Page 11 of Arranged Marriage By the Bratva

“I don’t know what I’m feeling if I’m being honest,” she says truthfully, and I nod.

“I have a feeling, we’ll settle into married life just fine, you and I. At least the families are getting along,” I whisper as other couples join us on the dance floor. I might have spoken too soon as out of my peripheral vision I see Matteo’s hand flying to Bogdan’s throat.

“You’ve been a Mancini bitch boy for so long. What, they didn’t want you as the Don? Couldn’t cut it, huh?” Bogdan taunts as I groan with Elena breaking away to approach the two men.

“Shut your fucking mouth. You don’t deserve to be here!”

“Fermare!” Elena calls out to Matteo whose eyes are bulging, and if I don’t get ahold of my drama-fueled cousin, guns could be drawn, even though a peace treaty has already been decided upon.

“L’ha iniziato lui!” Matteo fires back indicating he didn’t start the fight, and this time, he’s right. The crowd begins to mutter, and if we don’t break this up soon, it’s going to end in tears.

“Non mi interessa!” Elena gripes, pointing at Matteo, who pushes Bogdan back while he grins.

“Back off, Bogdan. Stop causing mayhem,” I bellow as he smirks, his eyes darkening.

“Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.”

“I bet,” I drone, snatching him further away from Matteo.

“Don’t fuck this up, otherwise I will stab you in the eye,” I warn him, but all he does is laugh. So much for a peaceful wedding. I find it interesting she spoke to her little sidekick Matteo in Italian. She didn’t want me to know what she’s saying, but little does she know I can speak basic Italian, and I know exactly what she said.

I keep the knowledge to myself for now.

***

The suite room we’re staying together in is big enough for ten people to fit into if necessary, and the antique poster bed is a nice touch. I let the water run over my body wishing Elena could join me in it. Soon, soon, I reason as I step out of the shower toweling down. Elena’s already showered, and understandably it’s been a long day for her.

My cock stiffens as I think about walking out to find Elena snuggled under the covers in our marriage bed waiting for me. The thought of taking her from behind makes my mouth water, but for tonight, I can settle on spooning with her, even if it is torture. Sucking in a deep breath, I exit the steamed-up shower with no shirt, and only my boxers on.

Disappointment awaits as Elena bursts my fantasy bubble. She’s spread out on the floral chaise lounge in her robe, looking like a sleeping beauty. My cock slowly deflates as I pad over softly to get a closer look at the dark angel. I stand over her, enjoying the view. Does she not know how dangerous it is to marry your enemy? Oh, my sweet little L’vitsa. I could end her life tonight and finish the Italians in the other guest suites in a matter of minutes.

Tempting, but it’s not something I plan to do unless she acts up. After a couple of seconds of gawking, I realize Elena has me mesmerized. It surprises me. It’s not my usual reaction to women. Gingerly, I reach out, my finger trembling as I tuck a tendril of her fallen locks behind her ear.

Elena stirs, her warm brown eyes fluttering open.

Chapter Nine

Elena

I felt the heat of his body as he inched closer towards me. I inhaled the refreshing scent of his body wash, and fortunately my eyes weren’t completely closed. It had been a long arduous day, and my body wouldn’t let my eyes stay open. It was bad enough I had to let him kiss me on the forehead in the church, let alone having to be holed up with Nikk in a honeymoon suite.

I thought he would realize I loathed him and his family and would leave me alone. Stick to the contract, but that was a grave misstep on my part. I knew he would emerge from the shower, and that possibly he would be looking for me, but only to say good night. The scent of his bodywash did nothing to settle my jangled nerves, and I hoped the racing beat of my heart would stop climbing, but with every footstep closer in my direction, the beat grew stronger and stronger.

Is he going to kill me or try to touch me? I couldn’t guess, but my brain’s neurons had already entered fight-or-flight engagement. I was fast working out the details of how quickly I could roll off the plush couch and reach for my gun to shoot him.

Apparently, I didn’t spare enough time to stop him from reaching for a tendril of my hair, curving it behind my ear. His featherlight touch sends shivers down my spine, and it isn’t because I’m scared of him. It’s a feeling I can’t put my finger on exactly.

My stomach clenches, knotting itself into a ball as my eyes fly open. Within a millisecond, I grab his wrist to stop him from proceeding any further. I might not have the strength that Nikk does, but I want him to realize I’m serious about not touching me without my consent.

“What are you doing?” I grit out, but it doesn’t come out with enough firepower. There’s a sleepy hoarseness in my tone, but it does give him pause.

“Nothing,” he replies silkily, standing rod straight in front of me. God, I can see everything through his boxers. My eyes widen at the bulge inside them, my breath hitching in my throat, and a flush of heat prickling my cheeks. A mischievous smile tugs at his mouth as he notices my fright. Fuck. Hide it. Pretend you didn’t see. I shelter my eyes from staring at his half-mast cock, letting my mind wonder as to what it would feel like.

No, Elena. You mustn’t think like this. He’s the enemy, and this is a sham marriage. Not a real one. “You were so peaceful lying there, so I came over,” he admits gruffly, giving no plausible explanation still as to why he touched me. I raise my head, drawing my parted robe at the thigh back together and allowing myself to sit up.

Thankfully, he doesn’t try to force himself on me, no, instead, to my surprise, Nikk steps back, raking a hand through his hair. “Right.” My eyes narrow in suspicion as I drink him in fully. God, he is a beautifully dangerous enemy. His hair is damp at the nape of his neck, and tiny beads of water sit on the hump of his well-carved-out shoulders. He must work out a lot. His eyes make him even more enigmatic, the color of green emeralds, reminding me of places I’ve seen on TV. I don’t want to delve too deeply into them for fear of being sucked in, but it seems I don’t have much of a choice.

Nikk tilts his head in question, my heart still not slowing its pace. “Why are you sleeping on the couch?”

---