Page 47 of The Bratva's Prisoner Bride

Of course, leave it to Aleks to have the perfect timing. It’s not like I planned on taking my wife out for the night or anything.

Aleks stepped around my less-than-enthused reaction and continued, “I need you to be there and make sure everything goes right. Can I count on you?”

Regardless of my vague irritation at the thought, I knew it was important, and I had a duty to my family and our business. “Of course…I’ll make sure the others don’t fuck up.”

He chuckled then, apparently happy with my compliance. “Good. Let’s hope this trade doesn’t end up like the last.”

“I hear Reggie’s still recovering…maybe he can be an example for our other associates.”

“Recovering his pride is more like it. But yes, use him as an example if you must. Just make sure everyone stays in line tomorrow.”

“I will,” I affirmed, nodding to myself. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“All right…I’m counting on you.”

I knew that was true, and I didn’t take my brother’s faith in me lightly.

Finally, we said our goodbyes, ended the call, and I slid my phone back into my pocket. I could feel Daria’s curious gaze on me before she even had the chance to say anything.

“Yes?” I asked her, meeting her eyes.

She blinked back at me, aware she had been caught with her curiosity. Then she asked, “Was that one of your brothers?”

With a gentle breath, knowing I shouldn’t hide everything from her, I nodded. “Yes. That was Aleks. He’s the oldest.”

“Is he your leader or something?”

“Most people would call him a kingpin, or the head of our family, but yes. He dishes the orders, and we make sure they happen.”

I was somewhat surprised to see just how interested she seemed about the matter, but in a way, it was almost nice. Still, it wasn’t wise to share every aspect with her.

“And do all of your brothers have something to do with your family’s empire?”

“In one way or another.”

Daria looked me over for a moment as if considering whether she should ask or not, but she apparently couldn’t resist. “What’s your role?”

“You could say I’m the persuasion…” I began, looking closely at her features to gauge her reaction. “When we needanswers or to put someone in their place, I’m the one to do it. I’m not opposed to getting violent when I need to.”

The faintest flicker of fear, or at least alarm, moved through her at that, and she swallowed hard. “I don’t doubt that. You can be…very persuasive.”

Amused by her agreement, I chuckled and rested my hand on her thigh, feeling how she barely tensed at the contact. My thumb brushed absently against the bare skin beneath her hem. “Perhaps the persuasion I’ve used on you is a bit different, but either way, I always know how to make someone crack.”

Overshadowing her faint apprehension given my admittance, a soft, almost longing veil seemed to cover her eyes. She shivered faintly beneath my touch.

Despite how she still seemed curious to know more, the club came into view, and the driver pulled up to the curb. With some relief, I was glad our impromptu Q&A session was cut short. I wasn’t opposed to sharing some things with her regarding my work, but a part of me was still on the fence about trusting her completely.

I wanted to believe that we were making strides, but I could never be too careful when it came to anyone outside of my family, regardless of us being married.

It would take time before we could even begin establishing that kind of absolute trust. Lowering that guard of mine was a massive feat, and if she could manage to do it, then I’d have nothing but respect for her.

Regardless, I popped the door open and got out before offering Daria a hand and helping her out.

On our way inside, while she took in the sights of everything, I guided her with my hand on her back once more, feeling the selfish need to keep her close.

I didn’t know what had gotten into me, but seeing her wearing that dress and looking done up was enough to make it seem nearly impossible to focus on anything else but her.

Given a nod from the bouncer, the two of us moved inside, and we were immediately surrounded by the usual music and ambiance of the place. Beneath the changing lights and the faint haze in the air, I directed her through the crowd and over to the closed-off VIP section.

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