Bratva Bride (Bratva Series Book 1)

I woke up the next morning bright and early at six am. I couldn’t help it; I was too amped up for the coming day.

The night before, I spent hours researching everything there was to know about the De Luca family. Every single bit of information I could get my hands on now flowed through my brain.

For example, I knew Vincenzo De Luca was known around New York as the city’s biggest man whore. He’s never had a serious girlfriend. In every photograph online and on his social media accounts, he had a different woman on his arm each time. His face was always plastered all over the tabloids with articles about some stupid, reckless stunt he just pulled off. It’s easy to see how he’s gotten his reputation of being aloof and carefree. But then he had another side to himself…a dark, vicious side. Word on the street is he loved to get his hands dirty. He was the Cosa Nostra’s official punisher, the one who inflicted all the pain to those who deserved it. And he could be quite creative with it too.

His brother, Arturo De Luca, seemed to be the face of the family. And what a pretty face it was. He was CEO of a range of different companies throughout New York City, and he’s known for being a real pit bull in the business world. He was lethal, cutthroat, and didn’t like being told no. If he wanted something, he got it – even if he had to step over others to do it. Although there weren’t many rumours about him on the streets, I had a feeling he was even more dangerous than his brother. There was something about him, something lurking behind those gorgeous, mix-matched eyes that screamed danger.

As the information about the De Lucas flowed through my brain, I started to get ready for the coming day. I quickly jumped out of the bed and made my way to my bathroom for a quick shower. Once I was finished, I dressed in the outfit I had laid out the night before and did my usual hair and makeup routine.

Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I took stock of my appearance. I was wearing one of my favourite business outfits. A long-sleeved black blouse that clung to my chest like a second skin, matched with a knee-length pencil skirt that accentuated all my curves. I had on my favourite pair of black Louis Vuitton pumps that added an extra few inches to my height. My long, black hair was left free to flow down my body, ending just above my waist.

I kept my makeup minimal, just simple eyeshadow, eyeliner and blush, with my full lips painted with a bright red lipstick.

After strapping a holster around my chest, I placed two fully loaded, semi-automatic handguns into the pouches. I placed another holster around my waist and put my favourite switchblade in. Walking over to my closet, I pulled out a stylish long coat that matched my outfit and concealed my weapons. After stashing a few more knives into my coat I was ready to go.

My phone rang. Frowning, I picked it up.

“Yes?” I answered.

“You’re meeting with the De Lucas today?! Why didn’t you tell me?!” Tatiana screeched. I had to pull the phone away from my ear, it was so loud.

“Who told you I was meeting them?”

“Irrelevant! Is it true?”

“Yes, it’s true. They reached out requesting a sit down.”

“Oh my god! Oh my god, you lucky bitch! Do you have any idea how hot the De Luca brothers are?! They’re spank-your-ass-and-fuck-you-til-you-can’t-feel-your-pussy hot!”

I rolled my eyes. “Calm down, they ain’t all that.” I was lying through my teeth. They were sexy as all hell. “How do you even know who they are anyway?”

“Uhm hello, they’re two of the most eligible bachelors in New York! Who doesn’t know who they are? Argh, I’m so jealous of you right now I could kick you.”

I laughed. “Thanks? I think. Anyway, I gotta go. We’re leaving soon to meet them.”

“Take pictures!” she yelled.

“Pictures? Are you serious? I can’t just take pictures of them in the middle of a meet.”

“Yes you can! Just do it on the sly. Come on, I need some material for my spank bank.”

“Dude, they’re not going to be naked!”

“Doesn’t matter. They’re that hot, I don’t need them to be. Just snap a few for me.”

“I’ll try.”

“You better!”

I hung up, shaking my head.

She was fucking nuts.

I walked out of my bedroom and made my way downstairs without another thought. I knew that if I were to stand around and dwell, my mind would start to go crazy, and the nerves would kick in.

Stepping into the foyer, I saw Aleksandr waiting next to the front door, dressed in a sharp, black suit that looked like it was moulded to his large muscular frame. His black hair was cut short and neat, and his blue eyes narrowed in thought. I couldn’t see any weapons on him, but I knew he was packing.

The only sound that could be heard was the click-clack of my heels as I made my way over to Aleksandr. He stuck his fist out for a quick fist bump as I took up position next to him. We were only waiting for a few minutes before we heard the door to our father’s office open and shut.

Making his way through the corridor towards us flanked by four of his men, my father looked just as menacing as the Pakhan should. His face was set in stone, portraying no emotion whatsoever. His body moved with grace, his shoes making no sound at all as he walked on the marble floor. He was wearing a stylish, dark three-piece Armani suit with a grey tie and matching pocket square.

He didn’t say a word as Aleksandr opened the front door for him and he stepped out. We followed close behind him, heading straight for the black Range Rover parked in front of the house.

Maxim stood waiting next to the car, feet planted firmly on the ground and hands clasped behind his back. ‘Boss,’ he said in a deep voice, opening the back door of the car.

Father acknowledged him with a slight tilt of his head and climbed into the back seat. Maxim extended his hand to me and helped me inside, with Aleksandr following close behind me.

Maxim climbed into the passenger side, while another one of my father’s men took the driver’s seat. ‘Let’s go,’ Maxim told the driver gruffly. ‘The helicopter is waiting.’

The driver nodded and started the car, driving down the dirt pathway that led away from the house. Just as we arrived at the main gate, the large iron-wrought fence swung open, allowing our departure.

After a quick car ride, we arrived at a large open field where our MD 500 Helicopter was waiting for us. The large rotary-winged aircraft was prepped and ready to go, wind flowing around the blades that flew through the air.

We all rushed out of the car, heading for the helicopter. This wasn’t the first time we had to take the chopper somewhere, so we all knew what to do.

Making sure to keep my head low, I jumped inside the large black aircraft, strapping into the seat straight away. After chucking on the headset and double checking my seat belt was clicked into place, I looked to Aleksandr who took the empty seat next to me. He gave me a quick wink as he put his headset on.

My father sat in front of us, with Maxim at his side. After signalling to the pilot, the helicopter started to rise into the air with ease.

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes, running through everything I knew about the De Lucas one more time.

I felt my phone vibrate in my coat pocket, and I quickly pulled it out to read the text.

Maxim: Don’t be nervous baby, I’ll keep you safe 😉

My eyes flicked up to connect with Maxim’s dark brown ones, which were already on me. He had his phone in his hand and a sly smile on his face.

I scowled at him and looked out the window. He knew I hated being called baby. Furthermore, I hated the fact he was treating me this way. I’m not a fucking child and I’m not weak. I don’t need protecting. My father taught me how to protect myself.

Maxim was continuing to step out of line. I let our arrangement go on for too long, and it was clear he was laying a claim to me, one he was most definitely not entitled to. Even if I wanted to be with him – which I didn’t – it could never happen. My father would never allow it.

An idea popped into my head and before I could question it, I raised my hand and pressed a button on the side of my headset and spoke.

‘If I agree to marry into the De Luca family, what will you ask for in exchange, Father?’

My voice flitted through their heads and three sets of eyes landed on me.

Maxim’s face was one of pure confusion that morphed into anger within seconds. ‘Marry? Why would you marry a De Luca?!’ he asked, showing a bit too much emotion.

Aleksandr arched an eyebrow at Maxim’s reaction to my question and I mentally slapped the fool. If he wasn’t more careful, they were gonna catch on real fucking quick. I just wanted to torture the fucker for a bit, not completely blow our cover.

My father’s bright blue eyes were on me, the orbs twinkling with excitement. ‘Expansion,’ he replied, one side of his mouth quirking up into a smile.

Maxim’s eyes flew between my father and I, like he couldn’t believe we were having this conversation. I could see the anger radiating off him, feel it climb over me and cling to my skin.

He was pissed.

‘The Italians would never agree to a marriage,’ Maxim said stiffly, turning his head to look out the window. ‘They’re sticklers for tradition and never marry outside of the famiglia.’

That was true. The Italians were well known for only marrying within other Italian bloodlines. I myself have never heard of a union between La Costa Nostra and the Bratva before, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t possible.

Aleksandr’s deep voice came through next, clear as day. ‘Is marriage what you want, sestra?’Sister?

I turned my head to look at him. He had a smirk on his face and his eyes were shining with amusement.

‘Wouldn’t be the worst proposal in the world, big brother,’ I replied, winking at him. ‘Me? Married to the future head of La Cosa Nostra? Who knows how much fun I could have?’ Because I had a sneaking suspicion that if a marriage was proposed, it would be to the eldest De Luca, which meant when Alessandro eventually stepped down, I would be Queen of New York. Not a bad thought, considering I would never get that here. Aleksandr was the one who would inherit our father’s title.

Aleksandr’s face broke out into a full-blown smile, his big body shaking as he chuckled.

‘They won’t ask for marriage,’ Maxim interjected. ‘They just won’t. It’s not how they do things.’

I looked back over to him. His eyes were fixed firmly on me, his hands clenched on top of his knees. His body was tensed in anger and I could see the tick in his jaw from where I sat across from him.

‘If an alliance is proposed the only way to solidify that would be with marriage. It’s the only logical course of action,’ Aleksandr replied stiffly, narrowing his eyes at Maxim.

‘They won’t do it because she’s not Italian!’ Maxim hissed, pointing straight at me.

My father frowned at his outburst. ‘Control yourself, Maxim,’ he scolded, like he was talking to a child.

Maxim lowered his hand and straightened his big body. He narrowed his eyes at me accusingly, like I orchestrated this whole thing.

Well, you kinda did.

‘They won’t ask,’ he muttered. ‘They won’t.’

It sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than us, but either way I stayed silent, letting the conversation drop.

A little while later we touched down in a wide, open field. A black SUV was parked and ready to go as soon as we landed. We all piled in and headed to our destination.

The car ride was tense, the conversation from the helicopter still hanging in the air. It was clear Maxim was still pissed about the whole thing. He didn’t even try to hide it. The fucker. If my father and Aleksandr didn’t know about our relationship before, they sure as fuck did now.

After a short time, we pulled up in front of a large commercial building. I had no idea who owned it, but I trusted my father had the whole thing handled. The second we parked, Maxim jumped out, opened our car door, and we all climbed out. Another black SUV pulled up behind us and four of my father’s men got out and took up position behind us without a word. Knowing how prepared my father always was, he would have had the men here earlier to scope out the building before we arrived to make sure it wasn’t an ambush of some kind.

As we made our way into the building, my mind started going into overdrive. My eyes moved around the room we just walked into, looking for any type of threat, but there was none. The place was completely empty.

We walked along the main floor, not a single soul in sight, not a single sound to be heard except for the click-clack of my heels.

Father led us to an elevator on the far side of the building. It was a tight fit, but we all crammed inside. As the door shut and the elevator began to rise, I felt something touch my hand and I looked down to see Maxim wrapping his fingers around my wrist. I looked at him in confusion and tried to pull my wrist back, but his hold immediately tightened.

His lips were pressed in a tight line and I could see the vein in the middle of his forehead start to throb. He squeezed tighter, to the point of pain and I tried hard not to react. As soon as the elevator dinged announcing our arrival at our floor, I narrowed my eyes at him and pulled my wrist free. This time he let it go, but I could tell by the look on his face that this wasn’t over.

Father walked out first, followed by Aleksandr on his right and me on his left. Maxim took up position behind us, along with my father’s other men. We walked in complete silence, no one making a sound. We passed several different conference rooms, each one completely empty. The place was completely deserted.

At the end of the hall, a woman was waiting with her head down and hands clasped in front of her body. She was dressed in a stylish, black pantsuit and her blonde hair was up in a tight bun. She kept her head down as we approached, not saying a word. I could see her body shaking and I knew she was scared. Terrified, more likely.

I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’re about to be trapped in a building with two of the most ruthless mafia leaders in America. If you weren’t the tiniest bit freaked out by that prospect, then you’re a fucking fool.

The double doors beside the woman swung open as we stepped closer and we walked in. The first thing I noticed was the huge conference table in the middle of the room. It could easily sit fifty people, but at that moment it was empty. The only thing on it was a basket of fruit centred in the middle.

I followed my father to the head of the table with Aleksandr, as Maxim and the other men fell back to take up position behind us against the wall. My eyes moved around the room, taking in every bit of detail that I could.

Alessandro De Luca stood dead centre at the other end of the table, his lips pressed together and eyes narrowed on us. He was wearing a suit similar to the one in the picture I saw yesterday, and it looked even better on him in person than it did in the photo.

His two sons were standing beside him, Vincenzo on his left, Arturo on his right. I had to work hard not to stare openly at his eldest son. In fact, I tried to not even look at him at all, but the second I felt his gaze on me that flew out the bloody window.

Arturo stood tall; a few inches taller than his father. His suit clung to him like a second skin, his muscles bulging and contracting as he moved. His large, muscular body was screaming for my attention. I didn’t think there was a man out there as big as Aleksandr, but Arturo could definitely give Aleksandr a run for his money.

His eyes, one blue and one green, were firmly on me, running up and down the length of my body. When his eyes finally locked onto mine, his lips curved up into a coy smile. God, he looked even more handsome in person, if that was even possible. The intensity of his gaze started to make my palms sweat.

He had a certain aura about him, a dark, dangerous presence that surrounded him. Power. That’s the first thing that came to mind as I stared at him, admiring the rough, sculpted lines of his face.

I couldn’t get over how gorgeous this man was! The fact that he didn’t stop staring at me started to make me nervous, but I worked hard not to show it.

Vincenzo was dressed in black slacks and a white, buttoned up dress shirt. His bright green eyes were sparkling. They were mesmerising. His black hair was styled messily, like he just got up this morning, ran his fingers through it, and said,

‘Yep I’m done.’ But surprisingly, it looked good on him. Of course, it would. With a face like that, I’m sure he couldn’t look bad if he tried.

At first, no one said a word. Everyone was too busy sizing the other up. The De Lucas were watching us and we were watching them.

‘De Luca,’ my father’s deep voice filled the room.

‘Volkov,’ Alessandro replied in the same tone.

They both stood there, staring at each other for a few more seconds before they simultaneously pulled out their chairs and took a seat.

Aleksandr followed our father, easing his big, overgrown body into the tiny chairs they provided. Just as I was about to take my seat, Maxim came over and pulled my chair out, sweeping his hand over it like he was my Prince Charming or some shit.

I narrowed my eyes at him but said nothing as I sat down. I looked across the table to find Arturo’s gorgeous mix-matched eyes scrutinising Maxim’s every move. His icy glare was fixed permanently on Maxim as he took his seat next to his father.

Vincenzo turned his seat around and sat down, leaning his arms against the back of the chair. He cocked his head to the side as his eyes locked onto me.

The room filled with silence once more until my father spoke again, stretching out his hand. ‘The floor is yours, De Luca.’