Bought by the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #17)

Chapter 1 - Abram

The last year has gone by so quickly since we allied with the Morozovs. Anton got married, had a baby, and was an excellent father, even though we faced many obstacles. Yet, most of them came along with our alliance.

We were also emerging as a prominent Bratva family, which added to the turmoil. Entering the conference room, I saw Tasha and Mila finish setting up the screen and camera for our call. I nodded in greeting as they glanced at me and smiled. I took my seat on the right side of the table.

I watched as my sister and sister-in-law made the final adjustments. They turned in sync as Alexandr entered. “We’re done; everything is ready,” Mila said, grinning at him.

“Thank you both,” Alexandr replied.

Anton was the next one to enter, and as usual, Akim came in last. Alexandr sat in the middle with Anton to his left, and Mila sat between him and me. Tasha took her place next to Anton, and Akim flopped down in the last chair to my right.

With everyone seated, the meeting could begin. Alexandr dialed Ivan and waited. The screen flashed twice before it came on and in focus. On the other side were seven of the Morozov family. I had met Ivan, Roman, and Luder but didn’t know the rest.

Alexandr spoke first, “Good day, everyone. How are things in Miami?”

Luder nodded as he responded, “All’s well here, thanks, and on your side?”

“Well, we’ve been seeing a lot of movement from the enemy Bratva in our area. But we can’t quite pin down which family is entering the area. As of yet, they have not taken any significant action. However, I do think it is coming quick,” Alexandr added.

Ivan’s voice rang through the room as he replied. “I agree. It might not seem like much, but expect something big. We have learned that someone intends on hitting you hard as they assume you are the weaker link in our alliance.”

I listened as Ivan and Alexandr exchanged info and ideas. I was aware of most of the intel they shared as I had been following the group’s movements for some time now. Tasha had assisted me in tracking them and learning what they were up to. However, I wasn’t ready to inform everyone about what we learned. We still had no solid name.

We basically had uncovered everything they were now sharing. I started on my own, following a couple of them. But I learned nothing, so I asked Tasha to take a closer look. We uncovered a link to an underground organization but didn’t know all the players yet.

We also discovered they were confident that we were the weaker link and were targeting our operations. I liked the fact that they underestimated us. Tasha and I had placed some measurements to foil their plans for now. But we would just keep an eye on things for now. Once we receive some solid proof, I will share it.

I was brought out of my thoughts as Ivan cleared his throat before speaking again. “We have intercepted an invitation on its way to you as we speak. It’s to a secret auction being held tonight. We suspect it is a lure to learn more about your family. But it could be a trap.”

“We’ll discuss it, thanks,” Alexandr replied hastily.

“You must take this seriously. The person running it is a ruthless friend of a couple bratva families. It is best to stay under the radar for now,” Luder added.

My brother nodded as he glanced at us. “We will check it out quietly.” With this, the meeting ended. Tasha rose first and left in a hurry.

“Let’s get a drink in my office and discuss it,” Alexandr said as he started for the door. Turning, he looked at Anton and then at me. “That means the two of you,” he added.

Akim was happy to be excluded and left quickly. I felt sure he wasn’t ready for real action as he was the youngest and knew the least of what we did. Anton and I followed Alexandr and Mila to his office.

“I’ll just be a second,” Anton huffed as Joyce came into view, waiting by his office door.

Turning the corner with Alexandr’s office just down the hall, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder. Turning, I faced Tasha.

“Is there something you need? You left in a hurry. Is everything okay?” I mumbled, noticing the concerned look on her face.

She glanced down at the floor as she spoke, “Can we have a quick chat?”

Looking over my shoulder at Alexandr and Mila, I nodded. “I’ll be with you in a second,” I called out as my brother opened his office door. He looked at me, shook his head, and went in.

Following Tasha back to her office, I wondered what could be so important. Knowing her, I was sure it was crucial, but she wanted to confirm it before sharing it with Alexandr. I entered and closed the door. She walked to her desk and opened a file.

Tasha didn’t even glance at me as she spoke. “I wanted to share this with you first,” she looked up and turned to me as she held out the file. “I thought nothing of it until the meeting this morning. I might just be paranoid, but take a look.”

I smiled softly at her as I opened the file. “It’s a good thing to be cautious, sister,” I replied.

She returned my smile before speaking again. “Thanks. So, as you can see, a young woman who is a known associate of one of our enemies is being flown in today. She is coming from a Bratva compound. You think this could be the trap they were talking about? ”

“I believe you may be on to something here. I think they are planning something, and I would like to see what it is. We could use this against them,” I replied, closing the file. “Find out everything you can about this woman.”

Tasha nodded. “I thought you would ask that. I am running a deep dive as we speak. Are you going to the auction?”

“Yes, in light of this, I think it would be best,” I added as I turned and headed out. Grinning, I walked back towards Alexandr’s office. The enemy was underestimating us. They assumed we were the weak link, but they would soon learn we were not born yesterday.

Walking down the hallway, I vowed to take them down and crush them. Passing Anton’s office, I stopped to see if he was coming. Knocking, I heard muffled sounds and scuffling inside. Anton peeked through the door, giving me a ‘not now’ smile. I knew it meant my timing was off.

Chuckling, I spoke softly. “I’m ecstatic for you, but, bro, keep it at home.”

He glared at me as he replied rushed. “Is it important?”

“No, I guess not,” I replied, shaking my head. I heard the door close as I walked away. I was glad Anton was so happy. Maybe one day, I would find a woman like Joyce who could knock me off my feet.

I tapped on Alexandr’s door and listened. I knew Mila was in the building. I was sure they wouldn’t be doing things like Anton, but I didn’t want to take such a chance. “Come in,” Alexandr spoke from the other side of the door.

Smiling at him as I entered, I spoke even before reaching his desk. “I think it’s best if I go to this event tonight and see what’s happening.”

He stared at me for the longest moment. It felt like he was dissecting my intentions with his eyes. “Is there something wrong?” I asked.

“No, but you’re never this eager,” he huffed. “You can go, but please don’t do anything reckless.”

I turned my head sideways and gleamed as I spoke. “Never, and thanks.” Nodding, I turned and walked out. I heard him mumbling as I pulled the door closed, but I wasn’t interested in his opinion.

Knowing what I was up against and being able to hit back was my prerogative. I was eager to face the enemies' challenge and show them how we operated. With this in mind, I went home to get ready. Tasha would email me the intel once she had more.