Chapter 8 - Konstantin

Pulling up to the gate, I glanced at Dahlia as I pressed the button and waited for the gate to open. She was looking out the window. She had been extremely quiet, and I wondered what was going through her mind.

I parked in my usual spot. As I got out, I still felt my anger boiling. Pulling open her door, I tried to calm my voice, but my words came out harshly. "Get out." She glanced up at me with fear in her eyes.

She was scared of me. I knew I had to get a grip on my emotions. But around her, I was unable to control my feelings. I didn't intend to scare her. Looking down at the floor, I took a deep breath and sighed.

"I didn't mean to scare you," I said, holding out my hand. "Welcome to my family home." Dahlia placed her small hand in mine and stepped out. I put her hand on my arm and walked to the kitchen door. The house was quiet. I knew Mila was out. But I wasn't sure about Piotr and Alyssa.

I led her to the living room. Since Leon moved out, we rarely used it anymore. But I felt the openness of the room may put her a bit more at ease than the kitchen. "Please have a seat," I said, letting go of her arm.

Dahlia sat down, glanced around, and then looked up at me. Seeing the tears building up in her eyes made my heart ache. Taking a deep breath, I went down on my keens before her. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt or scare you, sugar."

I took her hands in mine and squeezed them softly as I continued. "You could have died tonight. What if I hadn't shown up?"

She sat in silence as tears slowly started rolling down her cheeks. As I waited for her to find her voice, I wondered why they would be targeting her. Why now? She's been there for a couple of years without issues. She's so innocent, and angel, if truth be told.

All I could think of was that she was seen with me, and they thought she was compromised. Although I was sure, she didn't know much about the company. She wasn't even aware that it was a Bratva front.

The attackers had to be sent by the Bratva family. I could see no other logical explanation. She needed to know the truth; she had to face the facts. I considered my options but knew nothing I could say would convince her as it was family.

The front door flung open before I could say anything else. Mila waltzed in in one of her cheery-odd moods. "My lovely mischievous brothers, I'm home!" she hollered.

I knew this meeting wasn't going to be a subtle one. As I rose, she stepped into the living room. Mila glanced from Dahlia to me and back at Dahlia. Her face fell, and I knew the look that flickered in her eyes. Stepping closer, I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Mila, wait, please," I breathed out softly.

Even though she was younger, she's always been very protective of us all. I was sure it had to do with the fact that she was the only woman between us. I felt the fire burning inside her as she glared at me. "Can I talk to you!"

Glancing back at Dahlia, I offered her a warm smile. "I'll be right back, sugar," I said, pushing Mila towards the kitchen. Dahlia nodded but didn't move.

Mila walked to the kitchen island, stopped, and turned to face me. Her silence was enough for me to know that she was furious. "Mila," I started saying in a calm tone. I hoped she wouldn't hear the sudden desperation in my voice. "Things happened, and I had to bring her here. Please give me some time, and I'll explain it all to you."

"That's the woman you had me spy on, isn't it?" she spat back at me.

"Yes, but you don't understand, later please, sis," I replied, wanting to explain, but I didn't feel the timing was right. I needed to get back to Dahlia and make sure she was okay.

As I turned to head back, Mila spoke loudly behind me. "She's part of the enemy, you know; she could prove dangerous to us all!"

Turning back, I clenched my jaw, feeling the heat pushing up into my face. "She's innocent. She has nothing to do with them!" I heard my rage coming through in my tone as I practically shouted at her. I believed what I said even if Mila didn't believe me. I wouldn't allow her to treat Dahlia like an intruder.

Entering the living room, Dahlia sat staring at the kitchen doorway. I wondered how much of our conversation she had heard. Bending down before her, I noticed her trembling. "Dahlia, sugar, I'm sorry you had to hear that. But I promise you, you're safe here."

Closing her eyes, I heard her swallowing hard. Tears were still running down her cheeks. I wanted her to stop crying; I wanted her to be happy. Watching her, I felt my heart crumbling as I had more to tell her. I knew I had to tell her everything if I wanted her to believe me.

Pulling a chair closer, I sat down before her. "Dahlia, I have something I need to say," I said softly. She opened her eyes and looked at me. "Please let me finish before you say something, okay?"

She nodded and allowed me to take her hands in mine. I took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes as I spoke. "I'm part of a secret organization called the Ungodly Brothers. We specialize in many things. We also work for the Morozov Bratva," I felt her tense up as I spoke.

Dahlia started pulling back, her eyes growing larger. But I needed to finish. I needed her to know we weren't dangerous. "Please, sugar," I said, leaning forward and holding her hands tighter. "The Morozov Bratva is the lesser evil of the Bratva families out there. They fight the good fight and help people from all walks of life where they can."

Slowly, she started shaking her head, and I knew I was about to lose her. "Dahlia, please let me finish." Getting back on my knees before her as she lowered her head, I lifted her head slightly. "Look at me, please, sugar," I begged.

Dahlia lifted her eyes. They were still filled with tears. "The people that were after you are most likely from the Dubow Bratva. From the company you work for. But I can protect you and our unborn child. You will never have to look over your shoulder again ever."

All I wanted was to keep her close. I would do anything she wanted if she would just stay. Dahlia shook her head lightly as she closed her eyes and swallowed hard. The tears kept strolling down her cheeks. Wiping her cheeks, I continued to speak. "Just think about it. It will take some time, but please stay here until you've decided."

She shook her head, but I knew she didn't believe me. I didn't care as I would have time to make her see. I would have time to change her mind. Pulling her closer, I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tenderly.

"One day," she whispered before pulling back. I could hear some reluctance in her voice but felt sure she would come around.

"You look tired," I said, standing. "Would you like to lay down for a bit?"

Dahlia nodded as she stood. I was about to lead her upstairs when Mila stepped into view. "We're not done talking," she breathed out. Her tone was laced with anger. She tried her best to stay calm but wouldn't succeed if you asked me.

"I'll be back," I replied, heading to the stairs.

Mila grabbed my arm as we reached the bottom of the stairs. Glancing back at her, I could almost feel the fury radiating off her. "I'll get you in the hallway!" She spat at me.

Pulling out of her grip, I shook my head as I led Dahlia to the room opposite mine. I noticed her looking around as we moved through the house. "Tomorrow, I'll show you around," I said as we headed down the passage.

Opening the door, I allowed her to walk in before me. I heard a small gasp as she stopped just inside the door. The room was one of the most lavish in the entire house. I loved the finer things in life. Piotr preferred the simple things, and Mila was between the two of us.

We each had our own rooms and split the spare rooms. So, this was one where I chose the décor and furniture. Growing up with shared rooms and bathrooms, we made sure to build extensively. There were more rooms than we could ever use, and each room had its own bathroom.

"Would you like to take a bath first or go straight to bed?" I inquired, walking around her. She looked at me with shock on her face. I was sure she felt vaguely embarrassed as she dimly smiled and looked away. "I think I'll lay down for a bit," she responded quietly.

Walking with her, we sat down on the bed. "I'm feeling a little tired. I didn't realize it until now," she added.

I nodded and rose. "It's fine; I'm sure today was a bit hectic." Dahlia lifted her legs onto the bed and pulled the pillows closer. Covering her with the fleece blanket at the feet of the bed, I watched as she closed her eyes.

"I'll be back shortly," I whispered. Heading out to face Mila, I glanced back before closing the door. Turning, I saw Mila leaning against the opposite wall. Her hands were perched on her hips, and her look spoke a thousand words without her having to say anything.

The door had barely closed when she started. "Have you lost your marbles, brother?"

"Mila, calm down," I said, stepping closer.

Lifting her hand and placing the palm on my forehead, she continued in her loud, obnoxious tone. "Do you need a doctor's check? How could you reveal so much about us without consulting us?"

"Can we take this downstairs?" I spat back, feeling my anger flaring.

Mila swung around and stomped off. I followed her down the stairs. As she took the last step, she spun around, standing her ground.

"Calm down, Mila," I said, trying to regain my composure. It wouldn't do anyone any good if we were both outraged. "You worry too much. But know this," I said, lifting a finger at her. "If I have to, I will protect her without the family!"

The shock on Mila's face was evident as her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. "That's not what I said. Don't turn my words around."

"You don't know everything, even if you think you do," I said in a lower tone. "It's late. Can we continue this discussion in the morning?"

Mila shook her head at me, then headed for the kitchen. I stood until she was out of sight before I returned to Dahlia's room.

Dahlia was asleep when I entered. I sat on the couch, watching her sleep. I didn't want to disturb her. She was so amazingly perfect. The evening air coming in through the open window was cool but not cold yet. It was actually soothing.

At some point, I fell asleep. I wasn't sure when. I woke startled as something in the room fell over. Jumping up, I surveyed the room, ready to kick ass should anyone try and touch her. But there was no danger. In fact, there was no one in the room.

I noticed the bathroom door was closed. That must have been the noise I heard. "Dahlia, sugar?" I called out softly as I walked to the bathroom door.

"Yes," I heard her reply as I touched the handle.

"I'm just going down to get some coffee. Can I bring you a cup?" I enquired through the door, placing one hand flat on its surface.

"Tea, please, Chamomile, if you have it," she responded.

"No problem," I said, rubbing the door. Walking out, I looked at my hand. What was going on with me? I was acting stranger, and stranger the more time I spent with her.

Shaking my head, I grinned as I entered the kitchen. Mila was seated at the island, drinking her morning coffee. "Good morning," I said in a light tone.

Mila grunted, rose, and stormed out. Ignoring her, I poured myself a cup and made tea for Dahlia. Armed with the two cups, I headed back to my room. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, Mila spoke behind me. "What's going on with you, Konstantin?"

Turning, I tried to assess her mood but couldn't get a read on her. She looked upset but also drawn back. "Mila, please. Isn't it a bit early for fighting?" I said, turning back to the stairs.

"You know this is going to start a feud," she added.

"No, it's not," I said, glancing back at her.

"This mess," she said, pointing a skinny finger at me. "This mess that is coming is all your doing. You need to stop thinking with your dick and start using your brain!" She stomped her foot, turned, and walked out.

"I am thinking with my brain," I shouted after her. How dare she say things like that. Not that I really cared. I found a way to keep Dahlia close. To me, that was all that mattered. I stood for a while, calming my anger before heading back up.