Page 41 of Arranged Marriage By the Bratva

“Yes, I’m very interested in the numbers for lemon distribution from Sicily. The weather and soil conditions in Sicily are set to hold for the rest of the crop season, but there is talk that the seasons will change in the future. How will we mitigate this risk if the lemon trees are not producing a solid yield?”

Nodding my head, I smile, having already looked into possible options. “Good question. We can discuss as we get started here, but in short, our distribution partners are buying so much of our stock that we are going to need to expand our Sicilian workforce,” I say proudly, hushed and impressed whispers bouncing around the room.

Smirking, I watch the men stare in amazement as I run through the profit margins for the year. We are up forty percent. Who would have thought all the fruits of our labor were spawned by a chance meeting between Nikk and me on a luxury yacht in Monaco, further strengthened by our union.

“This is astounding what we’ve been able to do, but how are we going to keep up with the demand, I ask again?” my uncle says. I specifically requested him at the meeting as he is in charge of the lemon farm and the olives.

“That’s where you come in. I want you to find new land for future production, and yes, I know it’s risky, but we aren’t just looking at New York alone. Because of our connections, we’ve been contacted by bars in Boston to supply their nightclubs.”

“Hmm. I can do that, Elena, but I’m going to need someone to assist me with scouting out the land. I’m time-strapped as it is,” my uncle remarks. One of the Orlov men jumps in.

“I’ve got someone who can help you with this. We can talk after the meeting about it.”

“Excellent,” my uncle replies. The meeting is starting to have robust discussions as we knuckle down into the prospects and pitfalls of such rapid expansion, mapping out ventures and plans for the following year and quarter.

I’m feeling tired and weary, my stomach heavy. It’s been hard in the last stages of the pregnancy, but we’re close to finishing the meeting.

“I do want to address a few things before we leave out of the meeting today, and that’s the late shipments of lemons that have been going out of late. You have to understand we need to ship the lemons over to the distillery, and if we are late, it forces production back.”

“How far does it force it back?” someone calls out. I answer quickly, wanting to get the information out before we finish.

“From now on I will be ringing in for all the manifests and cross-checking them with the warehouse so we can stay on track with our production numbers for the rest of the year. If we continue to be late, I will have to start considering new hires for your roles,” I say strictly. I’m very good at picking up where the potholes are in business. It’s one of the reasons I worked side by side with my father. He trusted my instincts.

“Fuck me, it must be the hormones. We’ve only been a day behind,” one of the Orlovs mutters under their breath.

“That’s one day behind your resignation. What Elena says goes,” Nikk announces sternly, covering me. “And if you don’t like that, I’m more than happy to rearrange your face or leave you with one less finger.”

The mood shifts as Nikk places fear in the hearts of every man in the room. He backs it up by glaring at every face. God, it’s a turn-on when he asserts his authority. Especially if it’s to back me up.

“Thank you.” I smile at him. “That’s all that I have listed on the agenda, but I think this has been a successful meeting, and I look forward to the next one. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.”

A few people approach afterwards as Nikk, and I discuss everything. I can tell he’s a little on edge as he watches every one walk out and keeps an eye on security all the while. After he sent Bogdan back into exile in Russia, he’s been extra protective over me.

I do receive a little pushback from one of my uncles, but it’s quickly nipped in the bud. “I need to process this. It’s a little too sudden for my liking.”

I sigh, grumpy and hot with the baby kicking too much. I just want it to come out, so I can meet it. Picking at my manicure, I arch my eyebrow at the resigned famiglia member. “Take as much time as you need to wrap your head around things and email me your concerns. I’m the acting CEO along with Nikkita, and the profits don’t lie. I’m the one that deals with every single transaction from each one of you. Me. I’m the one.”

Nikk holds a proud smile at the startled Mancini member. “I’m aware of that,” he says, adding, “Did you have to kill Matteo?” That startles me, and the tension ramps up as Nikk stares him down.

“You would do well not to bring that up again. Matteo is dead because he crossed the line. Are you planning on doing the same?” Nikk demands, deadly warning in his tone, and the Mancini family backs down quickly.

“No—I just, he was with us so long. I’m sorry, Elena. I heard about what was done. So unfortunate. Sorry again. I’m not wanting to cause trouble,” he whines, but I make a mental note to keep watch on him.

“Then don’t,” I conclude, bidding him goodbye, thankful to be exiting the roomful of men. Once we reach the New York sidewalk, I breathe a sigh of relief as the car arrives right on time. I slide in, feeling clammy and weird.

“That went well, don’t you think?” I ask Nikk and he nods.

“Yes, it went well. Are you okay, though? You do seem to be a little grumpier than normal these days.”

Glaring at Nikk, I rub my belly. “Nikk, I’m having a baby; what do you expect?” I snap, and he smiles at me, sliding a tendril of my hair behind my ear.

“Hey now, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m always going to back you up no matter what, but you have been a little grumpy. Maybe you need more vitamins. More rest?”

The driver pulls off, navigating the thick Manhattan traffic as I sigh, feeling a little woozy.

“Nikk, I think something is wrong.”

Immediately Nikk places all his attention on me. “What is it? What can I do?” he asks in exasperation as a wet, sticky fluid flows from between my legs.

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