Captivated by the deadly mafia boss

Lena

It’s my wedding day. My hair’s been pulled, twisted, and pinned into a glorious updo that I never would have pulled off without a professional. The makeup artist has finally finished packing up and left me alone. I’ve even been stuffed into the dress, thanks to Kasia’s help.

And now, I’m standing in front of the full-length mirror on the inside of the closet trying to catch my breath. My family is here already. Kasia promised me Dominik and Jakub were keeping my father away from the Ivanovs.

“I think they’ll be ready for you in a few minutes,” Kasia says as she breezes back into the room.

I flatten my hand against my stomach and give a little nod. Slow breath in, one, two, three. Long breath out.

My nerves are everywhere, and nothing is working to keep them under control.

What if Roman says something to piss me off? What if Katina does? I don’t want to ruin today.

“Hey, you okay?” Kasia steps behind me in the mirror. She’s dressed in a simple purple dress with lilac ribbons braided into her long blonde hair.

“I’m fine,” I say, closing my eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Maybe you should sit.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m fine.” I take another slow breath in, but my eyes fill with tears. I’m losing this battle and I’m going to destroy all the hard work that annoying makeup artist did.

“Lena.” Kasia lightly grasps my arms and squeezes. “I know you’re scared.” She laughs softly. “I know better than anyone.”

I blow out another long breath, gathering the ends of my frayed nerves and bundling them back together. When I turn to face her, the tears have receded and I’m able to stand firm.

“The difference is you were marrying my brother, not the son of the Ivanov family.”

She tilts her head with narrowed eyes. “Do you think they are so different? Micah and Dominik?”

“My father doesn’t keep an underground bunker full of women to be bought and sold like cattle.”

“No. But he isn’t an innocent man either. I don’t know the full extent of what the Staszek family does, but I know Dominik gets calls in the middle of the night that drag him from bed. And when he returns, he’s tense and worn out. More than once he’s come home with blood on his clothes.”

“Does he know you think so lowly of his family?” I ask, but the bitterness isn’t real. She’s right, there’s little difference between my father and Roman. But my father is mine, and he would never hurt me. Roman would gladly see me thrown to the wolves.

“I don’t think badly of your father or either of your brothers. This is the world we live in. If Dominik were to magically be on the outside of it, things wouldn’t change. It wouldn’t take the drugs off the streets.”

“Roman’s sins are different.”

She nods. “They are. I agree.” Reaching out, she straightens the thin strap over my shoulder. “You aren’t powerless, Lena.”

“I’ve never thought I was.”

She grins. “I heard about last night’s dinner.”

I groan. “My humiliation?”

“No! You stood up for yourself. I’m sure Micah wasn’t pleased, and I know Roman is still seething over it, but you didn’t back down. You’re nobody’s footstool.”

I roll my shoulders back. “You know when I was younger, Dominik complained to my father that he gave in to me too much. That he spoiled me.”

She laughs. “I’ve heard that, yes.”

“Dominik was too busy being Dad’s first son to really pay attention. It wasn’t that I had my dad wrapped around my finger, but that when I wanted something, truly wanted it, I just didn’t give up until I got it.”

“And is now different? You don’t like what’s happening, what can you do to change it?”

“Do you need any help at the shelter? I can’t offer much but my time.”

She breaks into a bright smile. “That would be great.”

“Seems such a small act compared to the horrors I know Roman is causing.”

Kasia’s smile slips a fraction. “We do what we can. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll have the force to make him shut it down.”

“And until then? I’ll still be an Ivanov.”

She grasps my hands tightly. “And you’ll still be you.”

“Hey, you guys done messing around? They’re waiting for you down there.” Jakub bursts into the room. For a brief moment he reminds me of when we were children and Dad would send him up to fetch me for dinner. Half annoyed at being given the task.

“Yeah. I’m ready.” I take another deep breath.

“Sorry. My fault.” Kasia waves at him. “I’ll run ahead and sit with Dominik.” She wiggles her fingers at me and disappears.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Jakub takes a long look at me; his annoyance slips to concern.

“You’re marrying Micah Ivanov,” he says, as though it’s the first time he’s allowed himself to say the words out loud. “If he ever hurts you, Lena-”

“Oh, spare me the big brother speech, Jakub.” I wave at him and go in search of the floral bouquet I’m meant to use for the ceremony.

His jaw clenches. “I’ve been busy with the club, with my own shit. If I’d been paying more attention, maybe I could have saved you from this.”

I meet him at the door, flowers in hand. “I’m not being taken to the executioner, Jakub. Just the altar.”

His frown deepens. “Dad’s married off Dominik, and now you. I suppose I’ll be next.”

I laugh. “Just like you to think of yourself.”

He breaks into a grin. “Can’t help it. I’m not ready to be tied down.”

I lightly smack his shoulder. “Let’s get this over with. I want to get out of Roman’s house and that won’t happen until I have Micah’s ring on my finger.”

He nods and loops his arm through mine.

“I am serious, Lena,” he says as we teeter at the top of the stairs. My father stands at the bottom waiting for us. Music plays behind him. “If he hurts you. You come home. You call me. You call Dominik. You get away from him.”

I squeeze my brother’s arm. “I can take care of myself, Jakub.”

He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something else, but then snaps his lips closed.

“Yes, you can, little sister.” He points at the stairs. “Are you ready?”

My stomach twists, but as we take the first step down a gentle calm rushes over me and by the time we meet my father I’m solid in my steps.

“Lena.” My father takes me from Jakub. “I know I haven’t been available since-”

“It’s all right, Daddy.” I slip my arm through his. “I’m all right.”

I have to say it again quietly in my mind as he leads me to the back patio where I’m greeted with a small crowd. Music plays, the guests stand, and my father pulls me toward the aisle.

Then I catch Micah’s stare.

Everything will be all right.

It has to be.