join us for coffee so we can discuss some work. I think there are some jobs you could assist with.”

Nodding at him, he let go of my shoulder and headed out of the office. I followed the two as they now both walked ahead of me. I marveled at the fact that they appeared much calmer and more collected than their father ever did. If something like this had happened to their father, the world would have been at war. He would have destroyed everyone left and right without thinking twice.

As we passed the pool area again, the two stopped. Iosif turned to me as he spoke. “I don’t think you’ve met our other siblings, have you?”

Glancing at the bunch of young adults in and around the pool, I shook my head as I replied. “No, I haven’t had the honor or opportunity to meet them.”

Avgust smiled. “Over her,” he said. “We have our three younger brothers.” The three exited the pool and came closer as he waved at them. “This is Lukyan, the eldest amongst them.”

Lukyan glared at me but reached out his hand to greet me. I was taken by how much he looked like their father. It was like staring through a looking glass at a younger version of the man. His eyes, oh, those evil eyes. I could only hope that with a different upbringing, and more input from his older brothers, he wouldn’t turn out like their father.

Once we had shaken, he turned and went back to the pool. Avgust shook his head watching his brother dismiss us so easily. “Then there is this handsome one,” he added chuckling. “He is Timofey, and last but not to be dismissed, our scoundrel, Elisse. He is the second youngest.”

The two other boys also shook my hand. Timofey had a strong grip and was going to be a good man. His smile was warm, and his eyes were honest. Lifting my gaze, I noticed the girls also strolling over.

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