Page 3 of Possession of the Bratva

Piotr stopped as we reached Aleksandr. He smiled softly at me before kissing my cheek and extending my hand to Aleksandr. I felt flustered and hot. Aleksandr’s hand was much colder, sending a shiver through me.

He looked handsome in his dark purple suit with his hair slicked back. His face was clean and smooth, and his golden eyes sparkled. Even though he had a muscular build and broad shoulders, which I always admired in a man, he wasn’t my type.

Something about him just lit up all my danger signals. We stood facing each other as the priest started the ceremony. Most of it was a blur, as my mind couldn’t focus on what was happening. I knew I had agreed, but it felt like I was living in a nightmare. I heard myself saying ‘I do’ as Aleksandr slipped the diamond ring onto my finger.

Shaking my head to clear the fog, I glanced at the people gathered in the room. I repeated after the priest and slipped the silver and black titanium ring on Aleksandr’s finger. I didn’t even know where it came from, but it was there.

Once the priests announced to us that we were husband and wife, Aleksandr leaned in to kiss me. Instinctively, I pulled back before realizing I had no choice. Closing my eyes, I allowed him to kiss me. His lips were much warmer than his hands. It felt like my lips caught fire as he softly kissed me.

Turning to the people as they cheered and stood, I tried my best to smile. My lips felt stiff. I knew the smile didn’t look much like one. We walked hand in hand back through the crowd into the reception area.

The reception area also held a purple-and-white color scheme. However, gold and silver were also worked into the decor. Two oversized high-back chairs and a double table were at the back of the room. The other tables were round and set to the sides of the room, leaving the center open for a dance floor.

On one side was a bar, and on the other side was a stage with a band playing. Each table had a lovely flower grouping in the middle. There were candles and small gifts scattered on them as well. The guests peeled in and took their places at the tables as we walked to the back.

There were a lot of speeches. Piotr and Leon both spoke, wishing us the best for the future. Only one of his brothers spoke, and someone I didn’t know. Aleksandr took my hand and led me to the dance floor for the opening dance.

My movements felt mechanical as was my smile by then. Now and then, someone came up and congratulated us. As I took turns dancing with my siblings, I noticed Aleksandr watching us intently. He didn’t seem very pleased. Konstantin was the last one to dance with me. The song wasn’t even done when Aleksandr interrupted.

“May I take over?” he asked as he took my hand from Konstantin.

I saw a flicker of anger in my brother's eyes, but he stepped back. “That wasn’t nice,” I whispered as Aleksandr turned me on the dance floor.

“Sorry, dear,” Aleksandr whispered back. “But I couldn’t wait any more. My heart was heavy, and I felt sad as his words sank in.

We had some champagne and were served a three-course meal. After that, the rest of the day was foggy. I knew he introduced me to his other siblings. As the early evening rolled in, I felt drained. My mouth and facial muscles were sore from trying to smile. The dress felt like it was now strangling my chest, and I needed to get out of it.

“Aleksandr,” I said, leaning closer to him. I didn’t want to scream, but I knew I had to be heard over the music.

He looked at me, grinning. “Yes, dear,” he said, taking my hand.

“I am tired,” I replied.

Aleksandr looked me up and down before replying. “Okay, in a minute.”

I rose from my chair and headed to where my family stood at the bar. “I think we’re almost ready to leave,” I said.

They took turns hugging me and saying good night. “Are you okay?” Alyssa asked as she embraced me. “You looked slightly distant all day.”

Nodding, I gave her a slight smile. “Yes, I’m fine, thanks,” I replied softly. “I’m just tired, I think.”

Walking back to Aleksandr, I felt defeated but swore to myself, that he wouldn’t touch me even if he begged. Aleksandr thanked everyone for coming before we headed out to his car. I grabbed my bags from Leon’s truck and placed them in the trunk of his car. I had only packed the bare necessities.

Aleksandr held the door open and waited for me to get in before getting in himself. As we pulled off, I glanced back, wishing I could take it all back.

Chapter 3 - Aleksandr

The unhappy look on Mila’s face throughout the wedding ceremony and the reception had gotten on my nerves. I tried to keep my composure neutral throughout the evening. I smiled where it was called for and kept my eye on my new bride.

Once the day’s events came to an end, I felt relieved. Seeing her this way only ignited my anger. Who did she think she was, ignoring me and pushing me aside? My mouth felt stiff from pretending to be happy with all she did. I didn’t need to pretend anymore now that the day was done.

We stopped at the dressing room, where Mila changed. She wanted to get out of the wedding dress that was annoying her. Once she was in her jeans and shirt, we could leave.

As we drove off, I glanced at Mila as I spoke. “I need to stop at the office before we head home.”

Mila didn’t respond. The ride to my office was quite a distance. I looked at her every now and then, expecting some reaction. But she didn’t even look at me. She just sat staring out the window.

The sun had started its descent as we left the reception. By the time we stopped at my office, it was dark. Getting out, I felt my frustration bubbling within. I opened her door and waited for her to get out. Mila glanced up at me. I could hear a slight irritation in her tone as she spoke. “I’ll wait here.”

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