Page 26 of Bound to the Bratva
"I can't fucking believe he still has her cooped up. I'm going to speak to him about it later tonight." Sasha grumbles.
I get close to them and speak up. "There's no need for that. I made a deal with your father and he'll be releasing your mother.
Aria whips her head around, "What?"
"He's releasing your mother. I told him how holding her captive is essentially causing more stress and putting a dark cloud over the beginning of our union, and he saw my points as being valid."
Sasha cackles, "I never thought I'd see the day where our father ever gave in. Kudos to you,"
Aria looks at her brother. "The only reason he gave in is because Maxim is next in line to lead the Bratva."
Sasha nods, "Very true."
Sasha's gaze wanders and he clears his throat, "My apologies, but I need to get going."
Once Sasha leaves the rest of the night is a blur of dancing, laughter, and conversation. I wouldn't say Aria and I are close, but we're civil toward each other. She seems to have softened a bit, and I can't help but feel a small spark of hope for our future together.
As the night draws to a close, Aria and I head to the attached balcony. For the first time in the evening there isn't a single soul around us.
"I appreciate you getting my father to release my mother" Aria starts off, "I didn't expect him to do it, honestly."
It's not only a kind gesture, but also strategic in earning me some brownie points. I know I'll need them on this journey. "As I mulled over his actions, my irritation grew. Initially, it seemed like a clever tactic to ensure your compliance. But after last week's events, I could see the true nature of your character. You're going to marry me because you're being told to, and holding your mother captive won't change that."
Aria rolls her eyes, "You mean after we hate-fucked in an alleyway?"
"That certainly played a part, but I'm mostly referring to seeing you at the bar with your friends. It gave me the opportunity to witness you in your element, even though you were slightly irritated."
Aria wraps her arms around herself, the chill in the air causing her to shiver. Without a word, I take off my suit jacket and place it over her shoulders, hoping to provide some warmth. "You didn't have to do that," she says, but I can see the gratitude in her eyes.
"I'd be an ass if I didn't, don't you think?" I chuckle, trying to ease the tension between us.
"Maybe, but you're an ass regardless." Aria quips back, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips.
We stand there for a moment, wrapped in silence before I break it by trying to get to know her better. "So, how do you like your job?"
Aria raises her eyebrows but doesn't respond immediately. "Why are you asking? It's not like you actually give a flying fuck."
I lick my lips nervously before answering honestly. "That's where you're wrong. I am genuinely curious about your job and how you handle the challenges that come with it. After all, you'll be my wife in just a couple of weeks. I think it's important for me to start asking these sorts of questions now, don't you?"
Aria looks at me for a long moment, uncertain how to react to my words and the sincerity behind them. Finally, she opens up and lets me in on the cruel realities of being a pediatric oncologist.
Nine
Aria
Emily's voice rings out, breaking the weight of silence that has settled heavily over us. "I still can't believe you're getting married," she comments, her eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation or doubt.
Lori's head shakes back and forth, blonde curls bouncing with the motion. "And in four days! It's fucking insane, Aria. Why didn't you tell us?" Her tone is incredulous, a mix of shock and concern lacing her words.
Malia leans forward, her dark green eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Ignore all that and tell us why you're rushing into this marriage. Why aren't you two taking your time? Are you pregnant?" The question hangs in the air like a cloud of suspicion, causing my stomach to twist uncomfortably.
My friends' barrage of questions continues, each one more intense than the last. I want to tell them the truth, that I'm being coerced into marrying him against my will, but I can't do that.
I can't put them in danger by revealing my ties to a powerful mafia family. They wouldn't understand the complexities and dangers that come with being a bastard child born into this world of violence and power.
So instead, I remain silent for a few moments, feeling trapped and suffocated by my own circumstances. I lie straight through my teeth, "In my field you know I'm aware about how short life is. After speaking with Maxim, we figured why should we wait when the future isn't guaranteed?"
Malia's smile is filled with genuine warmth and affection. "How sweet is that!?" she exclaims, her voice laced with excitement and joy.
