Page 33 of Bossed Around By the Bratva

“Can’t wait,” I replied, smiling up at him. I watched as he walked out and down the hallway.

My phone rang. Picking it up, I saw it was Iosif. I jumped up from my table. I walked at an increasing speed to the bathrooms. As I entered, I answered. “Yes, brother, how can I assist today?”

I heard him grumbling under his breath before he spoke. “Family meeting tonight, don’t be late.”

Before I could reply, the line went dead. Walking to the basin, I felt my heart drop to my feet. How can he do this, I thought, staring at my reflection. Walking back to my desk, Iplayed my responses over and over in my head. If I only had the opportunity, I told myself, knowing I would never say no to Iosif.

I flopped down into my chair. I was relieved Akim had left for the day. I wouldn’t have been able to cancel with him if I had to look him in the eyes.

Sighing, I picked up the phone and dialed Akim. I tried to keep my tone normal as I spoke to him. “Hey, Akim. I’m sorry, but I have to cancel our dinner. Something has come up that cannot wait. Can I get a rain check?”

“Oh, ok,” he replied, sounding distant. “I guess that’s fine. Is everything okay? Can I help with something?”

“Yes, no, I mean no. Everything is fine. I’ll call you when it’s done. Maybe we can still have that dinner or meet up for drinks?” I asked.

“That sounds nice. Let’s do that then. I’ll be waiting for your call,” he replied before hanging up.

I felt bad that I had ditched him, but I had no other options. Finishing up, I headed to the Chernykh mansion.

Upon my arrival at our family home, I found all my siblings already gathered. I entered the lounge, nodded in greeting, and sat on one of the couches furthest away. I never had much to say and wasn't interested in hearing about things where, according to them, I didn’t have a place.

As the youngest, I wasn’t given any responsibilities. So, I mostly sat in silence, getting bored to death. I was only there because my father used to insist we all attend. Should something happen to the men, we knew what was going on.

I sat back, kicked off my shoes, and placed my feet on the coffee table. I tried to look interested as I listened to my brothers discussing packaging warehouses, gun orders, drugdevelopment, and delivery schedules. They had so many aspects to talk about. Then, they also talked about the projects for the Vaselievs.

Iosif glanced at me, giving me his usual disapproving look. I pulled my feet off the table. Sitting up straight, I felt bored. I wanted to leave. I had better things I could be doing. Like going out with Akim on a date. But I knew I had to be here.

We only held family meetings once a month, and I was sure the three of us women were invited only so we wouldn’t feel left out. It wasn’t like they needed us or even wanted us there. Plus, I had to ensure that Timofey kept his mouth shut.

Then I heard Avgust mentioning something about the Dubow Morozov real estate project.

“Yes,” Iosif said. “I’ve seen some of the work. The Dubow Morozov Alliance with that real estate company has been making a splash. Some of those appear precisely planned and executed. I wonder who their secret weapon is. I see a great future for them if they keep it up.”

“Yes,” Avgust agreed. “I second that. Maybe we should take a closer look at the projects. See if there is anything we could assist with.”

Hearing this made me very happy. I was thrilled as I was in charge. Yet, I couldn’t share this knowledge with them. Not yet.

I sat on the edge of my chair, intently listening to them. They were praising one after the other estate project. Complimenting one’s design, one's appearance, and then something else on another. Every time, something else amazed them.

It was so nice listening to them. I couldn’t help but smile as I knew I had a hand in all of those.

Once the meeting was concluded, Iosif looked at us. “Right, how about we grab a nightcap before heading in our separate directions?” Grinning, I got up and followed them into the kitchen. On the table were bottles of alcohol, wine, a coffee pot, and some juices for people like me who didn’t drink.

Each of us poured our own drink. Then they split up into their little clusters, chatting away about whatever interested them. Timofey came waltzing up to me. Lightly taking hold of my arm, he dragged me to the corner.

“Why haven’t you spoken up?” he asked, looking confused. “Aren’t you proud of everything you’ve done? I mean, look at how pleased they are with the estate projects.”

Shaking my head softly, I replied confidently. “No, Timofey. Please, the time is not right. This stays our little secret. If Iosif finds out, he will pull me out of this. You know I need it. I need to prove what I can do before we tell anyone.”

He pulled me into a light hug. “I understand,” he said, glancing around. “But I must say, well, compliment you rather on the great job you’re doing.”

Grinning, I gave his hand a soft squeeze as I replied. Thank you.”

Turning, I looked at my sisters. They were standing on the other side of the table. I listened as they discussed fashion, beauty products, and changes they planned to make to the house.

I was the only one staying in a condo. Iosif, Avgust, Lukyan, and Timofey all live in our parents' home. Misha andElisse, my two sisters, stayed in a townhouse. They still seemed to be taking care of each other.

Being the youngest, I’ve always been a little left out of the group. My two sisters were like twins. They did everything together as they got along the best out of all of us. They didn’t want places of their own; they insisted on living together.

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