Page 15 of Twisted Vows

I lift my eyes to Alexey, who watches me closely. “It’s confirmed. The marriage is on.”

Alexey hands me the glass of whiskey again, and I take it. We clink glasses, the sound sharp in the quiet room. There’s a moment of unspoken understanding between us—this marriage is a calculated risk, and we both know it.

“We’re in deep now,” Alexey says, his voice low. “Just remember, some things cost more than you think. The right woman can make all the difference…and the wrong one can tip the scales and push you into dangerous territory. Don’t let this marriage make that possible.”

I take a sip, the burn of the whiskey grounding me. “I won’t.” The words slip from my mouth easily despite knowing this is the most dangerous game I’ll ever play.

CHAPTER SEVEN

You’re a weapon and weapons don’t weep.

Ari

Ma’s voice drones on, each word a needle pricking my skin. I sit in the library, back rigid, hands clenched in my lap, while my mother paces before the fireplace. The room is suffocating with its heavy drapes, ornate furniture, and shelves crammed with books no one touches.

“You will not embarrass this family during the wedding, Arianna,” she snaps, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Every step is a reminder of all the times I’ve disappointed her.

I swallow the retort burning on my tongue. There’s no point. This isn’t a conversation. It’s an execution. But one that I thankfully won’t have to endure for much longer.

The door swings open, and Franco strides in, his presence as sharp as a blade cutting through Ma’s cold lecture. She stops mid-sentence, a rare sight, her dominance shrinking the moment her oldest son enters the room. I feel the tension shift, the balance of power tipping.

“No need to keep whipping the horse, Ma. It’s already hitched to the cart.” Turning to me, I see his expression soften.

“Thanks for the equine comparison. It makes me feel all warm inside.”

“I do what I can.” He holds out his hand. “Let’s go, I’m gonna drive you to Gianna’s so you can see your goddaughter.”

I try to keep the surprise from my expression as I stand and take his hand. “What happened to all your minions?”

“I need to talk to Alexey, so we might as well carpool.”

“We’re becoming environmentalists; how lovely.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He leads me out of the room. “Save the world, blah, blah, blah.”

Once we’re in the car and Vince is driving like the devil is chasing us, I turn and study my brother. “What’s really going on?”

Franco’s phone buzzes, but he ignores it, turning his full attention to me for the first time. His eyes soften just a fraction, and it’s enough to catch me off guard. “Ari… you’re a warrior. Always have been.” He pauses, his expression tightening as if he’s fighting to say what’s next. “I want you to take your fucking sword into this marriage and protect yourself at all costs.”

I blink, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in his voice. “And here, I thought you were done protecting me and happy to send me off to the Russian prison.”

He looks out the window. “Never. And don’t underestimate what you can do in this marriage. You’re not a pawn in this, Ari. You’re a Bianchi, and Bianchis carve their own way, even in the worst situations.”

“True.” I lean back and silently vow not to become the first casualty in the alliance.

Minutes later we pull through the gates that protect thePakhan’s estate. I count six bratoks at the gate and another dozen as we make our way down the lane. Will I soon be living under similar circumstances?

I see two soldiers standing in front of the doors and wonder if I will ever get used to living among the cold Russians.

Vincenzo’s hand stays on his holster as he opens the car door for me. Is this my future? Being constantly judged by people who were enemies until recently?

Franco nods, and I slide across the seat and see twobratoksglare at me as I straighten my dress. “Jeez. Talk about a warm welcome.”

Franco joins me. “We’ve been taking shots at one another for years, so it would be strange if they acted differently.”

“And how does the Bratva treat Gianna?”

“Like thePakhan’s wife,” my brother replies succinctly. “They will lay down their lives if it means savings hers.”

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