Bratva-Mikhail

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Janis

When I woke up, I did not expect to see Yelena and Olivia. I had declined seeing Mikhail before I passed back out. I would eventually. I had to at least thank him for saving me. I still wasn’t sure why he did. Maybe the girls urged him to.

When Yelena embraced me, I already felt at home again. I know I have to start over and let’s be real. Dancing and escorting were not an option with how I looked. And to be honest I never wanted to go back to any of that ever again. I’d flip burgers if I had to, not that there was anything wrong with that, but I’d do whatever I had to to get on my own two feet again.

“Thanks for being here guys. I know it’s not your job to babysit me.”

Yelena smiled sadly. I could see the wheels turning.

“You don’t have to thank us. Mikhail called. Wanted someone familiar here when you woke up again, because you didn’t want him in here.”

I didn’t miss the subtle jab. Not that she was trying to, just laying out that he cared.

I know he did. You don’t travel across America to rescue some street walker if you don’t care a bit. Regardless what happened, we did have a history. A very short passionate history.

“I know, and I do want to thank him. I just wasn’t ready to see him yet. He saved me. I owe him my life. I’m just not ready to have his relationship shoved in my face.”

Yelena shook her head and I faintly heard Olivia sign. Obviously, I didn’t expect them to take my side. They’ve known Mikhail for years. But I appreciated them being here nonetheless.

“You and Mikhail definitely need to talk. I’m not going to speak for either of you but things are not how they appeared. Just hear him out.”

Before I had a chance to decline, Alex and the doctor walked in. More bloodwork and X-rays.

“How are you feeling today, Janis? You’ve got some good rest. The swelling in your face has improved as well. I want to take some more images of you to make sure your fractures are healing. The sinus fractures may cause some future breathing issues so I will be sending them off to an ENT doctor this afternoon. He’ll determine if surgery is recommended.”

“Thank you. I definitely feel less sore.”

The doctor clear d his throat, looking around the room slightly uncomfortable.

“I have some other, more personal questions. Are you ok with your friends being here?”

I nodded. I knew what questions he had. About if I had been ra*ed. Why I declined the forensic tests.

“I wasn’t r*ped. I don’t have any concerns about STDs or pregnancy.”

I saw Olivia’s eyes widen. “Janis are you sure? They could have dru*ged you.”

I shook my head. “No. They didn’t. I just got lucky the johns I had didn’t like a fight. And I fought every single one. Wasn’t good for business but that wasn’t my problem.”

Yelena smirked. “Atta girl. I knew we liked you.”

Mikhail

I never left the waiting room. Had food and coffee delivered to me by some of my men standing by outside. I was crushed she still didn’t want to see me, but I felt better having Yelena and Olivia with her. And even better that Alex was taking care of her.

Yelena didn’t give me full details. I understood it. She didn’t want to breach her trust. All she told me that she was healing and a he*l of a fu*king fighter.

Days passed and I was definitely feeling guilty about slacking at my job. Ivan had a family to take care of but didn’t trust anyone fully to run the businesses. I tried best I could via my laptop but it wasn’t he same. Ivan never made me feel bad about it though, just told me to take care of my girl.

And I wasn’t sure if she would ever be my girl again. I wanted so badly to storm in with Whiz and show her the proof that I didn’t betray her. If she wasn’t willing to listen to me, I’d never be the same, but I’d also never leave her orbit. I wouldn’t move on, I’d never love like this again. But I’d give her space, while being the usual psycho I m behind the scenes.

I already had her enrolled in school again. She was close to finishing. And I’d be there when she did.

2 weeks later

Janis

I finally got a job at a library. I was mostly healed so I didn’t mind working with the public. And it got me into a new passion, reading. Between helping customers I constantly had my head in a book. It also kept my mind off a certain tall, dark and handsome Russian.

I hadn’t got the chance to thank him in person. Yes, I was a coward. I did write him a letter telling him how much I appreciated it and I would find a way to make it up to him. I figured that was the end of things. But of course it wasn’t.

Ivan was letting me stay at one of the apartments in a building he owned. I told him as soon as I started making money, I’d pay rent but he refused. Told me to get on my feet and then he’d reconsider. And every night when I came home a fresh bouquet of flowers waiting for me. At this point my apartment was filled with flowers. I can’t say I didn’t like it, but it was breaking down my walls and that I didn’t like.

I was closing the library for the night when I felt him. I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Mikhail. His scent hit my nostrils and I practically purred. What is wrong with me?

I slowly turned around and my eyes met his. I couldn’t help but tear up. I missed him so much and so far, he hadn’t thrown his relationship in my face, and that I was grateful for. Maybe we could put things to rest and finally moved on.

“Janis.”

Just hearing my name come out of his mouth made a flood of memories and feelings rush through me. But I wouldn’t cry. I couldn’t give him that. Not after everything.

“I think it’s time we talk sweetheart. And I’m not asking.”

Sh*t.