Page 10 of Bound to the Bratva
"She's the only thing you care about in this world besides Sasha, so I took it upon myself to have an insurance policy. Your mother is being held safely by our men, for now. Isn't that right, dearest?" Tatiana looks at my father who swallows harshly.
"Tell me she's lying," I demand.
My father's gaze runs cold as he meets his eyes with mine. "I had hoped we wouldn't need to resort to this, however, it seems like it's our only option."
"You fucking snake!" I scream out, not caring if anyone hears me.
Tatiana laughs manically, "We knew you'd be opposed to it, and we've done what was necessary. She isn't being harmed, yet. If you step out of line again, she will be. You see, that slight outburst your father bestowed upon you isn't the only outburst he's ever had. The more you anger him, the more he might feel the need to...exert that energy."
I cannot believe what I'm hearing right now.
"You are both vile people. I don't understand how you can do this."
"You don't understand because you refuse to try, Aria," my father slams his fist down on the table. "If you'd only take a moment to try to understand what it's like to be me, then you would."
"Oh, I forgot, being a powerful Russian man is a bit difficult, hmm?"
The low, gruff voice of my father fills the tense silence. "When did you become so difficult to speak to?" Dad grunts, obviously frustrated.
"That might be around the same time I was told I'm being forced to marry someone you two have picked out. Oh, wait, and then when I was told my mother's being held prisoner by you so I'll actually marry the man you chose." I reply bitterly, not hiding my resentment at all.
I wonder how he's going to try to get out of this.
"You're making it worse than it actually is," His attempts to try and calm me down are embarrassing.
"No, I'm not." I snap at him, refusing to let him downplay how fucked up this situation is.
Dad's face contorts with anger, his knuckles turning white as he clenches his fists. "Watch your tone, Aria," he warns through gritted teeth. "You have no idea what's at stake here. I'm trying to be understanding, but you're testing my patience."
"And whose fault is that?" I retort, unable to contain the bitterness in my voice. "You and Tatiana are the ones who dragged me into this mess. Don't act like I asked for any of it. And patience, come on. You don't have any patience. If you did, you wouldn't have ever struck me."
Tatiana interjects with a wicked smirk. "You don't have a choice, Aria. It's either this marriage or your mother's life. Pick your poison, and I hope you pick wisely."
My heart pounds in my chest as I finally accept there's no way out of this. They might think they've won, but I will find a way to get out of this once my mother is safe.
"You two are fucking monsters," I seethe, glaring at them like I wish they were dead.
"No, I'm not. I'm your father and I want the best for you. This is what's best for you."
"Bullshit! This is what you think is best for the family!" I snap.
"You're my daughter, Aria. I do love you, even if you don't believe me."
I scoff at him. "You have a funny way of showing your love. It's always attached with favors or tasks. This one though, it's the biggest price you've ever made me pay."
As the words leave my mouth, I can see a flicker of hurt in my father's eyes, quickly masked by his stubbornness. Tatiana, on the other hand, remains unfazed, her icy demeanor never faltering.
"You don't understand the sacrifices we've made for this family," my father says, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "It's not just about power or reputation. It's about survival."
I shake my head in disbelief. "Survival? That's just an excuse to justify your twisted actions. What about my happiness? What about what I want?"
Tatiana leans forward, her voice dripping with venom. "You have no idea what your father has done to ensure you, your brother, and your mother's safety on numerous occasions. You're alive because he jeopardized business relationships and have no idea he acted against enemies who threatened you all. Be grateful, Aria. He could have chosen someone far worse for you."
"Oh, so you want me to be grateful? Go fuck yourselves," I leave the private room and slam the door behind me before the food even has time to arrive.
I can't fucking believe this.
Four
