Page 14 of The Bratva's Prisoner Bride

Glancing at what I could see of the clothes in the wardrobe, a hint of curiosity came over me. "Any idea of what color he likes?"

She seemed almost surprised by my words but considered my question for a moment. "From what I've gathered, he wears darker, masculine colors for himself. But for women, he thinks white and light tones are elegant. Given how the garments mostly reflect that, I don't think it would be too difficult to accomplish that."

She had a point. Most of the tops were either white or soft and warm-toned, like something you'd wear on vacation.

I nodded, thinking about it before I met her gaze again. "By the way...what's your name?"

Remembering herself, she straightened a bit with a slightly bashful smile at the realization that she never told me her name. "I'm Veronica. You'll likely be seeing a lot of me."

Committing her name to memory, I gave her a more muted smile in return. "It's nice to meet someone who hasn't completely lost their mind...it's refreshing."

Despite herself, Veronica chuckled, then carefully began tidying the room. "I'm glad to hear it."

Even if I was still a prisoner in that house, being beckoned to see the man I'd rather avoid like the plague, it was genuinely nice to talk to Veronica. To know I didn't have to feel completely alone.

While she worked, eventually heading into the ensuite to clean, I reached for the plate and dug in, unable to resist it any longer.

All the while I ate, appreciating the taste, I looked at the clothes and considered what Veronica mentioned about Ivan's preference.

...Black it was, then.

Chapter 7 - Ivan

"I'm assuming you made it back," Aleks said through the phone, tone expectant with a hint of muted concern.

He was never one to be outright about his protective nature when it came to us, but his checking in always gave him away. He'd always deny being a sap, but we knew better than that.

Sitting on the terrace overlooking the backyard and pool, I swallowed back some of my coffee and nodded to myself. "Yeah, I'm back."

"And everything was taken care of?"

"Of course. I promised and delivered," I murmured back, secure in the fact that Kuzmin wouldn't be a problem anymore.

While it wouldn't necessarily hurt to let him in on my plan with Daria, I left that part out on purpose. It may be linked to the family business, but to me, it was a side project of sorts. A personal matter I didn't need to concern the others with.

Besides, while she did deceive Olivia and Dima, I was the one she strung along in a different sense. She played with my feelings and took advantage of my interest.

Because of that, I was the one dishing out the punishment. That was between us.

"Good...I'm glad to hear it," Aleks said, allowing a slight beat of silence to linger before he continued, "Now that you're back in San Diego, what's next for you?"

I hummed to myself, watching as the palm trees swayed in the backyard. "That was something I wanted to circle back to...remember when I brought up that premium booze label?"

After quiet consideration, Aleks returned, "Yes, I remember. The legit business you were thinking up, right?"

"That's the one. I don't want any funny business. It's not just a front," I reminded him, set on that fact. "I want it to be big—a passion project, if you will."

Aleks chuckled. "I'm assuming that means you'll be scouting manufacturers out there?"

"Of course. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to call day drinking work."

I could picture him shaking his head on the other end before replying, "A fine excuse, at least..."

"Beyond that, I hope to integrate the bottles in our clubs too. We'll gain more exposure, sell more than the lion's share each night, and it'll sell out once it hits the shelves," I reassured him, confident in the fact that it would be a solid venture for the family business. "Given our connections and reputation, I know it'll be a success."

There was a slight pause on his end before Aleks murmured with insinuation in his tone, "And if it were to prove beneficial as some sort of cover-up?"

Aware of his meaning, I sigh. "Yes, if there's something advantageous that comes along, we can use it without our other operations, too. Otherwise, it's still legit."

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