Chapter 6 - Konstantin

She was all I could think of since that mind-blowing night four weeks back. Waking to an empty bed was not what I expected. I tried forgetting her and moving on. But I couldn't. As the first couple of days passed, I became obsessed and had to find her.

I had to deep-dive to find her as I didn't know much about Dahlia. But after I found her graduation details, the rest came quite easily. She was working a side job but applying to a variety of companies. This gave me an idea and I had Alyssa assist me in setting up a meeting.

Finding her took some time, but I did. And now here she was. I was ecstatic walking into the conference room. However, I couldn't allow her to see her impact on me. I needed to keep this interview professional.

Walking closer, I could see the shock on her face as clear as day. Her gasp told me that I was the last person on earth she expected to see. Dalhia watched me intently as I moved.

Pulling out the chair at the end of the table, I sat down before talking. "Miss Fitzer, did you bring all your documents?"

She stared at me as she pulled a folder from her bag. "I didn't apply to this company. Can you tell me what's going on?" she asked as she pushed the folder towards me.

Clearing my throat, I pulled the papers from the storage pouch. Paging through it, I spoke in a calm, collected tone. "We ran a check for people in your field searching for employment, and your name came up."

I placed the papers back into the pouch, before pushing it back towards her. As our eyes met, I felt my heart skipping a beat. The sun coming in through the wall-to-wall window highlighted her every feature.

Her brown hair looked like strands of silk. The golden flecks in her eyes sparkled like diamonds. She truly was a unique beauty to behold. I was entranced, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.

"Dahlia," I said after a brief uncomfortable silence. "Tell me about your work experience. I see you are currently working. May I enquire why you are looking for other employment?"

She shifted in her chair and glanced out the window as she pushed a strand of hair back behind her ear. Looking me in the eyes, she spoke in that alluring, tender tone. "It's only part-time; I am looking for something more permanent."

"Good," I replied, wishing I could reach over and kiss her. I hungered for her touch, the taste of her lips, and to feel her breath on my neck. Shaking my head vaguely, I continued. "We have a lot to offer."

"You or the company?" she abruptly enquired.

"The company, of course," I replied, smiling. She appeared to notice more than she was saying. I was caught a bit off guard as I didn't expect it. "Our company can offer you a very competitive salary. We also have exceptional benefits. These include medical, pension, spending account, paid holidays, and more." I said, leaning back.

Dahlia smiled faintly while placing the pouch with her papers in her bag. As she rose from the chair, she spoke out clearly. "Thank you for your time, but I do not think this position is right for me."

I felt as if I was hit by lightning as a quake ran through my veins. I was fleetingly numb by her rejection as shock vibrated through my being. Dalhia was halfway out the door when I finally found my feet and rose sharply.

Something else was wrong. How could she reject the best offer she will ever get? I was unable to comprehend her reasoning. "Wait," I huffed as I moved to the door. "I don't understand."

Dahlia lifted her hand as if to stop me from coming too close and stepped away from me. I noticed the determination on her face but couldn't understand it. "I'm not interested, thank you." She breathed out and left. She was hiding something from me. I felt sure of it. I stood frozen as she walked to the elevator and disappeared.

Filling with a desperate need to know what was wrong, I went back to my office. We didn't come in much and usually worked from home. But over the years, we have noted the importance of having an office. This need grew once Leon moved out. We needed a place to hold meetings and consult with clients.

Alyssa and Cindy also assisted in the office from time to time. It was a perfect way to keep in touch. We rented out most of the floors as we only needed one for our operations. On one floor was a law firm, on another a science lab, and one even held doctor's offices.

Sitting at my desk, I knew I had to convince Dahlia that this job was what she needed. I scrolled through her social media accounts again, and everything I could find on her. But nothing hinted at what she could be hiding.

Knowing I needed assistance and being purpose-driven, I went to find Mila. Her office was empty, so I headed home. I was confused, irritated, and feeling angry at Dahlia's rejection.

But I would get to the bottom of it.

Entering the house, I found Mila sitting at the kitchen island, munching on her favorite snack. "You know those potato chips are going to make you fat someday," I said, grinning.

"Yeah, but who cares? We only live once, right?" Mila replied. Stopping mid-air as she was about to consume another, she glanced at me. "Didn't you have an interview or something this morning?" she inquired, raising her brows at me.

Rubbing my neck, I sat down opposite her as I spoke. "I did; that's actually why I'm here."

Mila pushed the packet of chips to the side. Sitting up, she looked me in the eyes. "So, tell me, dear brother, how can I be of assistance then?" she asked, grinning.

I cleared my throat, considering the best way to convey the information without judgment. "This woman I had the interview with," I said, holding her stare. "She rejected my offer, which was more than reasonable." Hearing my tone drop, I glanced away as I continued. "I need to find out what she is hiding from me."

"You want me to spy or research her, right?" Mila replied. I could hear the laughter in her tone.

"Well, I tried, but I couldn't find anything. And I'm glad you're finding this funny, sis." I said, rising. "If you don't want to assist, just say so."

"No, no, don't get me wrong Konstantin. I will assist; you stirred my curiosity," she said, grabbing my arm as I moved towards the door. "Who is she? What's her name? Let me look."

Looking at Mila, I noticed she was sincere. But there was a flicker of something else. I didn't feel like dealing with her jokes or ridicule, but had no other option. "Dahlia Fitzer," I said, pulling free from her grips and heading out. Turning at the door, I glanced back at Mila as I spoke. "Let me know if you find something. Thanks, sis."

Mila smiled and nodded. I headed out to look at the company she worked for on and off. I needed to know more about them and her. Somewhere, I would find answers. Parked down the street from the bookkeeping firm, I sat and surveyed them.

At first, everything appeared normal. Just as I was about to leave, I noticed two men entering. To most people, this would not have raised a second thought. But I wasn't like most people, and in our line of business, you learned to see the tells.

After taking some photos with my phone, I returned to the mansion. I was sure that Mila would be able to tell me more about these men in their suits. I would not have picked up on it if it wasn't for the guards.

Mila was still in the kitchen, snaking while deep-diving Dahlia. "Hey," I said as I walked to her side. "Found anything yet?"

Turning to me, Mila smiled. "Yes, I have, but may I ask why you're so interested in this woman?"

"Later, I'm sending you some pictures. Can you find out who these men are? I have a bad feeling about them." I replied as I sat down.

Mila eyed me for a second and then returned to her laptop. Her fingers flew over the keys. She suddenly sat back and gasped. She looked like she had seen a ghost. Shaking her head lightly, her skin appeared to turn white as milk.

"What's wrong?" I asked, walking to her side.

"They work for the Dubow Bratva, Konstantin." She breathed out. "The two men in the picture."

Staring at her screen, I felt my blood heating as I realized Dahlia could be in trouble. I was sure she didn't know who she was working for. Grabbing Mila by the shoulders, I spoke, hearing the intense need in my tone. "What was the other news?"

Mila shook her head, glanced at the screen then back at me before she replied. "I searched for any documents, notes, and files on her. This woman you had me look into, she is pregnant."

I stepped back, letting go of her shoulders as I tried to process what she said. Looking up, I noticed the way Mila was studying my reaction. Clearing my throat and straightening out, I spoke in a calm tone. "Can you tell me how many weeks or months?"

Mila studied me for a second before turning back to her laptop. She tapped the keys and then stopped. "According to this, she is about four weeks, I think." Turning back to face me with raised eyebrows, Mila continued. "Can you tell me what's going on Konstantin?"

I felt the blood draining from my face as I stared at her. The baby was mine. I was certain of it. Turning swiftly, I headed for the door. I heard Mila calling after me as I was about to step out. Turning, I smiled at her. "Later, I promise, but I have to go."

I found out where she liked to go for lunch during my research, so I headed there. I needed to talk to her; I had to confirm it. I saw Dahlia sitting down with her friend from the bar as I arrived.

Getting out of my car, I felt my heart skipping a beat. Something about her made all my senses work overtime. As I walked over, I had to rub my hands on my pant legs, feeling the excessive sweat build up in my palms.

"Hi there, ladies," I said as I stepped up to the table. The two women looked up. Dahlia was shocked to see me as her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. Her friend smiled but appeared uncomfortable with me there. "I'm sorry to interrupt your lunch, but Dahlia, I was hoping you would have lunch with me."

She was about to protest, but I continued speaking as I wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Please, I have something to tell you, and I can't do that here. Please trust me on this."

The two women looked at each other. I noticed the friend smiling and nodding her head towards me. Dahlia rolled her eyes before looking up again. "Okay, just this once."

Feeling relieved I would have another opportunity to talk to her privately, I took her hand as she rose. "Thank you," I said, glancing at her friend as we walked to my car. We drove in silence to my condo. I wasn't sure how to start but felt it would be best to do it once we were both comfortable.

Dahlia spoke as we pulled into the parking bay. "I thought we were having lunch?"

"The information I have is sensitive," I replied, getting out. Opening her door, I continued. "I thought it best to do it in private. But we will have lunch as well."

As we headed up, I placed an order with room service. Not sure what she would like, I ordered a selection of dishes. "Can I get you a soda, tea, or coffee while we wait for the food?" I asked as we entered the condo.

"Fruit juice if you have it," Dahlia replied, looking around.

"Have a seat, sugar," I said, heading to the bar fridge. I decided I would wait for the food before asking her about the company she works for. There were two bottles of fruit juice in the small fridge. Taking one and a glass, I walked to the sofa where she sat.

Handing her the glass and juice, I couldn't take my eyes off her. She appeared to be glowing. She was a vision I wanted to behold every day. I swallowed hard as I was about to ask her about the pregnancy, but then I heard the doorbell.

Opening, I allowed the waiter to push the trolley in. "Place it there by the sofa, thanks," I said. The young man smiled and nodded. I tipped the man as he left and went to join Dahlia. Taking a seat on the opposite sofa, I lifted the lids and placed them on one side.

"So much?" Dahlia asked as I held out a plate to her.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted," I replied, smiling at her. She was so innocent. I couldn't see how I wasn't the father of her baby.

I watched as she dished up and sat back. "Dahlia," I said softly. As she looked at me, I felt my stomach making wild turns and tumbles. "Is the baby mine?"

Her eyes widened as she stared at me. She returned the plate to the trolley and shifted on the sofa. "I don't know what you're talking about." She said, staring at the trolley between us.

"I know you're pregnant, and I'm positive I am the father. I just want you to be honest with me," I added, pushing the trolley to the side.

The look in her eyes as she glanced at me was unsettling. There were tears in them but also determination. I wanted nothing more than to pull her into my arms and let her know everything would be fine.

She shook her head, cleared her throat, and spoke harshly. "Yes, but you don't have to worry about anything."

"Worry," I breathed out. "No, you don't understand sugar. There is no way I am backing down. I will be there every step of the way. I am going to help you raise our child. I cannot have you or the child suffer in any way." I needed to find a way to keep her close.

Dahlia rose sharply and headed for the door. Moving quickly, I stepped in before her. Leaning against the door, I offered her a tender smile. "I'm sorry, please stay. There is more we need to discuss," I said.

"I don't need your handouts. We'll be fine," she retorted.

Taking her shoulders, I looked into her eyes as I spoke. "Dahlia, there are other things we also need to talk about. But I want to be part of the child's life."

She stepped back, pulling free from my hold. Turning, she went back to the sofa and sat down. "So, talk," she added.

Standing closer, I tried to formulate my sentences so the news wouldn't upset her. "We also looked at the company where you work part-time." I started. This caught her attention. Dahlia stared at me, clearly furious.

It looked like she was squinting, and her lips tightened. I was sure she was biting back her words, allowing me to say my peace first. "The company is a front business. Their dealings are…," I wasn't sure how to continue but knew I had to find the words. "Well, let's say they have many illegal dealings."

Dahlia blinked a couple of times before speaking. "What do you mean illegal?

Taking my seat, I took a deep breath. "After extensive research, we found that the business is a front for Bratva. The Dubow Brava family." As the words left my mouth, I studied her reaction. I hoped the news would sway her to take my offer.

Dahlia stood up, glaring at me. I could see she was thinking hard. I knew she would have to process what I had said, but I hoped she would stay here while I did so. I also rose but didn't want to step closer, fearing I would make her run from the situation.

I waited for her to react.