Page 40 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

Elena’s words, reluctantly given when I interrogated her about my wife’s whereabouts moments before, echo in my head as I make my way to my office.“Mr. Pimaslov, Mrs. Pimaslov has been out for hours every day this week,”she had said, her weathered face creased with worry.“I thought you knew.”

I settle behind my desk, fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the polished wood. Where could Felicity be going? And why hasn’t she told me?

The sound of the front door opening catches my attention. I hear Felicity’s lilting laugh, followed by Viktor’s deep rumble. My jaw clenches. What is my wife doing out with my head of security for hours each day? Is she cheating on me? Is she inlove with him? The thought makes me want to punch something, especially Viktor, but I try to rein in my spiraling thoughts before I completely lose control and turn on someone I assigned to accompany her.

I stand, straightening my suit jacket as I make my way to the foyer. Felicity’s cheeks are flushed, and she seems particularly vivacious as she chatters away to Viktor. They both fall silent when they see me.

“Welcome home,” I say, my voice colder than intended. “Where have you been?”

Felicity’s smile falters for a moment before returning full force. “Kiril? I didn’t expect you home so early.” She crosses the room, rising on her tiptoes to press a kiss to my cheek. “How was your day?”

I don’t answer, staring at Viktor. He steadily meets my gaze, his expression neutral. “Viktor, thank you for escorting my wife. That will be all for today.”

Viktor nods, understanding the dismissal. “Of course, boss. Mrs. Pimaslov, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As the door closes behind him, I turn to Felicity. “Tomorrow? What’s happening tomorrow?”

She bites her lip, a telltale sign of nervousness. “Can we talk about this in private?”

I gesture toward my office, following her inside. She perches on the edge of my desk, her legs swinging slightly. I remain standing, arms crossed.

“Well?” I prompt, trying not to make any accusations. She deserves a chance to explain herself.

Felicity takes a deep breath. “I got a job.”

Of all the things I expected her to say, this wasn’t one of them. “A job? What kind of job? You don’t need to work anymore. Is this about the credit card? I thought we were past that already.”

“No, it’s not about that. I’m teaching dance classes at ‘Starlight Dance Studio.’ It’s not far from here, actually. Just a few blocks away.”

I stare at her, incredulous. “You’re pregnant. You can’t be dancing.”

She shakes her head, her short hair swinging with the movement. “I’m not dancing, Kiril. I’m teaching. Guiding, not demonstrating. It’s perfectly safe, and besides, if I wanted to dance, I could. It’s perfectly safe for me to do a little exercise. In fact, it’s probably healthier than sitting around all day inside.”

“Safe?” I scoff. “Nothing about this situation is safe. You’re the wife of a Bratva boss. You can’t just wander around the city teaching dance classes.”

Felicity’s eyes flash with defiance, something I’ve grown used to but still dislike. “I’m not wandering. Viktor’s been escorting me, and I need this. I need something that’s mine, something beyond the Bratva. You suggested I volunteer, and I approached the owner of the studio, but she hired me instead.”

I shake my head, frustration building. “You have everything you could want here. Why risk your safety for some dance classes?”

“Because it’s who I am.” Felicity stands, her small frame vibrating with intensity. “I’m more than just your wife or the mother of your child. I’m a dancer and a teacher. It’s part of me, and I won’t give it up.”

We stare at each other, the air in the room us buzzing with electric tension. I see her determination, but I also see the vulnerability and need for something familiar in this new world she’s been thrust into.

Just like that, my anger deflates. “I understand you need this, but you have to understand my position. Your safety is paramount.”

She steps closer, placing her palm over my heart. “I do understand. That’s why I’ve had Viktor with me at all times, and the studio is so close, we can add extra security measures if you want. I doubt the owner will care. She’s about to retire.” Her eyes sparkle. “With the money Santino gave me, I can buy it.”

I cover her hand with mine, feeling the warmth of her skin in her excitement. “Extra security is a must and non-negotiable, and I want to visit this studio myself to make sure it’s secure.” I can’t bring myself to crush her enthusiasm, so I don’t raise any objections to the idea of her purchasing it someday. I’ll deal with that when the situation arises.

Felicity’s face lights up. “Really? You’re okay with this?”

I let out a deep sigh. “I’m not thrilled, but I can see how much it means to you. We’ll make it work safely.”

She throws her arms around my neck, pressing her body against mine. “Thank you, Kiril. You won’t regret this.”

As I hold her, I hope I won’t. The thought of her out there, vulnerable, makes my stomach churn, but the joy radiating from her is undeniable. I don’t ever want to be angry at her, and I can’t stand it when she is upset with me. She’s my one weakness, and I think she’s starting to figure that out.

I pull back slightly, looking into her eyes. “No more secrets though. You tell me everything from now on, understood?”

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