Page 19 of The Bratva King's Claimed Bride

“Sure,” I sit back and put down my cigar.

“Igor, I’m sorry I gave her information on how to escape. I didn’t think…” she begins to say, but I hold a hand up.

“It was an innocent, honest mistake, Yvonne, but you need to learn to be more on guard around people here. We are going to be surrounded by enemies, and we need to make sure we don’t give them the rope they’ll use to hang us with.”

Yvonne nods and looks at Matvey. “What do you say?”

“I say that she’s sneaky, and I have no doubt she’ll try to escape again.” Matvey gets up and goes to pour us each a drink.

“She can try, but I’ll have a guard on her going forward,” I say. “And I think you can go ahead and close all the secret passageways for now and station guards around the yard.”

“Yes, Igor,” Matvey says, taking his phone and disappearing deeper into the library.

Yvonne takes her whiskey and hands me mine. “I still feel bad.”

“You made a mistake. And if I know you, it’s one you won’t make again.” I smile at her. “Don’t stress about it. She didn’t get away, and that’s what matters most.”

“Why are you so determined to force this girl to be your wife?” Yvonne asks, sitting opposite me.

“She’s the half-sister of my biggest enemy and the current head of the Bratva family in the US. It’s a power play.” I sip my whiskey.

“No, it’s more than that.” Yvonne looks at me, staring into my eyes. “I’ve seen how you don’t take your eyes off her. I saw how you kissed her at the wedding. You’re really into her.”

“She has a certain appeal, yes.” I drain my glass. “I have a lot of work to get through tonight. Tomorrow, we have a lot to do.”

“Can I help?” she asks, sipping on her whiskey.

“I’m sure you can once I figure out what my plan of action is.” I look at the reports Matvey has left on my desk. “For now, go get some sleep.”

She drains her glass and stands up. “Goodnight, Igor.”

“Goodnight, Yvonne.” I watch her leave.

If only people knew what she was really capable of, they might fear her a little more.

I’ve seen her potential, especially after someone has broken her heart. Arina best beg her forgiveness, or her stay with us is going to be an utterly miserable one.

I look at the reports. There’s definitely money missing, and from what I can see, there are few people who could skim off those accounts. It’s someone high up and close. This is going to be difficult to deal with because I can see it’s probably family.

Family.

We’re supposed to be loyal to each other, but someone obviously didn’t get the memo.

I put the report down and get up. I didn’t eat much today and can feel the whiskey taking its toll on my stomach. As Matvey comes back, I gesture for him to follow and go to the kitchen.

The servants have already left for the day, so I went through the fridge and found some leftover roast chicken.

I look at Matvey. “Want a sandwich?”

“Sure, chicken with mayonnaise sounds great,” he sits at the island.

I construct the perfect chicken and mayonnaise sandwiches and slide one over to him. “I’m starving.”

“It was an exciting day. I’m not surprised you’re hungry.” Matvey tears into his sandwich and chews thoughtfully. “Hmm.”

I bite into my own sandwich and groan. “That hits the spot. You know when you’ve been out partying all night, and then all you want is something quick to eat?”

“This would be it,” Matvey agrees.

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