Page 14 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

“What's the catch?” I asked Dad, my scowl deepening as I anticipated his response.

“What?” he muttered, brows rising.

I knew he’d heard me the first time; he was only preparing himself to answer, and something told me that I wasn't going to like what he'd say.

“Why are they helping us? What's in it for them?” I rephrased, my gaze never leaving his.

His lips pursed into a line, but he maintained a straight face when he said, “You.”

I snapped my head back, confusion clouding my features as a nervous laugh came forth. “What…what do you mean by that? What does that mean, Dad?”

“It means you'll be getting married to Alexei Tarasov next month….” he blurted out, refusing to look at me.

“What?” I sprang to my feet reflexively, as if propelled by an invisible force. My brows raised in disbelief, and my eyes widened with terror.

He continued, ignoring my disapproval. “All the necessary arrangements have been made. Everything's been planned.” He managed to meet my eyes and added coldly, without remorse, “You're tying the knot with Alexei Tarasov come next month.”

“You can't be serious, Dad!” I barked, my voice trembling with incredulity as I stumbled backward.

“I'm afraid I'm dead serious, Lorena,” he replied, his expression cold and unyielding.

I shook my head vigorously, protesting. “No, no, no, no—this can't be happening!” My fingers flew to my temples as if trying to hold my reeling thoughts together. “You can't do this tome!” I thundered, eyes misting as I stared at his face, searching for any sign of jest or reassurance. Sadly, I found none.

He wasn't kidding.

My face contorted in a mix of anger, disappointment, and confusion as I pinned my gaze on him. My lips parted, my mouth hanging open as if in search of what to say, but words eluded me.

“This was why I asked you to put on your maturity cap….” He was still talking when I lost my temper and snapped at him.

“Maturity cap? Are you kidding me, Dad?!” My voice, dripping with venom, echoed through the living room. “You're practically selling me off to a mafia organization. Those people are cruel, and you're willing to give me up just to save your stupid pride?”

“Watch your tone, girl!” he snarled, eyes blazing red. Deep creases formed between his brows as he rose to his feet. “I am still your father, and I will not have you disrespect me.” The command and authority in his tone caused me to flinch away.

His stern warning reminded me of my place, and my voice fell silent, tears streaming down my cheeks as I stared at him. I was burning with rage. My lips were trembling, and my jaw tightened. But underneath that rage was a scared little girl, disappointed at her father for trading her in for his company's reputation.

He exhaled sharply, taking a few steps back. He rubbed his eyes and then his face. “Do you think this is easy for me?” His voice dropped to a whisper.

I was so overwhelmed by all these emotions surging through my body that I couldn't even speak. I was too numb.

“The Bratva doesn't commit to long-term alliances on a piece of paper, Lori. They seal it with family ties—marriage,” he said, trying to justify himself, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. “I'm at a crossroads here. We need their help, and they won't provide it unless a Tarasov marries a Campbell. It'sbasically either you or Hannah, and we both know Hannah is not an option.” The words burst out of him in a frantic rush.

The air was thick with tension as silence fell between us. My heart was aching, shattering into a million tiny pieces.

I hated the Tarasov family but hated Alexei even more. The man was rude, proud, arrogant, and ruthless, with ice in his veins and a reputation for unforgiveness. This was the man my father had arranged to be my husband.

I still hadn't forgotten the way he embarrassed me three years ago at that house party. The way he dragged me outside by the wrist in front of all those people, calling me out as a minor who wasn't old enough to drink, still made my blood boil.

What a hypocrite!

My teeth gritted at the thought of having to answer to that last name in just a month's time. Dad knew what a monster Alexei was, yet he went ahead to plan my marriage without my consent.

He’d just ruined my life and expected me to understand because it would benefit the family business—bring it back to its former glory. I was the sacrificial lamb he traded in for more wealth and power.

I would never let the bastards take Hannah.Never. She was still way too young, too kind and naive to be a part of such a monstrosity. She was underage, anyway, making me the perfect candidate for this.

I'd always known that Dad was the type of man who would do anything and go to any length when it came to business. However, I never imagined that he'd someday trade me in.

His decision hurt me, and from the looks of things, he wasn't going to back down, nor did I have a choice in this matter. He made it clear: It was either Hannah or me.

---