Page 11 of The Vendetti Soldier

My father is aware of this and has consistently accepted me and my sexuality. It’s the only reason why I’ve always been at such peace with my role in this family. He made it clear from the beginning that my preference is none of his or anyone’s business and has treated me the same way he did prior to my being open with him. I’ve never been the type to advertise it or use it for attention, though, so maybe that’s why no one around me makes a big deal of it.

That being said, I thought I’d marry for the Bratva, then in secret, my wife could see who she wanted, and I’d do the same. It’s not ideal, but in the Bratva and most organized crime families, it’s common, even accepted, to have lovers. As the prince, I’d work for the family, be a good husband who cares for his wife and children, and I’d get to live a somewhat happy life. Even more so if I found a partner in private to share that part of the life with.

Now, however,everythinghas changed. I’ll have a husband and not have to marry for my bloodline’s sake. The duty will fall to my sister to create the heirs, and although I hate to admit it, I must. There’s an overwhelming sense of relief. My shoulders seem lighter at the newest turn of events, and in return, I feel guilty. I shouldn’t allow all this pressure to be shifted to Mischa, but I’m not the one in control. I can only hope she doesn’t endup hating or resenting me for not only being required to have one of the Vendetti’s heirs, but a second. I’ll get to live free in my sexuality with Luciano, which is more than I ever imagined in my wildest dreams.

Speaking of dreams, I’ve fantasized for years over having a chance at a one-night stand with Luciano Vendetti from the moment it was publicly leaked he’s bisexual. But to be marrying the gorgeous, powerful man? My dick tingles with anticipation just from the mere thought of it.

I’ll have to share him with Mischa, but I’m perfectly okay with the stipulation. I’ve shared with my twin my entire life, sexual partners included, so it’s almost expected that our lives would somehow end up entangled even more. I cast an uneasy glance in her direction, attempting to gauge her mood. Sometimes I can pick up on her feelings without even being in the same room as her; it’s weird, this twin thing we have between us. We’re closer than ordinary siblings, and being best friends our entire lives has only fed into strengthening our bond. My sister is everything to me, and I will do whatever I can to make this transition easier for her.

Her sparkling gaze meets mine, and I take a moment to read her, to sense anything I can, hoping to pick up on what’s going through her mind. She flashes me a reassuring smile, and I swallow, answering with one of my own that silently conveys I have her back.Always.

I was afraid that, with what I walked in on in the hallway between the three of them, she’d be angry over the public display, but she’s not. She may’ve been rattled when I watchedthem, but she’s bounced back, and if I know my sister as well as I like to think I do, she’ll be stronger than ever.

“You could stay,” Luciano suggests quietly, stealing my attention. His voice is just deep enough to have goosebumps skate across my flesh. Did I mention he’s gorgeous? In his expertly crafted suit, fitting him as if it were stitched right onto his body, and his cologne—Jesus Christ—Dolce and Gabbana never smelled so good before. I want to have a turn at sucking his cock, at making his head tip back in pleasure as I witnessed earlier. Only this time it’ll be my name on his lips as the living, breathing god comes down my throat.

“I’ll be comforting my sister tonight, not you,” I reply truthfully. It’s the least I can do, put my desires on the back burner for a night to make sure the one person in my life who has never let me down is okay with our new circumstances. Mischa may’ve put this in motion with her antics, but this is more than she initially bargained for.

“I understand better than anyone about loyalty to famiglia. But soon, you will beVendetti—remember that when you think of famiglia in the future, il mio fidanzato.” His whispered words aren’t a promise, they’re a threat through and through. He’ll demand my loyalty, and I can’t help but wonder if he’ll eventually get it over my family. I never imagined I’d be taking another man as mine, that I’d have to fight for control. I’m well aware that I’m the one marrying into this family, not the other way around, so I will be expected to cave to them. I need to speak to Papa alone to find out what he truly wants with me and this union.

It changeseverything.

We say our goodbyes and thank the host repeatedly, as Matteo Vendetti is probably the most powerful man I’ve ever met. To think, he’ll be my brother-in-law soon. It’s a heady feeling, I won’t attempt to deny it, and I damn sure will be doing whatever I can to remain on his good side. I’m not a weak man by any means, but the tales of Ruthless Vendetti are spread far and wide, and frankly, they’re terrifying.

“Five months to plan two lavish weddings? How in the hell will we make this happen?” I break the silence as we climb into the waiting car and cruise down the pavement, the Estate towering behind us in its sprawling glory, along with the car full of Papa’s men. “All the best venues are reserved up to two years in advance for weddings, let alone needing two separate dates to book,” I comment, watching out the window. The sides of the road leading from the driveway are lined with various elaborate gardens in a state of distress and twinkle lights since winter hasn’t fully fled from upstate New York and won’t for some time, unfortunately. The bite in the air reminds me of Russia; too bad the state is so ugly compared to our home country. Spring will be trying to break free by the time our guests arrive, and thankfully, it should be in full bloom in time for our weddings.

I continue, planning aloud, “We’ll need air-conditioned tents during the day for guests to cool down in, depending on if we get stuck in an outdoor venue, that’s if we can even find a place worth renting at all. And perhaps heaters for the night, depending on how low the temps drop.” My mind spins with the various details to make our weddings top all the others. Jesus, what if there’s a freak winter storm and we get a ton of snow inMay? This would be so much easier if we were home and could marry in a castle.

Mischa laughs, making Papa’s expression glow with happiness. He loves his children with every beat of his heart, I’ve never once doubted it. Witnessing us excited about upcoming nuptials will no doubt have him in a jovial mood as well. Given he tossed back a few drinks at dinner tells me he’s comfortable with the Vendetti family and thinks we’re in good hands. It says a lot coming from the man heading up the Bratva in Russia.

“Already planning our weddings, Rorik? And I suppose you have my dress picked out in that creative mind of yours?” Mischa teases.

I stick my tongue out at her, our father shaking his head at us. I shift my attention. “Papa, we need to discuss my role in things now. This was…unexpected,” I admit after momentarily trailing off.

He nods. “You deserve this happiness. When Capo Vendetti admitted his wife mentioned you’d be a good fit with Mischa for the two brothers, I couldn’t have thought up a better outcome for you, my son. The only caveat being you will have to share Luciano so he may produce an heir with Mischa. I hope you two can come to an agreement so this doesn’t hinder your closeness. There are doctors we can call in to help this process go smoothly.”

He has no idea Mischa and I have shared men, that this is second nature to us. I’m a jealous partner, but I would never be that waywith her, and I fully believe she’s the only person I can say that about. She puts my mind at ease further when she says, “This is more than I could’ve asked for, Papa. I’m thrilled Rorik gets to stay with me, and we can spend our lives together with our husbands. He’s not only my brother but my best friend, and I can imagine no better place for him.”

“He can keep you safe, printsessa.” Papa doesn’t hesitate to rationalize over our safety, and I grin. Mischa has been training to defend herself since we were babies, as have I, but to our father, she’s still a weak little thing always needing to be protected.

“My husband will keep me safe, Papa.Santino.Rorik can finally stop worrying about me.”

“Thank God!” I respond sarcastically with a sigh, making them both laugh. I’m too distracted to realize what’s happening before the car careens sideways. We’d just gotten outside the Estate’s massive iron gates when chaos ensued. There’s screeching, then Papa screams at his men in Russian to turn around and get us back to the mansion.

Without hesitation, I grab Mischa, shoving her to the floor and flip the armrest down. In a rushed frenzy, I open the hidden console and remove the guns we have stored there. I hand one to Mischa, keeping my free hand on her so she stays low while I grab the other Glock.

“Get down, my son!” Papa orders, and I duck my head but still manage to watch the windows, noting how the twinkle trees are speeding by at a breakneck pace.

Russian is being shouted back and forth between my father and one of the guards. The other is dead, shot as soon as our car left the private drive. We’re lucky the gate hadn’t closed, and we were able to get back onto the property, or we’d have been stuck in the middle of the ambush. He yells, saying there are Vendetti men scattered across the pavement, dead outside the gates, and his guard driving has been shot in the arm. Papa perches between the dead man and the driver with his gun, ready to shoot if needed while relaying everything to me and Mischa.

I manage to get to my knees while being jostled around, glancing out the back window. Our men that’d been waiting outside for us earlier stopped their car, parking it sideways in the street behind us in a shootout to protect us while we get away. They must all be dead now as a truck full of men and guns speeds after us, our enemies hot on our heels.

The car horn blares, making me realize we’re back in front of the Estate. Pulling the door lever as soon as the vehicle skids to a stop, I kick it to get the door to open just as the double doors of the Estate part and out come the Italians.

Capo Vendetti stands behind a massive fifty-caliber they’ve wheeled out, and I can’t help but watch as he rains hellfire behind us. The man looks like the devil incarnate as he wears a sinister snarl, relishing in each spray of blood. He’s the Capo, for heaven’s sake. The man should be locked in a safe room protecting himself, rather than being out in front of the gunfire.

Luciano and Santino are here in the next blink, quickly reaching for us. They take our guns, giving them to Papa before grabbing me and Mischa, helping to shield our bodies with their own as they make us run up the stairs and into the house. I manage to catch another vehicle pulling up as we cross the threshold, and all I can think about is Papa still being in the car.

“Papa!” I scream as I’m shoved inside the door and pushed toward a hallway. “I have to get him. Stop! I must go back and make sure he’s safe.” I fight, but Luciano is stronger, wrapping his arms around me to walk me farther into the winding hallways.

---