Chapter Thirty

Kalina:

It's amazing how my life turned out so different from what I could have ever imagined.

Amazement washes over me as I contemplate how my life"s journey has diverged from the vision I once had. The idea of living in a convent, dedicating myself to piety and inner peace, felt like my sole path. I wanted to escape my inner turmoil and find solace in serving God. I whole-heartidly thought religious life was the only way I would escape the abuse and the impending marriage my father would set up.

Fate had something else in store for me. I found myself wedded to the heir of the Borisov Bratva, a man known for his brutality and influence in the criminal underworld. It was a forced marriage, a union born out of circumstances beyond my control.

Driven by the stories and rumors surrounding his name, I initially held resentment towards him. But as time passed, something unexpected happened - I fell deeply and irrevocably in love with him. Our connection grew stronger with each passing day, and I realized that the intensity of my feelings for him surpassed anything I had ever imagined.

As a wife and mother to two beautiful boys, I live a life I never imagined. Every part of me yearns for his touch, his presence. The love we share is undeniable, transcending the boundaries of societal norms and expectations.

While sitting here, reflecting on the events of the past year, I laugh at the ironic twist of fate that brought me to this point. My path to the convent changed to being the wife of the Bratva"s Pakhan.

Life has a way of surprising us, taking us on unexpected journeys. In unforeseen moments, I am grateful for the love that flourishes despite my life not going as imagined.

‘Our home has been a bustling place over the past few weeks. From what I can gather, people have given Lenya"s ongoing efforts to implement changes within the Bratva positive feedback. Lenya describes life as "business as usual," and indeed, everything seems to run smoothly and without any major disruptions. Every day, Vasya and Dmitriy keep me occupied with their constant activities and demands.

"Dima," I shout from the kitchen. "Pozhaluysta, vy opozdayete. (Please, you are going to be late.)"

Lenya sits at the small breakfast table holding Vasya in his arms as he eats his breakfast and has his tea. I watch as he stops to tickle Vasya and to give him playful kisses. The sight of moy lev(my lion) with his child is something. You wouldn't think this ruthless bratva leader could be so soft.

"Where is he?" I toss my towel on the counter and make my way over to Lenya.

"Let me get him." He holds Vasya out to me, then removes his napkin from his lap as he rises to head out of the kitchen.

I smile as Vasya's babbles, finding joy in his innocent chatter. Lenya watches us with a warm expression, his eyes filled with love and adoration for our son. With Vasya in my arms, I follow Lenya out towards the living room, where Dmitriy is waiting.

"You didn"t hear your mother?" Lenya asks, his voice filled with disbelief. "She has been calling you." Lenya gives Dmitriy a stern look.

"Net, Mne zhal' Mama.(No, I'm sorry mom.)" He gets up from where he sits on the floor and kisses my cheek.

"You have school today," I say, my tone filled with concern, "and you are going to be late if you don"t hurry." Lenya makes his way over to him, patting him on his shoulder.

"I'll take him." Lenya kisses my other cheek and then kisses Vasya on top of his head.

As I watch the two of them walk toward the front door, I hear Lenya"s hushed whispers to Dmitriy. "After a year, you can get a motorcycle license and drive yourself to school. There"s something about a guy on a bike that girls find irresistible." Lenya looks back over his shoulder at me, giving me a playful wink. I roll my eyes and walk back into the living room.

As I settle down on the couch with Vasya, I can't help but reflect on the changes that Lenya has been implementing within the Bratva. People giving positive feedback about his efforts are reassuring. Lenya"s ability to balance work and family is impressive - everything"s running smoothly at home.

In the midst of the bustling household, I find solace in these moments with my children. It's a reminder that amidst the chaos of the Bratva, we have created a safe and loving home for our family. I cherish these quiet moments, knowing that they are fleeting and precious.

As Vasya babbles away, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for our family. Will Lenya's efforts to implement changes within the Bratva bring about a safer and more stable environment for our children? Time will tell if our home stays a sanctuary amidst the Bratva's chaos.

Leonid:

The drive into Moscow is slow, as traffic is bad at this hour. Dmitriy bobs his head to the music playing from the stereo as we inch forward at a glacial pace. "Did you mean it when you said next year I can get a bike? Like yours?" I look over at him, and his eyes meet mine, sparkling with mischief.

"Well, not exactly like mine." I chuckle. "Mine would be too fast for you. Let"s start you off with something more beginner-friendly. Maybe an R3. But yeah, we can get you a bike."

Dmitriy nods, and excitement is all over his face. "Khorosho (Okay), papa."

We take forty-five minutes just to get into Moscow. It takes an additional twenty minutes to reach the secondary school. I pull up to the main doors and turn to look at Dmitriy. "Your mother will get you after school. I have some things to do, but I"ll be home for dinner."

Dmitriy nods, his excitement still evident. "Okay, papa. Have a good day." I give him a reassuring smile before he hops out of the car and heads towards the school entrance.

As I watch him disappear into the building, I can't help but feel pride and worry. Dmitriy is growing up so quickly, and getting him a bike feels like a significant step towards independence. But I know he's ready for it. Even though he"s been here for just a few months, I already feel an intense urge to protect him.

I navigate through the congested streets of Moscow, my mind focused on the tasks that await me. The drive seems never-ending, as the traffic remains stubbornly slow. Low music in the background distracts from gridlock frustration.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, I reach my destination. I stop the car, gather my thoughts, and then step out. The day ahead is filled with responsibilities, but the promise of being home for dinner keeps me motivated.

I have turned my father's property into the primary hub for all of our business ventures within the bratva. The house serves as offices and a meeting place. The warehouse deeper into the property is designated for men"s accommodation and any required torture. I am moving everything away from our home.

Lina expressed her desire for a larger home, but she said she didn"t want to move. I mentioned to her the idea of expanding the house on the property, envisioning additional rooms and increased living area for the big family we plan to have. To expand, we will remove the warehouse and Alina"s old cottage.

Throughout the day, my mind occasionally drifts to Dmitriy and his eagerness to ride a bike. I can't help but think about the joy and freedom it will bring him. I make a mental note to research the best options for a beginner rider, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.

As the afternoon progresses, I actively tackle setting up new alliances with other Bratva"s, knowing that time is limited. I wrap up my work as efficiently as possible, eager to return home and spend time with my family. I"m still amazed that I now have a family to come back to. An excited wife and two children eagerly await my return.

The drive back feels slightly faster, perhaps because of the anticipation of seeing Lina after having missed her and the boys all day. Thoughts of Vasya and the excitement in his eyes fill my mind, making the traffic more bearable.

Finally, I arrive home, greeted by the familiar warmth and comfort of our house. Entering, sounds of laughter and conversation emanate from the kitchen. I make my way towards the voices, eager to join in the familial embrace.

Dmitriy's face lights up as he sees me, and he rushes towards me, unable to contain his excitement. "After school, I researched motorcycles and found plenty of good beginner options. Will you sit and look at them with me later?"

I wrap my arm around him, feeling a surge of love and pride. "Of course I will. After your brother goes to bed."

As we sit down for dinner, the conversation revolves around Dmitriy's upcoming bike and the plans we have for riding together. The evening is filled with laughter and anticipation, reminding me once again of the joys of parenthood and the simple pleasures that bring us closer as a family.

Now that Vasya is fast asleep and Dmitriy and I are done with our motorcycle browsing, I can finally focus solely on Lina. I make my way to the kitchen, where I"m greeted by the melodic tunes of her music and the gentle breeze of the cool spring night air flowing in through the open windows. Leaning against the door frame, I watch as she moves her hips in sync with the music, her hands covered in flour while shaping dough.

Lina turns and jumps in surprise at finding me leaning in the doorway. "Yebena mat'! Lenya, ty menya napugala.(Holy shit! Lenya, you scared me.)

A smirk spreads across my face as I stalk toward her. "Have you finished?" I ask, taking in the sight of her perfectly formed bread rolls.

"For now. They need to proof for a bit. Pochemu?(Why)" Her eyes narrow at me.

I take in a deep breath as I look out the windows at our property, trees and open lawn, perfect for running. "Because, malyshka (baby), I think you need to run."

"Lenya," she giggles, running her hand down my chest. "It's late."

"Tvoy lev goloden. I yedinstvennoye, chto on khochet s"yest', eto ty.(Your lion is hungry. And the only thing he wants to eat is you.)" I take her hand in mine and place soft kisses on each finger tip before nipping at one.

"Run, Lina." I growl, "One…"

Lina pushes away from me and bolts for the back door, biting her lip as she looks back at me. I chase after her, fueled by a primal instinct. The moonlight bathes us in its soft glow as we sprint across the grass, our laughter merging with the rustling of leaves. Lina's laughter is infectious, echoing in the night as she effortlessly outpaces me.

I catch up to her near the edge of the forest, my lion-like instincts urging me to catch and claim my prey. She turns to face me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The air crackles with electricity, charged with desire.

Without a word, I close the distance between us, my hands finding their way to her waist as our lips meet in a passionate kiss. Lost in the intensity of our connection, we stumble back, collapsing onto a bed of fallen leaves. Our bodies entwine, we surrender to the raw passion coursing through us. Every touch, every caress ignites a fire within, consuming us both.

The moon watches over us, a silent witness to our love, as we bask in the afterglow. In that moment, I realize that no matter the obstacles we may face, I will fight for Lina. She is my anchor, my solace in a world of chaos. And together, we will conquer whatever challenges lie ahead, bound by a love that is as fierce as it is tender.