Köhler (Book 9 of the Köhler Series)

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After months of being cooped up in a damp, dark cellar, marking the walls to pass the time, she was finally released. Alexei was named that Nikolai called him decided to let Talia out of her prison into a beautiful room. Sad to say, it was right next to his, so he could watch her as if she were going somewhere. Talia had no idea where she was, only that she was in the Russian hands. She could have been anywhere in the world, and it was all she fought for, thinking she was safe alone.

"Ms. Talia, I have been told to get you for breakfast." One of his maids spoke as she cracked the door. A long sigh released from her lips, wishing he would just leave her alone. Kill her or let her eat in peace without seeing his fucking face. Especially since he kept asking the same question repeatedly, but that was only a wish.

"Yes, ma'am, let me get my shoes, then I will come...."

"Miss, there is no need for all that formality. I'm just the help." The lady smiled, making Talia laugh. She was still her elder and was raised to show anyone older than her respect if they showed it to her. It was something she lived by.

"I was raised the right way—Mafia or not. Plus, if my parent were here, they would curse me out if I didn't. You are new. May I have your name?"

"Anastasia miss...."

"Oh, I like that name," Talia spoke, thinking of how she wanted to name one of her daughters it, but her Uncle Erick refused because it was his sister's name, and to him, it brought back memories. Talia respected it and went with another name.

"Well, thank you, Ms. Talia. Now, if you would follow me." Anastasia said with another wide smile as she led her down the stair into the dining room with Alexei, Nikolai, and a few more staring at her crazy.

"Sit and fucking eat...."

"Well, you don't have to be fucking rude bitch!" Talia spoke. Alexei didn't take it too well as he stood backhanding her into the wall. Maybe it was because she disrespected him in front of his men. After all, he was never the one that put his hand on her, but she could care less as her hand moved back, punching the bastard square in the middle of his face.

"I don't give a fuck who the damn you are, but don't put your fucking hands on my bitch!"

"ALEXEI, SIT!" An older dominant male spoke, causing him to turn, sitting quickly as the man set his sights on Talia. "Now you. Sit! I will not have you disrupting my damn breakfast...."

"Отец, как ты думаешь, я должен позволить ей не уважать меня в моем доме? (Father, do you think I should let her disrespect me in my home?)."

"Я думаю, что вам нужно сесть за и поесть.Сейчас не время и не место. (I think you should sit down and eat. Now is not the time or place.)." He spoke, almost causing Talia to laugh at the face Alexei was holding. She could tell he didn't like to be told what to do but knew not to defy his father's words. It was almost the same for her father, whom she missed dearly. Hell, Lia was missing them all, especially her children and siblings.

"Mr. Novikov, may I ask you a question, sir?" Talia spoke kindly to the man as she sat in the seat beside his son. The man hummed but never spoke a word, but she knew he was giving her permission to go ahead with her question.

"Could you tell me the real reason I am here? Since your sons will not."

"That I cannot. My son is the only one that can answer that question for you, but if I had to guess. It is to become his bride. Something that I don't understand when you're married, but I guess it's the thing now. Taking other's wives." He spoke as Alexei rolled his eyes.