Page 41 of Broken By the Bratva

Makari took the lead and drove us to our hide-out on the Chernykh compound. I was sure we would be safe there for a while. However, as we neared it, he stopped. “Look at that,” he said astounded.

Looking up, I saw the place surrounded by men. They had to be the Chernykh guards as no one else would be able to get in here. “Do we leave?” I heard Pavel asking form behind me.

Looking from Makari to him, I nodded as I replied. “I suppose we have to.”

Before Makari could put the car in reverse, we heard the tapping against the windows. I nearly jumped out of my boots at the sound. There were three men, one by each of our doors.

“Sirs,” the man on my side said. His tone was demanding and his stance threatening. “Please get out slowly and come with us.”

Looking at my brothers I knew they were also ready to take on this fight. We opened our doors slowly. But before we could get out there was movement. The man before me went down like a hot pack of potatoes.

Behind him, I saw Tasha standing. Pavel and Makari took their cue on time and had subdued the other two as well. I was stunned to see Nadia at Tasha’s side. Getting out I pulled Tasha into my arms. “I’m so glad you’re safe,” I breathed out kissing the top of her head.

“We have to move,” Nadia said tapping my arms.

“Yes, yes,” I replied letting go of Tasha and hugging Nadia. “Our houses have been compromised.”

“We know, but we have a plan. My family has a safe house where we can lay low for now,” Tasha added.

Looking back at my brothers, I waved them forward as I spoke. “Okay, let’s go them.” We followed Tasha and Nadia to the car they came in. Pavel got into the front with Nadia and Tasha joined Makari and me in the back.

Facing Tasha, I felt my heart swell with appreciation for her. “How did you find us? Or should I rather ask why did you come back for us? You had your freedom,” I asked gratefully.

Nadia laughed from the front as she replied. “Well to put it in simple terms, Tasha wouldn’t let it go. Her brothers wouldn’t help so she asked me. She knew you were in trouble.”

Her words hit me hard, I would never have expected this. Looking at Tasha, I noticed a glint in her eyes as I softly spoke. “Thank you.”

Tasha smiled sweetly as she laid her head on my shoulder. As we drove, I couldn’t help but ponder everything that had happened. I realized Tasha had defied her family and this could cause problems.

We would have to regroup and arrange a meeting with them. This meeting should happen quickly, but for now, I wasrelieved that we were safe. I would be able to look after my brothers.

Nadia took a turn and drove through a thick line of trees. The road had a couple of turns and twists. There were many small roads leading left and right. If you didn’t know your way around here, I was sure one could get lost easily.

We stopped in front of the large wooden cabin. Once we were safe inside, Nadia looked us over to make sure none of our wounds required treatment. “Thank you again for all of this,” I said as Tasha cleaned a craze on Makari’s arm.

She was so kind, gentle and loving. I wanted to pull Tasha into my arms and never let her go. But now wasn’t the time for such things. Once she and Nadia had cleaned all the cuts and bruises, we could have a cup of coffee and talk.

Sitting down at the kitchen table I watched in admiration as the two women made the coffee. Tasha brought me a cut. As she placed it on the table, she spoke softly. “Let me have a look at you.”

Turning to her, I held out my arms. “I would never have imagined that you would save me one day,” I said.

Tasha laughed lightly as she replied. “That makes two of us. I am just glad that we were on time and that you taught me so well.”

“Yes, you did good,” I complimented her as she wiped some blood from my neck. “You and Nadia must go. We’ll be fine here. Once we have a plan, I will contact you,” I said taking hold of her hand.

Tasha’s eyes narrowed as she glared at me. “No, I’m not leaving. I’m staying here with you. My family will just haveto understand. Nadia must go home though before they start looking.”

Nadia nodded and I watched as the two women walked out. After a while Tasha returned. “I’ll make some supper and then we can turn in for the night,” she said taking out a pan from the cupboard.

Glancing over her shoulder Tasha spoke softly. “There are some clothes in the bag I brought with if the three of you want to clean up.” Turning to face us, she smiled as she continued. “I can’t guarantee they will be a perfect fit, but the clothes are clean.”

“Right,” I replied getting up and ushering my brothers out of the kitchen. We took a quick gander at the house deciding where each would sleep and then took turns showering. Supper was ready and served by the time we returned to the kitchen.

We ate in silence and then went to sleep. The bed was welcoming. I fell asleep almost instantly.

Chapter 22 - Tasha

I didn’t expect to find my family gathering outside as I opened the door. Nadia was with them. Glancing at her, I knew she had not compromised us. “Oh, hi,” I huffed stepping out and closing the door behind me. “What are you lot doing here?”

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