Page 37 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

“Why, yes. Our brother Abram and his younger siblings. They could learn a little about America,” Boris nods. “Three of them are actually born to an American mother, after Abram and Vladimir’s mother died. Denis, Mark, and Lara. They’ve never been to America. Can you imagine the tragedy?”

I stiffen. More Zolotovs are the last thing I need. We already have Ivan, Mikhail, and Sergei. With more in Philadelphia, they’d become far too powerful. Even though, given their current status, it seems impossible to be any more powerful than they already are.

Which is why that’s definitely not the best idea.

"I'm not sure that's wise,” following Damien’s logic. “You know what they say? Too many hands make light work.”

Damien raises a hand. "Boris, hold on. Nikolai has a point." He turns to me, expression neutral. "We don't want this to become a complicated situation. That won't accomplish anything."

I eye him warily. Of the three brothers, Damien has always been the most reasonable. But I don't trust his conciliatory tone because he’s a war general if I ever saw one.

"What do you suggest then?" I ask.

Damien smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "A chance for you to help us out. Go to Paris to overlook the contract tenders for our golf club, resort, and casino on the French Riviera. That way, Boris, Lev, and I can focus a little more on the areas we’re struggling with. It’s just what we need."

“Paris?” I say, even-toned. “For how long?”

“However long it takes to convince Monsieur Dubois to give us the right rates."

My pulse spikes. I exhale slowly. They want me gone, away from Anoushka. But I have to make this work.

This is a test. One I can't afford to fail. It’s a prime opportunity to show the family where my loyalty lies in our alliance.

"I accept," I say finally.

Damien claps his hands together. "Excellent! I'll make the arrangements. You'll leave next week."

My gut twists. Time apart from my wife feels like a lifetime. But for her sake, I'll endure anything—even exile at the hands of her own family.

Chapter 16 - Anoushka

As the days go by without Nikolai, the work at the clubs takes up my time. In lieu of his absence, Dima, Fedor, and Sofia are also working morning to night to ensure nothing is out of place.

Though things between us aren’t exactly all sunshine and rainbows, their help is indispensable.

"Anoushka, I need your input on the new drink menu," Sofia says one day, gesturing toward her laptop.

"Of course," I reply, pulling up a chair next to her and giving her a smile. She doesn’t smile back, her focus immediately on the screen as we discuss flavors, presentation and pricing.

Fedor and Dima handle the security aspects of the clubs impeccably, ensuring that our patrons can enjoy themselves without worry. They also share their knowledge with me, helping me understand every aspect of the business.

"Remember to always keep an eye on the exits, Anoushka," Fedor advises as we walk through Pass Code one afternoon. "And make sure the staff is trained to handle any situation. As and when one arises that’s not in the rule book, it must be reiterated that they have to come find one of us."

"Got it," I say, etching his advice to memory.

In the evenings, I sometimes call Nikolai to update him on our progress and share stories about our days. His voice becomes my solace, soothing away any lingering stress.

He tells me what must be done, how to go about a firing process and what areas might need improvements.

As the days pass, I find myself thinking of him at random times, often over dinner, which I now eat alone. The clubs continue to thrive, and my relationship with his siblings, though not stronger, grows less hostile.

***

The rhythmic thump of the bass from La Fantasia pulses through me as I step into my office, and I can't help but feel pride over how smoothly everything is running tonight. The staff works in harmonious synchronicity, and there's an electric energy in the air that I know our patrons are feeding off.

"Anoushka, I took care of that delivery issue we had earlier," Fedor announces, entering my office with a grin. "No more delays on the liquor shipments."

“What did you do?” I ask out of genuine curiosity.

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