Page 42 of Broken By the Bratva

“What are we doing here?” Abram replied. I could hear his anger surging through his tone. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide the Vasilievs forever. But I had hoped to have more time to prepare.

“May we come in and chat, Tasha?” Alexandr asked calmly.

Glancing back at the door, I felt my heart racing in my throat. “I suppose you could,” I replied hesitantly as I opened the door. Walking in before them, I wondered where Vadik and his brothers had gone.

The small lounge was empty, as was what I could see of the kitchen. “Coffee?” I asked as my brothers sat down.

“I’ll help,” Nadia offered nodding at Abram.

Entering the kitchen, I could feel Nadia practically walking on my heels. I was relieved that no one else was with us. Sighing, I turned to her. “Are you also nervous?” I whispered.

Nadia nodded as she filled the kettle and put it on. “Where are my cousins?” she asked sounding a tad worried.

“I don’t know, they were here a minute ago. But what are my brothers doing here? How did they know where I went?” I questioned her.

Nadia let out a deep breath as she spoke. “I’m not sure what happened. Alexandr called and then Abram told me wewere coming out here. I wanted to warn you but there was no time.”

I took out the cups and prepared a serving tray. “We have to nip this visit in the butt,” I said pouring the hot water into the pot.

Nadia walked to the door and back. “I suspect Anton or Alexandr figured out you were up to something and now they are here to confirm their suspicions,” Nadia added picking up the tray.

“Yes, that makes sense,” I replied nodding.

“So, what are you planning to do them?” she asked as we headed back to the lounge.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke softly before we entered. “Honestly, I don’t know. I think it’s best to first find out why they came here and then decide.”

Nadia nodded and entered. She placed the tray on the small table. Once everyone had a cup, I sat down looking at them. Clearing my throat, I decided to strip the plaster off and get it over with. “So, to what do I owe this visit?” I asked.

Alexandr placed his cup down. “You were supposed to stay at Abram’s yet, you sneaked out. So, what happened? Where are they?” I could hear the aggression in Alexandr’s tone as he questioned me.

Before I could reply, I heard movement behind me. “Please, let me speak,” Vadik’s deep voice floated over my shoulder. Glancing back, I saw him standing in the doorway.

Looking back at the people in the room, I noticed the anger in the room thickening the air.

“Let’s hear him out,” Nadia said as my brothers sprang up ready for a fight.

My brothers looked at each other and sat back down. I was relieved that she had spoken up. Vadik moved to my side. I felt his strong presence as our arms collided softly.

“I am truly remorseful for kidnapping Tasha and everything you all went through,” Vadik said. I felt his shoulder sagging as he took a deep breath. “I know we have caused a lot of confusion and pain. It wasn’t our intention.”

Looking at my brothers, it appeared that Alexandr was the only one that was calm. Anton looked like he was ready to commit murder. He was clenching his fists as hard as his jaw. Abram had that insane look in his eyes he got when he could barely keep it together.

I knew he was swallowing it only for Nadia’s sake, but I was glad for that. I hoped they would at least take in his words and not shut it out due to anger. And I didn’t just mean hearing his words but also understanding where it came from.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, I lightly touched Vadik’s back as I stood with him. I had made up my mind. Nadia knew everything. Looking at Vadik, she spoke in a sweet and kind tone. “I forgive you for everything. I know it was done out of love and care for me. Plus, you have protected Tasha and taken good care of her.”

Vadik glanced at me as he nodded. He smiled warmly at Nadia as he replied. “Yes, but the way I did it was wrong. I know that now.”

My brothers looked at Nadia as if she had suddenly grown a second head. If not for the severity of the situation it would have been comical. Anton turned to her as he spoke. His tone didn’t hold the slightest indication of friendliness. “Why the hell would we forgive him?” Turning to Vadik, he continued to spout. “You took our baby sister and now you want forgiveness?”

Feeling an uneasiness creeping in, I took hold of Vadik’s arm. He kept his cool as he replied in a calm tone. “I don’t expect forgiveness, not now anyway. But maybe a little understanding. Haven’t I at least earned that?”

Abram’s voice roared through the room as he stood up. “How dare you!” he spat at Vadik. “How dare you come here and ask for anything after what you have done?”

Nadia took hold of Abram’s arm and pulled him back to the couch.

Not able to take it anymore, I yelled silencing the room. “Stop it, keep quiet!” I stood staring at the floor for a moment trying to pick up the pieces of me that had just shattered.

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