Arranged Bratva Love

Adelaide

I didn’t announce my veganism to the world. What was the point? I wasn’t doing it out of protest. When I was younger I stumbled onto an expose documentary of what happened in the meat industry, and considering how much I loved animals, I stopped eating them. My mother loved the idea because I was on yet another diet in her eyes. Also, my parents didn’t cook.

We had a chef, who happened to love the challenge, and so I was fed really well, much to my mother’s annoyance. My weight fluctuated but I never changed my eating habits for weight loss. I like who I am. In fact, I love who I am.

Something Miss Nicole always said to me: “If you can’t love yourself, who do you expect to love you?”

Or it was something like that. I found her words of wisdom to be completely wise. I missed her when she left, but her true passion had been to travel, and the moment an opportunity arose, she left. Not that I held it against her. I didn’t. I remember how happy she was.

Cutting into the slice of tofu that had lovely grill marks and a slight smokey flavor was so delicious, along with all the vegetables dressed in a gorgeous seasoning. I was in Heaven. It was so good.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I didn’t pay much attention to the conversation at the table happening between Ivan, Slavik, and Andrei. My husband didn’t look happy. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen him happy. He’d never smiled in my presence. He sipped at his wine looking rather concentrated.

Finishing off the food, I pressed the napkin to my lips.

Aurora declared she needed to use the ladies’ room, and it was the perfect opportunity for us to get away from the men.

I wanted to get away from them. In the car, the way Andrei had touched me had sent a flame shooting right through my body in a way I’d never experienced before. Was I attracted to my husband? I don’t know. There was a lot I didn’t know. Just like he didn’t know a whole lot about me.

Getting to my feet, I followed Aurora into the bathroom. The moment the door was closed, she crouched down and looked beneath each toilet stall.

“We’re alone.” She spun toward me. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you?” Aurora asked, searching my gaze.

I nod my head. “Yes, I’m perfectly fine.”

“Thank God. I’ve been so worried about you since the wedding. You’ve not gone on your honeymoon?”

“No.” There was no mention of us going away together, and to be honest, why would we? “Our marriage isn’t a love match, Aurora. I don’t think we’ll be going on a honeymoon.”

Aurora frowned. “You know you can call me anytime.” She pulled out a piece of paper from her purse. “I’ll be happy to talk to you.”

“Thank you.”

“You know, you’re nothing like your sister.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s not exactly hard for me to do.”

She giggled.

“We better go back to the table,” Aurora said. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m fine.” At the wedding, Aurora had been a lifeline, but now I’m not so sure. I don’t know why I suddenly feel this way, but a sense of dread is washing over me. “I do need to use the bathroom. I’ll join you in a minute.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” I force a smile to my lips, hoping she doesn’t see the fear in my eyes.

She wraps her arms around me, holding me close for a couple of seconds. “I’m so pleased we’re able to see each other again.”

I wished I believed her. Paranoia was a horrible thing.

Aurora left me in the bathroom. I don’t need to use the toilet, but I do need a few minutes away from the table. It was just too much. In and out, I take several deep breaths. There’s nothing I can’t handle.

Dinner with Bratva men-piece of cake. Plans with Aurora-easy-peasy. The moment I allow myself to think of what my life has become-a fucking nightmare.

“You’re taking too long.”

Jerking up, I see Andrei has entered the bathroom. It’s easier for me to want to shout at him and tell him what a horrible husband he’s being when he’s not in the room. He looks too scary right now.

“I just needed a minute.”

“What’s that?” he asked, pointing to the slip of paper Aurora gave me.

“It’s her phone number.”

“She’s worried I’m hurting you?”

“No, not like that. She’s just worried because I … the wedding and stuff.” I’m rambling.

Since the car, I’m not sure I want to be alone with him. I’m not used to my body reacting that way. He took a step toward me. On instinct, I stepped back. I didn’t mean to do it, but I felt I needed distance from this man.

It didn’t stop Andrei, he kept coming until he’d trapped me between the wall and his body.

I should feel fear, but I don’t.

This man is used to getting what he wants. I’m not what he wants. Bethany is. Would he kill me to get to my sister?

“You know, if you want something, all you have to do is ask,” he said.

“There’s nothing I want.”

He smirked as if he knew a secret I didn’t.

“You’re enjoying life in the penthouse suite,” he said.

“It’s … fine.” I was bored and he knew it. I’m not sure how he knew, but the way he looked at me, there was an understanding in his eyes. As if he knew he was doing it on purpose and that alone was enough to piss me off. “What would I need to ask for?”

“That’s up to you to tell me.”

The tips of his fingers traced across the skin of my cheek. “So smooth.” This was my chance. I wore this revealing dress, which I happened to like, but that was beside the point. I did what he wanted me to do. I didn’t want to spend another day sitting around that stupid penthouse suite.

“What if I wanted to go out?” I asked.

“To shop?”

Shopping was boring. “Perhaps.” It was a start at least.

“Then all it would take from you, Adelaide, is a kiss.”

I frowned. “What?”

He cupped my cheek and the flesh of his thumb rubbed across my lips. “A kiss from those lips. Not a peck either.”

“You want me to kiss you?” she asked.

This wasn’t fair.

“It’s all the payment I’d need, and I would grant you a single wish. Anything but divorce.” He leaned in close, and I felt his breath fan across my face. He was so close. “Think about it.”

He pulled away, and the moment was lost.

“Ivan’s waiting for us.” He went to the door and my alone time was over. This was his order.

Squaring my shoulders, I stepped out of the bathroom. I didn’t get too far before his hand was on my hip, guiding me back to the table where dessert was already waiting for me.

“Is everything okay?” Ivan asked.

“Fine,” Andrei said. “I have to wonder, where is your date tonight?”

Ivan laughed. “I don’t have time for dates when I can enjoy the pleasure of your lovely wives.”

Andrei’s hand gripped me a little tighter. He let me go so I could take a seat.

A chocolate mousse waited for me.

“I hope you don’t mind, Adelaide, the vegan mousse here is simply to die for.”

On the outside Ivan may seem like a good guy, however, I got this sense that he was anything but. He was the head of the Volkov Bratva, the man my husband swore loyalty to, and took his orders from. It was because of him that I was now married. He wouldn’t listen to my father’s concerns that I wasn’t the kind of woman destined to be a brigadier’s wife.

Anyone else should have felt shame because of their family’s constant put-downs, but not me. I was used to it, and I’d been able to build a very strong wall around myself. Their nasty comments no longer bothered me.

“Have a taste.”

I swept my spoon through the dark mixture and took a bite. The moment the mousse hit my tongue, my mouth watered. There was no denying it was a delicious mix.

“Yum,” I said.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Andrei shake his head. Have I embarrassed him? I don’t know the proper protocol for a brigadier’s wife. I’m surrounded by men who do bad things, but no one is telling me what the rules are.

Aurora seemed content to be silent and allow whatever was happening to go on. I’m not like that. Without knowing the rules, I fuck up. It’s inevitable. All my father told me to do was follow my husband’s orders, to not make waves, and under no circumstances was I to ever go to the police.

My family were not pillars of the community. They were not good people. I’d seen a great deal of crap at their parties-drugs, orgies-I was very much aware of it. I’m a virgin in body but not in mind.

“I’m glad you approve.”

I didn’t want to eat the mousse. The dress felt too tight all of a sudden and my throat felt like it was on fire. My time alone was way too short. Panic filled my lungs and threatened to burst.

“Just breathe. Whenever it feels like it’s getting too much and you have no way out, practice your breathing. Slowly take it all in, and then hold it, and then release, slowly, with control. No one controls your breath, Adelaide, only you do.” Miss Nicole’s words were a security blanket to me.

At a time like this, I was the one in control. My father had taken my future, as had Ivan and Andrei. I was at the Bratva’s mercy, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have control over my body or the way I reacted.

Andrei may be embarrassed over me now, but I’d learn. I would find a way to fit into this way of life. There was no way Bethany would be right about this. I wouldn’t die at my husband’s hands. I could live through this.

We finished dessert, had some coffee, and then Ivan made his excuses. He was the first to leave, and I noticed the four men that followed him out. I hadn’t even noticed them waiting for the boss. They blended into the scenery so easily.

Slavik was next to go with Aurora. There was politeness, but nothing else. There was no warm welcome between the two.

Finally, Andrei and I left. He put his hand at the base of my back, leading me out to where Leo waited with the doors open. Andrei waited for me to enter before he climbed in beside me.

Trapped, alone in the car, I had to wonder if Andrei was telling the truth. Would he let me leave the penthouse if I kissed him? Why would he want a kiss from me? None of this made any sense.

The dinner had been far too stressful. The food had tasted delicious. I’d enjoyed it, but everything else had been a challenge. I wasn’t used to Bratva politics.

I don’t fit in. And I had a horrible feeling I never would.