Chapter 18 - Joyce

Anton took me to my house in the morning to collect some of the things I might need. Once I had packed most of my clothes, some photos, and other essential items, we headed back to the safe house. I didn’t unpack much as I knew he intended to move me to his family home.

It took me around three hours just to decide what to wear as my nerves ate at me. Once I had most of my closet scattered around his bed and the floor, I finally found the dress I sought.

Not knowing what to expect, I wanted to look decent but not like a prude. I had to be modern but also modest. The soft green dress wasn’t overly flashy or revealing. It framed my figure nicely, and gave me a note of charm.

As we drove up to his family home, I clamped my hands over my mouth to keep the gasp from escaping. It was mythical. The family home was a mansion. I had never been in such a majestic place ever in my life.

Pulling up to the enormous front door, I noticed the butler waiting for us. He opened my door and held his hand for me. “Welcome, madam,” he said as I got out. He was a stocky elderly man, but his entire being radiated a calmness.

“Thank you,” I replied politely as Anton joined us.

“Ready to meet the family?” Anton asked as he held his arm out. Wrapping my hand around his arm, I nodded, feeling my insides turn violently. We walked up the stairs to where the butler held open the door.

Entering the mansion, I felt my breath falling away. The entrance was enormous, with doors leading out to all the sides and stairs going up left and right. I suddenly felt like I had stepped into a children’s fairytale.

“They’re all in the dining hall,” the butler stated as Anton glanced at him questioningly.

Anton turned to the right and headed through one of the doors. Entering the dining hall, I felt my nerves gnawing at the back of my mind. In the middle of the room was a large table and more people than I expected. He said he had a big family, but I expected to meet them individually.

Here before me sat five strangers, all staring. Their glares were intimidating. Two of the three men were also built like Anton, yet the youngest one appeared smaller in build. The two women at the table smiled warmly, easing the atmosphere a tinge.

The man at the head of the table stood and walked toward us. “Morning, or shall I say good afternoon,” he huffed, holding out his hand. His voice was much deeper than Anton’s. I could hear his authority coming through strongly. “I’m Alexandr.”

“Joyce,” I replied softly, shaking his hand. His grip was firm but didn’t hurt. As he let go and returned to his seat, Anton directed me to the other end of the table. The dark-haired woman rose and greeted us as we walked closer.

“Mila, pleased to meet you, Joyce. I’m Alexandr’s wife,” she said. Her tone was a lot friendlier, and her grip much softer as she pulled me into a hug.

Smiling at her, I nodded as I spoke. “Please to meet you, Mila.”

Anton placed his hand on the small of my back as we turned, facing the table. The two other men were next to Alexandr, on the other side. On our side sat another woman, whom I assumed was the sister. “That is Abram and Akim,” Anton said, pointing at them. They only nodded but said nothing, so I nodded in return.

“This young woman is Tasha, our sister.” He added, pulling out the chair beside her for me to sit in.

“Pleased to meet you,” Tasha said, holding out her hand.

Taking it, I gasped as her hand felt frozen. “Sorry,” I said, realizing my gasp wasn’t good.

But she smiled, shaking her head as she replied. “No worries, I have cold hands sometimes.”

Anton sat down on my other side as I was bombarded with questions. “What exactly do you do for a living?” Alexandr asked.

Abram interrupted before I could even formulate a reply. “Were you born here?”

Glancing from Alexandre to Abram, I wondered who to answer first as Akim also threw a question my way. “When do we get to meet your family?”

“Stop,” Anton added abruptly, taking my hand and squeezing it lightly. We will get to all your questions. Let’s at least share a meal first and give Joyce time to settle in with us.”

Mila rose as she spoke. “I agree,” She lifted her hand, and the maids came pouring into the room. There was coffee, tea, and some juice to drink. Anton poured a glass of juice for me and smiled tenderly as he handed it to me.

Taking a sip, I felt Tasha’s cold hand on my arm. “Just ignore them,” she whispered. “Once they get to know you, they ease up.”

The maids brought out a variety of foods and placed them in the center of the table. Anton dished up for me as the others started helping themselves. And so, our meal began once everyone had a plate of food and something to drink.

I listened to the family before me as they conversed with each other. Our family meals were never this lively. So, I kept quiet as I wasn’t sure what to say. They discussed some work issues that sounded Greek to me, as I didn’t understand much.

Alexandr sat listening for a while, then looked at me as he spoke. “Joyce, are you comfortable enough now to tell us more about yourself?”

I glanced at Anton. He was about to say something, and I was sure he was going to change the subject again, so I stopped him. I felt they had a right to know who I was seeing and that I would stay with them.

“Yes,” I replied, hoping my tone sounded confident even though I felt like melting into the floor. “I did grow up around here. I am an only child and grew up in a very strict family. I work in customs and enjoy what I do.”

Smiling softly, I hoped my answers would satisfy them. The three men didn’t look moved at all, but Alexandr nodded. I could feel sweat forming on my neck and hands. I glanced around anxiously and was relieved when Alexandr spoke to Tasha. The others also returned to their conversations.

Tasha was telling her eldest brother about some warehouses she was tracking. It sounded quite interesting. Once they were done talking, I smiled at Tasha as I drew her attention. “Tasha,” I said quietly. “Can you tell me more about what you do?”

“Yeah, sure,” she replied without hesitation. “I work from the office mostly doing research for the jobs.”

“So, you also work with your brothers?” I questioned. I was astonished to find out she was part of their Bratva world. The little I knew and heard only ever spoke of the men.

Tasha laughed. It was a delightful sound that instantly set me at ease. “You sound surprised, but I am also part of the family, and so is Mila.” I glanced across the table at Mila, who was talking to Anton. I couldn’t hear what they were discussing. She noticed me looking at her, Mila smiled and nodded.

Turning my attention back to Tasha, I lowered my voice as I spoke. “What does she do?”

“Mila is also a hacker. But she also infiltrates and collects things when needed.”

My eyes widened, and I was sure they must have looked like saucers as Tasha burst out laughing. The room fell silent as everyone looked at us. I lowered my gaze to my lap, feeling my cheeks heating up.

Anton leaned closer, speaking softly as he took my hand. “And the blushing. What are the two of you talking about that Tasha is getting laughing fits?”

“The women also work in the family business,” I whispered to him.

“Yes, they do,” he replied, squeezing my hand. “Everyone does. It is how we keep things running smoothly.”

Anton turned back to Mila and continued their discussion. For a moment, I sat wondering if I could get involved. But I didn’t want to get lost like Jax did or turn bad. “So, you’re a hacker?” I asked Mila.

“Yes, I log into computer systems and find the necessary details to complete our work.”

I sat back, wondering how it worked and if I would be able to do such things. Once the meal was done, Anton announced we would be leaving as we had a lot still to do. I thanked Alexandr and Mila for their hospitality before we left.

On our way back to Anton’s place, I spoke up. “Anton,” I said hesitantly. I wasn’t sure how he would feel about me getting involved. Yet, all the women in their family were. Except, I wasn’t part of the family even though I couldn’t return to my old life.

He glanced at me as he spoke. “Yes?”

“I was wondering if there was something I could do to help,” I added, choosing my words carefully.

“No,” Anton spat at me, slamming on the brakes so hard, that I almost knocked my head against the window. He turned to me as he continued. “There is no way I am allowing you to get involved. We will protect you, but I’m not going to allow you to get involved, do you understand?”

“I will stay with Tasha in the office, I’ll be safe there, won’t I?” I said, glaring at him.

Anton turned back in his seat, staring out the front window. “No, I’m sorry; I won’t put you in any kind of danger, which means keeping you at the mansion.”

As I started talking, Anton, took my hand and faced me again. “But I…”

“No, Joyce, please. No, buts.” The look in his eyes was soft and filled with care. “Please, can we let this go?”

I nodded, deciding to leave it for now. We drove the rest of the way to the safe house in silence. I decided I would ask again once he was calmer. I was surprised to learn he cared even if he didn’t say it.

Once we got back, Anton took a quick shower. He sat at the table by the window with his laptop, checking emails. I went to the bathroom and took a long bath to give him time to calm down.

Returning to the room, I found him on the bed, flipping through the stations. “Anything interesting on?” I inquired as I joined him.

“Not really,” he replied. Anton switched off the television as I sat down next to him. “Tell me more about your life,” he inquired, turning to face me.

Grinning, I lay back, thinking what to say. “As you most likely know by now, I followed all the rules growing up. I studied hard, never went out, and definitely never got into trouble.”

Anton laughed, “Yes, I have come to that conclusion,” he replied softly. “And then I came along.”

Glancing at him, I couldn’t help but laugh as he raised his brows and stuck out his tongue. “Yes,” I replied, looking down at my hands.

“Have you always been shy, or is it only around me?” he added, lowering himself to the bed and sliding towards me. Anton placed his head in my hands, looking into my eyes.

My stomach made small loops as I played with his hair. “I think it’s only around you,” I said.

Taking my hands and kissing them, he spoke tenderly. “Well, then we will have to work on changing that.” He got up and pulled back the sheets as he continued. “You ready for bed?”

I got up and joined him. I lay on my side with Anton behind me, holding me in his arms. Caressing his forearm, I felt safe. “Anton,” I whispered, staring up at the ceiling.

“Yes,” he replied kissing my cheek.

“Will you tell me more about your mother?” I added, hoping it wasn’t a tender subject.

He was silent for a bit, and I thought he had fallen asleep, but then he spoke. His voice was filled with tenderness. “She was a loving, kind, and honest woman. She taught me how to cook, clean, and care for others. She was a special person.”

Stopping, he looked at me as he spoke. “And yours?”

“Well, my mother was loving and kind. But my father was the ruler of our house. Whatever he said was law. I learned from our cook how to take care of myself. She was just absent a lot unless my father was around. But enough about my parents, tell me more?” I begged.

I could listen to him talk about her for hours. His tone and even his composure were warm. He was still talking when I drifted off. I felt him hugging me tighter as he settled in behind me. I was glad I had stayed. The last thing I heard before leaving for a dream world was how he missed her.