Page 80 of Sinful Wrath

“I don’t think Massimo shares the same view.”

“No? Well, that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.” Alexei huffs. “I’m honestly surprised he’s letting us take care of Lucia despite all the threats with Alfonzo.”

“Trying to contain Lucia is a full time job. The guy probably just wanted a break.”

Alexei laughs, shaking his head. “Well, I think it was a good decision on his part. It gave you both an opportunity to get to know one another before you get married. That was something Bianca and I didn’t have.”

“It worked out well for you, though.”

“It did.” He nods.

“I don’t understand how you were so calm about the prospect of marrying a complete stranger. I mean, I’ve known Lucia for almost a month, and I’m still freaking out about the idea of marriage.”

“I will say, when you actually care about one another, it makes the whole arranged marriage thing a lot easier to come to terms with. I mean, look at me and Bianca. I never could have dreamed that making that deal with Emilio would bring me here,” Alexei says, a look of utter wonder on his face as he glances over at the picture of Bianca and Leo on the mantelpiece. “I thought I had everything I needed, but it turned out I couldn’t have been more wrong. You just have to trust the fact that not everything is in your control, particularly when it comes to love.”

Alexei must see the panic on my face as he holds up a finger to silence me.

“I’m not saying you and Lucialoveone another, but it’s clear that feelings have developed between you. I know you,brat, probably better than anyone, and I will say this. Don’t fight them. For once, give in to the fact that you can’t control this and just see what happens.”

“I appreciate the advice,brat.”

Alexei dips his chin.

I’ve always looked up to Alexei since we were kids, but even more so since our parents were killed, and he took over as the head of the family. He’s the closest thing I have to a father figure, so I can’t help but crave his advice and guidance.

“Now, enough with the relationship stuff.” Alexei sets his empty glass down onto the table.

“Good. I want to know what we’re going to do about Alfonzo. He’s come after Lucia twice in a matter of weeks.”

“I know, and he will be taken care of.” Alexei’s eyes narrow. “But we need to make sure we do it in a way that isn’t going to spark an all-out war. We have enough of our own enemies without worrying about Massimo’s too.”

“That seems redundant seeing as we’re about to legally bind our family to Massimo.”

Alexei shrugs, rubbing his hand over his jaw.

“Does this make the marriage between Lucia and me less desirable?” I frown.

“No, this won’t change the deal I made with Massimo. He’s proved himself to be useful, plus he’s going to help us bring Igor down. Trust me,brat, this marriage is still in the best interest of our family.”

I’m surprised by the sense of relief that showers me.

Fuck. Iwantto marry Lucia, but not because of the role it offers me within the bratva.

I want to marry Lucia because I’m starting to fall in love with her.

19

LUCIA

Mikhail Koslov is turningout to be a very good roommate.

Last night was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a very long time. Sleeping next to him is like having my very own hot water bottle, and I could have easily spent the entire day in bed with him.

But Mikhail is a busy man, and I feel bad for keeping him in bed for so long, so I reluctantly untangle myself from his arms to let him go and take a shower. Though when I spy his very prominent erection straining against his boxers as he gets out of bed, I almost jump him right there and then.

If I had known how ready he was, I wouldn’t have wasted time telling him about my plans for the day. Or rather, those plans would have turned much dirtier…

Once Mikhail leaves, I head into the walk-in closet that I seem to have taken over with all of my clothes.

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