Chapter 20 - Konstantin

I was happy to greet my brother at the door to our offices. Piotr and Alyssa had been abroad for a while now. It was great to have them back. Even though Leon and I coped with the daily running of the business, I missed them around the house.

They were perfect together. I hoped Dahlia and I would be as happy as they were one day. After exchanging hugs, we moved to the lounge-type kitchen. Mila had ensured there were snacks and something to drink.

Sitting down, we quickly ran through the business dealings and events. Once the business was concluded, we could relax.

"How have things been with Dahlia?" Piotr asked, smiling.

"It's been okay. She is good, as far as I can tell. I just have to keep fighting this urge to wrap her in bubble wrap and place her in a bulletproof room." I replied, grinning.

They burst out laughing. "Wanting to keep her safe is good," Alyssa said. "But be careful of pushing her away."

"Yes, I know. Thank you." I replied. "I guess you are aching to get home?"

"We are, in fact," Piotr replied, rising. "See you there?"

"Yes, I just want to wrap up some things. See you in a bit."

I watched as they left before heading to my office. Once I had made some calls and checked my emails, I also headed home. Arriving home, I found Mila and Dahlia in the kitchen. They appeared to be in a serious conversation. I wondered what they could be discussing.

Entering the kitchen, I kissed Dahlia on the cheek. "Hi there," I said. The two women smiled at me as they each picked up a bowl.

"Supper is almost ready," Mila responded as they walked to the living room.

Following them, I found the entire family gathered. "Wow," I said. "What a surprise. A family dinner?'

"Yes, we thought it would be nice to have a meal together with everyone home," Leon said, shaking my hand.

"Indeed, it is," I replied, taking my place. It felt different, with the table practically filled right around now. There was only one place still open. That would be for Mila's partner if she ever found one.

All seemed peaceful at first. Everyone dished up, and we listened to Piotr and Alyssa tell us more about their trips. There was a lot of laughter and teasing, even during dinner. The mood was light and calming.

We were basically done when Dahlia drew everyone's attention. "Piotr, as you know, I have great analyzing and data-gathering skills. As I have proven to you all." She glanced around at us as she continued. "I know I can be useful in the organization if given a chance. I would appreciate it if you could consider letting me join. I want to earn my own income."

Anger filled me as I listened to her talk. Taking a deep breath, I clutched the sides of my chair to stay seated. I knew I had to stay calm. As I felt my temper starting to settle, Piotr replied.

"I will admit that your skills can be of great help. What you offer is unique and has helped us before. But it is not a decision I can make alone. You understand that, don't you?" We all need to be in agreement."

It looked like Dahlia was about to say something when Piotr raised his hand, silencing her. "Once we have talked about it, we will inform you of our decision," he added calmly.

Dahlia nodded and smiled at him. Every bite after that tasted like sand and mudpie. I couldn't get another bite in. I felt tense and slightly sick in my stomach. Once everyone was done, we started clearing the table.

After taking away the last dishes, I leaned closer to Dahlia and whispered. "Let's talk." Instead of going back to the table, I walked past the stairs to the passage below. I heard Dahlia excusing herself and knew she was coming. Stopping where I knew no one could hear us, I turned and waited.

"Why didn't you tell me you wanted to join the org?" I asked, anger dripping from my voice.

"Because I knew you would say no. This way, everyone knows how I feel." She retorted.

Clenching my fists, I took a deep breath before speaking. "Dahlia, sugar, I only want to keep you safe."

Dahlia placed her hand tenderly on my chest as she continued. "I don't want to rely on anyone, baby. I know you can provide. But I want to be financially independent. I want to be with you, and this is the solution."

Taken aback by her words, I stood for a moment as her words played on repeat in my head. I felt a strange feeling of satisfaction replacing my anger. She wanted to be with me is all I could think of.

The joy didn't last very long as my protective side started setting off alarms. There was a war raging within me. I wanted her to be happy, but I also wanted to lock her away from the world and keep her safe. "Our work is dangerous sugar, and you are pregnant. Have you considered the consequences? I said in as calm a tone as I could muster.

I noticed a slight frown forming on her pretty face as she thought. Shifting on my feet, I tried to calm the rampant emotions running wild within. My feelings and instincts were in great conflict. As I waited for her to respond, my mind kept throwing me with images of her getting hurt.

There was nothing I wanted more in that moment than to lock her up. Yet, I knew she would hate me if I did. It felt like my mind was going to explode. I had to do or say something. Lowering my gaze, I focused on the floor, hoping she would see the anger I was concealing.

Dahlia took my face in her soft hands. She lifted it so she could look into my eyes. She spoke in her silky, soft tone. "I wouldn't do anything dangerous. Not while pregnant." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Even after the babies come, I will most likely never get into a conflict situation. You know my work can be done away from the actual dangers of the job. Just like the one we did."

"Babies?" I spat at her. "What do you mean babies?"

Dahlia grinned then glanced down as she spoke. "I had another doctor's visit. Apparently, we're having twins."

Considering this, I felt the war inside calming a little. I was overwhelmed with joy. Pulling her closer, I hugged her and kissed her cheek. "Dahlia," I said in a raspy tone. "I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to you. You have become a big part of my life, and I think I'm falling."

Her face lit up like the Fourth of July fireworks show. She kissed me hard. She licked my lips as she spoke into my mouth. "I think I love you too."

Swinging her sideways, I held tight as I lowered her upper body, staring into her eyes. "Sugar, you are something," I breathed out before kissing her tenderly. I was sure it was the softest kiss we ever shared, but it was magical.

Pulling her back up, I hugged her as I whispered into her ear. "Okay, let's give it a try. I will speak to the others. You will work from here and in the van, nothing more. But if anything goes wrong, it is over."

Dahlia nodded profusely as I let go. She was beaming as she turned and headed back to the table. My heart felt whole seeing her so happy, and I knew I made the right choice.

After our last cup, we went upstairs and took a relaxing bath. Dahlia sat before leaning against my chest, drawing hearts on my thighs in the bubbles. I felt calm and at peace.

Laying in bed, I held her tight as we fell asleep.