Page 29 of Bratva Knight

“Now,” Aleksandr said firmly.

She stuck her tongue out at him. “Party pooper.” She rushed forward, her new burst of speed taking Illayana completely by surprise. Drea did what could only be described as a “soccer tackle”, her foot smashing into Illayana’s shin and making her drop. Drea capitalised, scrambling onto Illayana’s back and locking her into a rear naked choke, her arms curling tightly around her neck. Her legs wrapped around her torso next, and then she pulled back. Hard.

Illayana thrashed, rolling from side to side, doing anything she could to get free, but it was no use. There was nothing she could do. The hold was air tight.

“Tap out, Illayana!” Luca yelled.

Lukyan scoffed. “She’s not tapping.”

Sure enough, not even three seconds later, Illayana’s head started to droop forward, her arms falling limp at her side. Drea instantly loosened her hold, guiding Illayana’s head down to rest softly on the floor.

The crowd went wild. Screaming. Clapping. Cheering.

Luca’s mouth was wide open. “You’re telling me she could have done that this entire time?” he growled as Christian and Lorenzo jumped into the ring to check on Illayana. “Why didn’t she just do that to start with?”

“Because Drealikesto fight. She doesn’t want it to end quickly,” Aleksandr grunted.

“This family is crazy.You’re all crazy.Look at your sister. Oh, fuck. Arturo is going to lose it. I’m fucked.We’refucked. He—”

“Relaaaax,” Lukyan dragged out, cutting him off. “She’s fine. See.” He pointed to Illayana, who was slowly starting to sit up, a slightly dazed expression on her face. “You Cosa Nostra guys need to chill the fuck out. Women aren’t the fragile little creatures you think they are. They’re capable of so much more than you give them credit for. That sheltered box you keep them in does nothing but put you at a disadvantage and waste all that untapped potential.”

Aleksandr arched an eyebrow at me in surprise.

Every now and then, Lukyan would say something…wise. It didn’t happen very often, because for some reason, he liked to act like he wasn’t as smart or insightful as he actually was. But when he did say something profound, it always took everyone by surprise.

Illayana shrugged off Christian and Lorenzo’s attempt to help her stand and got to her feet.

My sister was a sore loser, so it surprised the fuck out of me when she broke into a full-blown smile, her teeth stained red with blood.

“You were holding back,” she said to Drea, offering her hand.

“Barely,” Drea responded, shaking her hand. “You’re very good.”

“So are you. And quick, too, so fucking quick. How do you move so fast?”

“Being barely five feet tall has its perks. You learn to take advantage of being smaller than almost everyone else.”

Illayana laughed and then gripped her side, groaning painfully. “I’ve never been so jealous of someone’s height before. You know I want a re-match, right? No holding back this time.”

Drea smiled, opening her mouth to respond, but she was cut off when Christian, Luca and Lorenzo all screamed, “No!”

Chapter Nine

Tatiana Andreeva

IwalkedintoArturo’soffice, excitement burning in my veins. I was dressed to the nines. Louboutin heels. Tight, form-fitting black slacks. Red lace corset that accentuated the ladies. A long-sleeved overcoat. Each piece designed and made by yours truly.

My hair was cut, coloured and blow-dried to perfection, not a single strand out of place. I had a fresh set of acrylic nails (red and black to match my outfit, of course) with a bloody dagger painted on my third fingernail on both hands.

I was nothing if not thorough when it came to matching my outfit with my accessories. First impressions were very important, after all. Who said you couldn’t look good and kick some serious ass too?

Even though I didn’t play an active role in the Bratva, I couldn’t deny how thrilling it was to be there. To actually be getting in on the action for once.

I was more than happy with my life and the path I’d chosen, but sometimes I swear I was suffering from a bad case of FOMO. It wasn’t like I wasn’t interested in the life. I was. It was one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to help Illayana.

There was a part in me that loved violence, like all Bratva women. I liked guns. Knives. Grenades were my favourite; blowing shit up was a whole lot of fun. I was excited to get my hands dirty. Figuratively speaking, of course.

Arturo was sitting behind his sleek, black desk, dressed in an impressive three-piece suit when I walked in. His blue-green eyes were locked firmly on the iPad in his hands, brows set in a deep frown.

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