Page 43 of Broken By the Bratva

“Just think about it,” I finally added feeling like I was about to explode from their silence. My palms were sweaty. It felt like a river ran down my back. My face burned from a sudden onslaught of cold, and I was sure I was about to fall over. Nervous wasn’t the word I would use but I couldn’t think of any other word.

Alexandr turned to me, a flicker of worry pacing his face as he spoke. “Tasha, are you okay?”

Suddenly feeling ice cold and sick, I shook my head. My head was dizzy, and it looked like I was swimming underwater as my vision blurred. I felt Vadik’s hand on my back and arm as she spoke to me. “Breathe, Tasha. Common, you need to breathe.”

Turning my focus to him, I tried taking a couple of small breaths. My chest burned, but the air came through. Feeling the dizziness dissipate and my vision returning, I nodded at him taking deeper breaths.

Vadik assisted me back in the chair. Alexandr came closer as he spoke. “I’m sorry, it’s just that the last couple of weeks had been tense. A bit concerning if I could put it that way.”

Feeling Nadia’s hand on mine, I looked to the side. She was kneeling next to the chair softly caressing my arm. “Thank you,” I said squeezing her hand. “But I’m fine.”

Vadik had not left my side as he stood behind me rubbing my back and shoulders. Alexandr looked at him as he spoke. “Thank you, I can see you have true feelings for my little sister. So, for the time being, I will settle with it.”

My head took another spin, and I wondered if I had caught a virus or could it be a cold. Alexandr lifted my face as he spoke softly. We will sort out our differences in time. But know if he hurts you, I will not let it stand.’’

“You know we are on the same side,” Vadik added as Alexandr went to sit down again.

After being calmed by Vadik, Nadia, and Alexandr, everyone sat back down. Anton cleared his throat and then spoke. “So, what about the Chernykhs? Are we simply going to let them go after all the trouble they caused?”

Alexandr looked at Vadik as he responded. “No, we will destroy them. Tasha has delivered enough intel for us to get in and clean up.”

Looking from one to the other, the gears in my mind started turning. “I think I have a solution,” I uttered bringing the room to silence. Looking at them, I swallowed hard before speaking again. “Please just hear me out.”

I gazed at Abram. He had that I am about to argue look on his face. But Alexandr lifted his hand into the air silencing him even before he uttered a word. Inhaling sharply, I went on. “Ourtrue enemy was never the Chernykh family. The enemy was the head of the family, and he is no longer here.”

My brothers appeared surprised, which was to be expected. Taking a deep breath, I continued. “So, why don’t we offer our assistance to them and set a ceasefire in place for now? This way they would owe us in the future. I feel having them on our side could only strengthen our business. Plus, they would no longer be a nuisance”

Silence filled the room as Alexandr sat with his thinking face on. After a while he looked at me and replied in a calm tone. “We will need some time to consider all the implications of what you are asking. We will discuss it and get back to you soon, if that is fine?”

I nodded eagerly glad that he would at least think about it. With everything said and settled for now, they got up and headed out. As the door closed behind them, I let out the deep sigh I was holding back relieved that it was over.

Once they had left, I flopped down on the sofa breathing hard. My lungs were on fire as I tried to fill them with oxygen once more. Vadik sat down beside me placing a comforting hand on my back. He gently rubbed up and down as he spoke. “You did so well, calm down, everything is going to be fine.”

Glancing at him, I flung my arms around his waist and buried my face into his chest. “You think so?” I huffed.

“You were brilliant,” he replied stroking my hair. “I would never have thought of such a good idea and I’m sure none of them would have either. It was a pure stroke of genius.” Pulling back Vadik lifted my face and kissed me tenderly before continuing. “You are a genius my little tigress.”

Chapter 23 - Vadik

Sitting outside on the grass, it was hard to consider the fact that her family might not agree. Looking at her smiling, so free, so beautiful, I could only hope we could move past all that had happened.

I had to admit, being here with her at this fairytale hideout of theirs has been eye-opening. Tasha was splashing in the small river that ran through the property. The sun’s rays shone down on her highlighting her pure essence. She looked like an angel.

Standing up, I took off my shoes, rolled up my pant legs, and went to join her. Tasha stopped and held out her hands. Taking her hands, I stepped into the icy water with her. “This is cold,” I huffed as she splashed me.

“Yes, but it’s refreshing as life, don’t you think?” she replied beaming.

“You know we have to sit and work on your plan should your family agree,” I added pulling her into my arms.

Tasha rose to her toes. Placing a tender kiss on my cheek, she spoke softly. “Yes, but let’s enjoy this moment just a little longer.”

I couldn’t deny her the small things. She kept life interesting and full of surprises. “Okay,” I agreed. “Just a little longer. She beamed brighter than the sun. My heart swelled with love for her. I was almost certain it would explode soon.

“Once this is all over, we can take a trip somewhere,” Tasha breathed out as she bounced around me in a circle.

“Sure, where would you like to go?” I asked trying to keep up with her.

She stopped turning. Looking into her eyes was like looking into a rainbow as she spoke. “Somewhere as magical as this. Maybe the Amazon forest?”

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