Bratva Bride (Bratva Series Book 1)

‘You know it’s not too late to make a run for it. Get on a plane, fly to Costa Rica or some shit. I’ve heard marriage is a real killer.’

I rolled my eyes and turned to face my younger brother who stood by my side underneath the large floral arch. To be honest, it wasn’t my taste. Not at all. But as the ‘husband to be’ it wasn’t my job to comment on the decorations. No. My only job was to show up on time, dressed to the nines, ready to commit myself mind, body and soul. According to Alessandro anyway.

‘We both know if anyone is going to be the death of me, it’s going to be you.’

Vin’s green eyes lit with amusement as he shook his head and laughed. ‘True.”

He wore a dark green three-piece suit that matched his eyes perfectly, paired with an even lighter green tie. He always loved to accentuate his eyes. He firmly believed they were his best feature.

Illayana’s maid of honour, who also happened to be her best friend, wore a sleeveless dress the same shade as Vin’s suit. She stood off to the left side, hands clasped in front of her body, her face a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I had spoken to her briefly before making my way to the arch. She was determined to give Illayana a beautiful, graceful wedding, even though Illayana didn’t particularly want one. She seemed nice, and by the way she snapped commands at everyone around her, she had that fiery spirit a lot of the Bratva women seemed to have.

Vin was definitely interested in getting in her pants. I knew my brother. I knew all his tells. If the smirk he kept throwing her way was any indication, he was going to try something. But I wasn’t sure if she was interested. I caught her gaze shifting to Nikolai frequently and then darting away before he could notice. It was…interesting.

Looking out in front of me, I took note of our surroundings. The Volkov mansion was huge, giving us plenty of room to hold the wedding here comfortably. The patio was filled with people, some I knew, some I didn’t. Most, if not all, were in some way involved with the Mafia.

My mother and father were seated in the front row talking amongst themselves, while my younger brother Lucian and younger sister Theodora were chasing each other around the yard. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them duck and weave in between guests, both trying to catch the other.

In truth, I envied them. To be that young again, so carefree, without a trouble in the world. I missed that feeling. Soon, Lucian will come of age and begin his transition into the famiglia and that feeling will slowly start to fade for him. If it were up to Alessandro, he would already be in the thick of it. Like Vin and I were at his age. But my mother was adamant about giving him at least some semblance of a childhood.

Lucian came bounding towards me and started to run circles around my body, Theodora hot on his heels. He looked adorable in his little black suit and tie, even if it was dirty already.

‘Give it back, Lucian!’ Theodora shrieked, her tiny face scrunching up in anger. Her pink dress was already covered in grass stains, her dark brown hair tousled with dirt and sticks. I knew my mother was going to pitch a fit when she noticed the state she was in.

‘No! I want to give it to her,’ Lucian huffed, making sure to keep me between himself and Theo.

She went to dart around me, determined to catch him but I crouched down and gripped her shoulders lightly, holding her in place. ‘Lucian,’ I said sternly, clicking my fingers.

His head popped out from my right side, his little hands gripping my shoulders for support. I pointed next to Theo. He dropped his head and moved to stand next to her, dragging his feet. I could hear Vin laughing behind me but I ignored him. For now.

‘What’s going on?’ I asked, looking between them.

Theodora’s bright green eyes connected with mine and she pointed at Lucian accusingly. ‘He stole the present for our new big sister and won’t give it back!’

‘Liar!’ Lucian yelled, stomping his little foot. ‘You left it on the chair. I didn’t steal it.’

‘Yes, you did. Mum said I could give it to her.’

‘I want to. Why do you get to do it?’

‘Because Mum said so!’ she yelled.

‘Enough!’ I snapped. I held my palm out, facing upwards. ‘Give it to me, Lucian.”

His shoulders sagged and he lowered his head as he reached into his little suit jacket and handed me a small purple box.

Huh. Wonder what it is.

I plucked it from his grasp and passed it to Theo. ‘Run along.’

She beamed at me, her smile seeming brighter than the sun as she leaned over and kissed my cheek.

Little vixen.

She ran off to sit with our parents.

Lucian turned to skulk off but I placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. I reached down and pulled out the small blade in my ankle holster. Illayana’s blade. I had planned to give it back to her eventually, why not have Lucian give it to her as a gift?

‘You can give this to her as your present, okay?’

His blue eyes looked at the knife in my hand briefly before reaching forward and taking it. His little fingers curled around the hilt and he lifted it into the air.

‘Do you think she’ll like it?’ he asked nervously.

I smiled. ‘I know she will. But that’s a dangerous weapon, Lucian. And what does father always say about weapons?’

He stood up straighter and puffed out his chest. ‘That they’re not toys and should always be treated with care.’

I nodded and tousled his dark hair. ‘Good boy. Now, run along and join our sister. The ceremony will be starting any minute.’ I gave him a little pat on the back and nudged him towards our parents as I rose to my feet.

Vin was watching me, his green eyes studying me intently.

‘What?’ I snapped, straightening my tie.

He remained silent for a few moments, his eyes continuing to scrutinise me. ‘You’d make a great father, you know that? Some people would think handing a nine-year-old a knife is crazy, but I don’t.’

Stunned, I stared at him in shock.

Where the fuck did that come from?

Before I could respond, the glass sliding doors opened, the curtain was pulled back and out walked Illayana on her father’s arm.

Vin let out a low whistle as she stepped into view completely and the crowd fell silent, rising to their feet. The music began to play and they started making their way down the makeshift aisle. My eyes drank in every inch of her body, from her long legs to her dark black hair. I was entranced.

Fuck. She’s beautiful.

Her long dark hair was flowing down her shoulders, a few strands intricately braided up. Her ocean eyes sparkled as they landed on me and I curled my lips into that sly grin I knew she loved. My stomach tightened with each step she took, anticipation coursing through my body for what the future would bring us.

Vin’s last words blared through my mind as they stopped a few paces in front of me. I wonder how she felt about children. Probably should have had the discussion earlier. Oh well.

Illayana smiled as Dimitri placed her hand in mine. Her hand was warm and steady as I led her to the priest. I leaned over to whisper into her ear, loving the feel of her body shaking at my proximity.

It’s nice to know I affect you just as much as you affect me, kotenok.

‘Ora sei mio.’Now, you’re mine.

The ceremony itself was quick and relatively painless. The usual shit was said. ‘Do you, Arturo, take Illayana to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forth’ blah, blah, blah.

A few oaths were given in Italian and Russian, both of us reciting them word for word. After exchanging rings, it was time to kiss the bride. It took every bit of self control I possessed not to throw her over my shoulder and march up to her bedroom when her lips touched mine. That brief contact was more intoxicating than any sex I’d had in my life. And then some. I could feel my cock harden as she moved to deepen the kiss, her body pressing up against mine. I groaned in frustration and regrettably pulled back, painfully aware of the fact we weren’t alone.

The crowd jumped to their feet, roaring in congratulations, cheers and whoops ringing out all around us.

Illayana looked around at our guests and blushed, embarrassed at her public display of affection for me. I wasn’t though. I picked up her hand and kissed the back of it, giving her a reassuring smile.

I led her back down the makeshift aisle, the crowd throwing confetti over us and clapping enthusiastically as we passed.

A waiter with a tray of champagne was waiting patiently for us at the end of the aisle and I grabbed two flutes, handing one to Illayana.

Instead of continuing the path back into the Volkov mansion, I turned left, leading Illayana down a few steps into the yard where the reception was being held. Soon, our guests would begin to crowd around us, ready to offer their blessings. It was a tedious tradition, but tradition nonetheless.

I took a sip of my champagne, not at all a fan of the bubbles but meh. I turned to gaze at my wife.

Fuck. My wife.

‘Any regrets?’ I smirked.

Her blue eyes landed on me as she took a sip of her drink. ‘I don’t know yet. We’ve only been married for thirty seconds. Ask me again in a few years,” she winked.

I chuckled, drinking the rest of my champagne and handing the empty glass to one of the waiters walking past.

The first round of guests appeared before us. Dimitri, Aleksandr, Nikolai and Lukyan.

They looked large and imposing, all of them standing well over six feet tall with muscular builds and hard, sculpted faces. If I wasn’t 100% sure they agreed with our union, I’d think they were about to kill me. Well, try anyway.

Dimitri hugged Illayana first, whispering something in her ear that I couldn’t quite make out, then moved to stand in front of me. He extended his hand, his hard eyes locked on me as he squeezed my hand in his.

‘Congratulations,’ he said emotionlessly.

I thanked him and went to pull my hand back when his grip tightened. Not enough to cause pain, but enough for me to see it for what it was. A warning.

He stepped forward, covering the empty space between us and whispered in my ear. ‘Yesli ty khot’ kak-to navredish’ moyey docheri, ya tebya zarezhu.” If you hurt my daughter in any way, I’ll butcher you.

The fact he delivered his threat in Russian made it all the more menacing, which I think was what he was trying to achieve. As he went to step back, I tightened my own grip on his hand, halting him.

He arched an eyebrow in surprise, his eyes lit with fire.

I felt Illayana tense at my side but I continued to stare into his eyes, refusing to back down. I’ve met men like Dimitri my whole life. At the slightest hint of weakness, they pounced. I couldn’t show weakness. I refused to.

‘I mne vse ravno, yesli vy Myasnik Bratvy, ugrozhayte mne snova, i vam ne ponravitsya to, chto proiskhodit.’I don’t care if you are The Bratva Butcher, threaten me again and you won’t like what happens.

I released his hand and wrapped an arm around Illayana’s shoulders, loving the looks of shock on her brother’s faces. Clearly no one had ever spoken to their father that way. Or maybe they had. They just never lived to talk about it.

An uncomfortable silence fell over us until eventually Dimitri smiled. An honest to God, genuine smile. Something I only saw him do once when he was tormenting the Mexican in his basement a few days ago.

Maybe that’s what he plans to do to you, that’s why he’s smiling like a bloody lunatic.

‘I look forward to that day, Arturo,’ he winked and moved along.

Aleksandr, Nikolai and even Lukyan, all gave me a firm handshake and their congratulations before following after their father.

‘Are you insane?!’ Illayana hissed as they walked away. ‘No one has ever, ever spoken to him like that. Not even me, and he loves me.’

I couldn’t help grinning at her words. ‘I gathered as much by the look of horror on all of your faces after I said it,’ I chuckled.

‘If you weren’t my husband, he would have gutted you.’

‘Maybe,’ I shrugged.

The next guests to give us their blessings stopped in front of us. My mother, father and younger siblings. Alessandro put a hand on my shoulder, giving me a smile of encouragement before moving to Illayana. My mother appeared next, her green eyes sparkling with moisture as she stood up on her tip toes and kissed my cheek.

‘Oh Arturo, I feared I wouldn’t live to see this day.’

I rolled my eyes and patted her on the back. ‘You overreact, mother.’

She slapped my shoulder and tsked. ‘I do not. My concerns were valid. You never kept a woman longer than a week.”

I groaned. ‘Can we not have this conversation right now? Or ever?’ I mumbled, flicking my gaze to Illayana, who was waiting patiently to greet my mother.

She flushed with embarrassment, her face turning red as she realised she was referring to other women on my wedding day. In front of my new wife.

‘Of course. Of course.’ She waved a hand in the air and moved in front of Illayana. She ran her eyes up and down her body briefly before stepping forward and enveloping her in a tight hug. ‘My dear, you are even more beautiful than my boys described.’

Illayana shifted her gaze to the floor. She always seemed to get uncomfortable whenever anyone paid her a compliment.

‘Thank you, Mrs De Luca.’

‘Oh please, none of that nonsense. Call me Isabella.’

Illayana smiled, joy seeming to radiate off her in waves.

I felt something pull on my slacks and I looked down to see Lucian tugging on my pants, trying to gain my attention. I crouched down to his height and watched as he placed his little hands on either side of my head and turned it to the side so he could whisper in my ear.

‘Can I give her the present now?’ He cupped a hand around his mouth in an attempt to keep the conversation between us but unfortunately for him, his voice didn’t get that memo.

My eyes darted to Illayana, who was watching us intently. Her face was soft, filled with an emotion that I couldn’t quite place.

I tousled his hair and gave him a little nudge in her direction. ‘Go ahead.’

He scowled at me and tried to fix his hair first, patting it down and smoothing it over until he was satisfied before moving to stand in front of Illayana. She immediately lowered herself to his height, not caring at all that her dress could get dirty.

Lucian bit his lip nervously as he reached into his little suit jacket and pulled out her blade. ‘I’m Lucian,’ he whispered shyly, looking down at his feet.

Illayana gripped his chin lightly and forced him to look back up at her. She smiled broadly, her face lighting up with happiness. ‘Hi Lucian. I’m Illayana. It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve always wanted a little brother.’

He smiled, showing his missing two front teeth. The nervousness seemed to fade from him as he offered her the knife. Frowning, she reached forward and took her blade. She held it up in the air, admiring it. Recognition flashed on her face.

‘This is beautiful, little one. Is it for me?’

Lucian’s bright blue eyes connected with mine first, as if searching for approval. I nodded in encouragement. He smiled at her, nodding enthusiastically.

‘Thank you, Lucian. I love it. I’ll carry it with me wherever I go.’ She twirled it between her fingers a few times before she took out the blade in her ankle holster and replaced it with that one. She tossed the knife into the air, the blade landing in her palm, before offering the hilt to Lucian.

‘For me?’ he breathed in shock.

Just before his little fingers were able to wrap around the hilt, she pulled it back slightly out of reach. ‘For you, little one. But it’s very sharp and could hurt someone if you don’t know how to use it properly.’ She tilted her head to the side, studying him. ‘Do you?’

He stood up straighter, trying to make himself seem older than his nine years. ‘Yes. I can hit the target board when we practice,’ he said proudly.

She smiled affectionately and handed the knife over. ‘That’s good. Maybe one day we can practice together. You can show me some moves.’

‘Okay!’ He smiled broadly before grasping the knife and running off to show our parents. Vin gave us both a wink before chasing after him.

Theodora was nowhere to be seen and I could only guess she’d gotten herself into trouble and was in timeout. Something our mother loved to do to us whenever we misbehaved. She’d stick us in a corner with a bodyguard watching over us. If we tried to move, the guard had permission to put us back in place.

‘Your little brother is so fucking cute,’ Illayana commented.

‘And he bloody knows it, too.’

Another group of people made their way over to us and I stiffened. Illayana noticed the change in me and her brows furrowed.

Shit.

Gabriella and her parents were standing in front of us. Of course, I knew they would be here. Gabriella’s father was one of our Capos after all. But still, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing her. Her reaction when she found out I wouldn’t be marrying her was quite the tantrum, so I heard. She swore. She threw things. She screeched at the top of her lungs. Which was quite unexpected, I admit. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think she had that behaviour in her. But from what several of my men told me, she had a dark, venomous side that emerged when she found out I wasn’t going to marry her.

Turns out, she thought the right of being married to the future head of the Cosa Nostra was hers, considering she had put her life on hold for six years waiting for me.

“Congratulations, Arturo,” she said sweetly, showing none of the venom that I heard she possessed. Her brown hair was done up nicely in an elegant updo, her brown eyes staring daggers at my new wife. It didn’t slip past me that she was wearing a stunning white floor-length gown, either.

She leaned in and kissed me on both cheeks, her lips a brush away from mine before stepping back. She turned to Illayana and smiled. “Congratulations. I’m Gabriella, one of Arturo’s oldest friends, it’s nice to meet you.” She held out her hand.

Illayana smiled back but I saw the anger that flashed in her eyes. She shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, too.”

Gabriella looked at me, her eyes running the length of my body in an obvious show of perusal. “I always said red was your colour, didn’t I?” she said, brushing her fingers lightly over my shoulder, as if wiping away a speck of dirt.

The contact showed familiarity and based on the way Illayana’s eyes narrowed at the touch, she didn’t miss it.

I smiled stiffly. “You did.”

Enzo and his wife, Sofia, gave their congratulations next, Enzo’s short and brisk and Sofia’s quiet and respectful. Throwing one last smile my way, Gabriella and her family moved on.

I raised my finger in the air, halting the next group of people who were about to make their way over to offer their congratulations and turned to face Illayana. Her face didn’t show any trace of anger, but her eyes? Yeah, that was definitely anger sparkling in those shiny blue orbs.

“About Gabriella-”

“Not now,” she said sharply, a fake smile plastered on her face.

I narrowed my eyes. “Fine, we’ll discuss it later then.”

“You bet your ass we will,” she grumbled under her breath.

I turned back around and motioned the next group of people forward.

After a while, all the faces seemed to mash together and all I wanted was for this whole tedious ordeal to be over. We were greeted by all the key players within the Cosa Nostra and the Bratva, each one offering their heartfelt congratulations for our union. But I wasn’t buying it. Nope. Half, if not all the people here, objected to joining our families. If they all weren’t so terrified of Dimitri and Alessandro, I can bet they would have objected quite vocally at the ceremony.

I shook every hand that appeared before me, even if I had no clue who the damn person was. Illayana was just as polite, smiling and engaging in small talk with everyone that offered their blessings. Yet I could see the strain on her face after what felt like the thousandth guest greeted us.

Just when I thought we were free and clear, a deep voice spoke from behind us. We both turned around to find Dimitri standing there, a woman on his arm.

Huh. A little young for you Dimitri, but each to their own, I guess.

I was confused as to why he was coming to congratulate us again, until Illayana responded, her voice cold and emotionless.

‘Uncle.’

Uncle?!

It took every bit of self control I had not to react to that. Dimitri’s a twin?! An identical twin? Why was I never told this? Better yet, why the fuck did none of the information I collected about the Volkov family mention it?

Dimitri 2.0 laughed, his big body shaking with amusement as he studied Illayana.

‘Akh, moya dorogaya plemyannitsa. Vy vsegda byli v sostoyanii otlichit’ nas. Skazhi mne, ditya, v chem tvoy sekret?’Ah, my darling niece. You’ve always been able to tell us apart. Tell me child, what’s your secret?

Illayana pressed her lips firmly together, her eyes locked with his in an icy glare. It was painfully obvious she didn’t care for the man.

Curiosity spiked within me. I was dying to know the story here.

‘Ya znayu, kto moy otets Dominik.’I know who my father is, Dominik.

He smouldered with resentment and scoffed. ‘YA uveren, chto vy delayete. Vse znayut velikogo Dmitriya Volkov. Strashnyy bratva bratva.’I’m sure you do. Everyone knows the great Dimitri Volkov. The fearsome Bratva Butcher. He sneered. His blue eyes flicked to me, his lips curling up in distaste. ‘Ya priznayu, ya udivlen, chto tvoy otets pozvolil tebe zhenit’sya na ital’yanskoy sobake. Kazhetsya, on daleko ot traditsii.’ I’ll admit, I’m surprised your father let you marry the Italian dog. It seems he’s strayed far from tradition.

I growled in anger at his words, my fists clenching at my sides. He obviously had no idea I could understand every bloody word he said. Or maybe he did and he just didn’t care. Either way, he was really starting to get on my fucking nerves.

Illayana seemed to sense my discomfort and she patted my chest lightly in an offer of support, her gaze never once leaving Dominik’s.

‘Yesli ya vspominayu dyadyu, ty nikogda ne byl poklonnikom traditsiy.’ If I recall uncle, you were never a fan of traditions either.

She arched an eyebrow, challenging him to contradict her words.

He rolled his eyes and waved a hand in the air. ‘Eta malen’kaya veshch’? Dmitriy vse yeshche plachet ob etom?’That little thing? Is Dimitri still crying about that?

What little thing?! Dimitri crying?! What the fuck was going on?!

Illayana tensed, her entire body going rigid. Anger poured off her in waves, the veins in her neck pulsing with rage. I had no clue what exactly was going on here but the fact this dude was upsetting her was seriously pissing me off.

‘Perhaps we should move along? This Italian dog is getting hungry,’ I smirked.

Dominik’s face filled with surprise as he realised I could understand every word that was being spoken in their native tongue, before he managed to mask it. His expression turned stoic as he extended his hand to me. ‘Dominik Volkov, Illayana’s uncle.’

‘I gathered as much,’ I replied bleakly, shaking his hand.

His jaw clenched and he squeezed my hand. . . hard. But I didn’t react. Just gave him a cocky smile.

He turned to face the young woman who had accompanied him. ‘This is my daughter, Rayna.’

Before I could say a word, the little woman stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. For a moment I stood frozen in place. Why does this feel super fucking weird? Like I shouldn’t be touching her. My question was answered when I pulled back and caught a glimpse of Illayana’s face.

Oh shit. She was pissed.

‘Pleasure to meet you, Arturo. Welcome to the family,’ she said seductively, batting her eyelashes and biting her lip.

Seriously?

She was an attractive woman, sure. With her shoulder length brown hair and those signature bright blue eyes most of the Volkovs seemed to possess, she would please any man. Her features were soft and delicate, like a porcelain doll.

‘Congratulations on your wedding, cousin.’ She took a step toward Illayana, preparing to hug her as she did me, but Illayana immediately raised a hand in the air, halting her.

‘Rayna,’ she greeted coldly.

Ouch.

Rayna narrowed her eyes, taking a step back. Embarrassment flowed off her at having been dismissed in such a way.

Dominik looked between the girls and cleared his throat. ‘Well, it seems we’ve worn out our welcome already,’ he laughed.

‘You were never welcome to begin with,’ Illayana replied, lifting her chin defiantly.

Dominik smirked. ‘Perhaps. But I’m here nonetheless.’ He titled his head to the side, his blue eyes dancing with mischief. ‘Unless, you plan to have us removed?’

Illayana scowled, her gorgeous face scrunching up in displeasure, but remained silent.

Dominik chuckled, straightening his tie. ‘Didn’t think so. Don’t look so worried, my darling niece. I’m not here to cause any trouble. Now, where is that brother of mine?’

Without another glance in our direction, he strode off towards the tents set up in the backyard for the reception. Rayna winked at me before turning to face Illayana.

‘I wish you nothing but happiness on your special day, my dear cousin.’ Her eyes darted between Illayana and I before a sly smile graced her lips. ‘I sure hope you don’t run into any. . . problems.’

With that, she turned and followed after her father.

‘Okay. What the fuck was that?’ I asked.

Illayana’s eyes were glued on Rayna as she walked away, fury burning through her. ‘That, is a long fucking story,’ she grumbled.

‘I look forward to hearing it.’ I leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

She immediately melted into my arms, leaning into my embrace and taking comfort in the support I was offering.

‘Later,’ she mumbled, tension slowing seeping out of her. “When we don’t-”

A large explosion ripped through the Volkov Estate, throwing Illayana and I into the air. I curved my body around hers, shielding her from as much of the blast as I could as we tumbled to the ground.

Screams erupted from all around us, the sounds of bullets whizzing past and men yelling in Russian and Italian filling my ears. Another explosion rocked the ground beneath me, debris raining down like confetti all around me. Blood spilled down my face and my body ached beyond belief, but I couldn’t think about that right now.

‘Illayana?’

I could feel my eyes beginning to close, the blood loss starting to take its toll on me. I fought the haziness as much as I could but it was no use. The last thing I saw before my eyes closed was Illayana’s unconscious body lying beside mine.