Page 13 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

“There are some clothes for you. There should be something that fits you,” he says awkwardly.

Something that fits me? What does that mean?

I simply nod. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he says as I close the door behind me. I look around. It's an enormous room, bigger than my room at Roman's house. It's decorated tastefully in purple and blue. The bedding looks so soft. I see the walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom and I head in that direction. The closet is full of designer women's clothing in a range of sizes. I go through them slowly. This must be for his one-night stands. The man's probably a womanizer. Not that I can blame him. He is attractive, but it's kind of gross that he has all these clothes here.

I change into a pair of pajamas that are slightly too big, and I climb into bed. What was I thinking marrying him? He's clearly a playboy. I don't get what his angle is. I lay back down, trying to work it out, but the excitement from the night and my full belly quickly lull me into a deep sleep.

Chapter 7 - Viktor

I wake up at six despite the fact that I went to bed so late. I feel like I've saved the day and I can't wait to start the new day. I have a shower in my enormous bathroom and dress simply for today. Riley is safe, in my house, and with my name attached to hers, that should discourage any wannabe gangsters from trying to hurt her. Now, I just need to get the word out. First, I need to make sure the marriage is registered and then I need to call Roman and see if I can finally tell him about the plan. He should be awake by the time I'm done with breakfast.

I head downstairs and sit in the dining room. I pick up the newspaper and open it. I flip to the business section and start reading the morning reports. This is what I do, it's what I'm best at. I solve problems. The family really should trust me with more responsibility. Rachel, my personal maid, brings out breakfast and sits it in front of me. I look up at her over my newspaper. “Please make a plate for Riley and keep it warm for her. I don't know when she'll be down, but I assume she'll be hungry.”

Rachel nods and says, “I will do, Mr. Milov. I'll just bring your coffee and I'll fix her a plate.”

I nod my approval and set the newspaper down. Then, I start to eat my breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast, fried tomato, fried banana, bacon, and hash browns. It smells delicious, and despite the fact that I ate a couple of hours ago, I find myself hungry. Being a savior to all is hungry work. Roman is going to be so proud of me when I tell him what I've done. I can't wait.

Once I'm done with breakfast and sipping my coffee, I call Manny.

“Hello, Cousin,” he answers the phone. “I assume you're calling to follow up on your paperwork?”

“Did you get everything filed?” I ask.

“Yes, yes. Signed off by the Justice of the Peace and filed. I had to pay a few people to move it along, but you're now registered as Mr. and Mrs. Viktor Milov.”

“Thank you, Manny, that's perfect.”

“Does Roman know you did this?” he asks curiously.

“I don't need Roman's permission to do things,” I say testily. “Now, if you're done wearing down my patience, I have some work calls to make.”

“To Roman?” he teases.

“Goodbye, Manny.” I hang up and sigh. He isn't wrong. I do have to call Roman. But Roman is going to be happy that I protected Riley. I bet Gwen will be super grateful as well. Besides, I didn't tell them to go on a stupid spontaneous holiday.

I sip my coffee again and then dial Roman's number. I listen to the line ring and I'm about to hang up when he answers.

“What is it, Viktor? Is everything okay?” He sounds like he just woke up.

“How is your holiday going?” I ask cheerily.

“Cut the crap. Why are you calling so early?” he asks. I hear him getting up and walking outside, and I can hear the waves of the ocean become clearer.

“There were some developments after you left. I tried to reach you, but your phone went straight to voicemail. So did Gwen's.”

“That's because we're on holiday and I assume you can handle things without me being there. Besides, you should have just called Rigor,” he says.

I pause. I hadn't thought to call our oldest brother. This isn't the kind of thing I'd bother him with, anyway.

“What developments were there?” Roman asks, sighing.

“We discovered that Riley is being followed around by this guy called Jimmy, who used to work for the Vultures. But I solved the problem,” I explain with a gleeful grin. “He won't be coming near her now.”

“How did you send him a message?” Roman asks.

“By marrying her,” I say simply. “Genius, isn't it?”

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