Page 70 of Bound to the Bratva
“Not at all,” I reassure him, offering a sympathetic smile. “You deserve to have that, Sasha. We’ve been through so much, seen so much darkness. We both need a little light in our lives, and you want that light to be your wife…which is beautiful.”
His expression softens, a glimmer of hope igniting in his eyes. “I’m glad I came over. It’s good to feel like my feelings are valid, especially when our father does his usual shit.”
I nod, understanding him all too well. I pray my brother is matched with someone who will grow to love and appreciate everything about him. He might not think he’s a catch, but he is, and he’ll end up making one woman very happy one day.
Twenty-Four
Maxim
The heavy oak door opens with a creak, and I step into the foyer, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. My lips curl into a smile as I catch sight of Aria, her slender frame moving gracefully around the kitchen.
“Honey, I’m home,” I call out, shrugging off my coat and hanging it on the ornate brass hook.
Aria turns, her ice gray eyes shining with delight. “Maxim! I didn’t hear you come in.” She wipes her hands on her apron, leaving a dusting of flour on the fabric. “How was your day?”
I don’t know what’s gotten into Aria lately, but she’s been picking up some peculiar hobbies. Lately, she’s been baking a lot and a couple of days ago she got on a sourdough bread kick. She’s been watching a bunch of these videos online and her eyes light up when she’s in the kitchen.
I close the distance between us, my fingers skimming her jaw as I tilt her face up to mine. “Better, now that I’m with you.” I brush my lips against hers, savoring the softness of her mouth.
She hums contentedly, leaning into my touch. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.” Her gaze drops to my lips, and I can see the longing in her expression.
“Is that so?” I murmur, my thumb caressing her cheek. “And what have you been thinking about?”
Aria’s cheeks flush a soft pink. “Us. Our future.” She gnaws on her bottom lip between her teeth, a nervous habit I’ve come to adore. “I feel like we’re finally starting to settle into married life, and with it we’re finding a new normal. But, I’m thinking about what life would’ve been like if I was hurt…”
I suck in a sharp breath, hating how she’s still reeling about killing Natalya. I’ve told her time and time again that her hand was forced, how she had no choice, how she needed to do it. Still, it’s like she believes things could’ve been different.
I pull her into my embrace, my heart swelling with a fierce need to protect her. “I’ve told you, I won’t let anyone hurt you, Aria. You can count on my word.”
She nods against my chest, her slender arms wrapping around my waist. “I was lucky with Natalya, Maxim. Things could’ve gone bad really fast.”
I swallow hard, knowing she speaks the truth all too well. She was lucky, and I’m lucky she has a strong will to live. I press my lips to her temple and we stand there for a moment, the world falling away as we hold each other.
“Come,” Aria says, pulling back with a smile. “I’ve made your favorite. We can talk more over dinner.”
I follow her into the dining room, my gaze drinking in the sight of her. It’s been a long, intense week dealing with hierarchal bullshit, but seeing her safe and sound eases the tension in my shoulders.
It’s my time to rise up and lead the Bratva. I’m married, I’m settled down, and I hope someday soon I’ll have an heir…but I’m not going to pressure my wife into that right now. My main concern is taking my rightful place, but I didn’t anticipate so much fucking pushback.
As we sit down to the meal she’s prepared, I know that this woman has become the center of my universe. It’s odd, considering I hated the idea of marrying a stranger at first. Luckily, things have worked out well for the both of us.
I take a bite of the hearty beef stew, the rich flavors bursting on my tongue. “This is delicious, lyubov moya,” I murmur, my gaze locked with hers. “You continue to surprise me.”
Aria'‘s lips curve in a shy smile. “I wanted to make something comforting. After everything that’s happened I felt like we needed some comfort food.” Her expression grows serious, a flicker of fear crossing her face. She finally told me last night she’s been having nightmares…and I’d suggest going to a therapist, but I’m too worried about the police being tipped off.
Sure, doctor-patient confidentiality is a thing…but there are instances where it’s not good enough. I could always find a therapist who’s paid by the Bratva, which would mean they know not to speak to anyone. If they flapped their jaws, they’d be killed.
Reaching across the table, I cover her hand with mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. “What would you think about talking to someone? I’m sure I could find a therapist who will keep quiet.”
Aria’s eyes go wide for a moment and she licks her lips. “I don’t know. Do you honestly think that’s a good idea?”
I shrug and take a sip of water. “I don’t think it would be a bad one. You went through something traumatic, Aria—something most people never have to experience. It’s not wrong to need to unpack all of the feelings that came along with that…” I trail off, the memory of the sheer panic I felt threatening to overwhelm me. The thought of losing Aria, of her being taken from me, is unbearable.
“Maxim,” she murmurs, her fingers interlacing with mine. “I think maybe I should. It would help me deal with everything going on in my mind. I’ve been so distracted lately, even at work. The clean-up crew did a great job, but whenever I look in front of my desk all I can see is her blood, her body.”
I nod, drawing a deep breath. “I can only imagine. I’ll find someone who’s loyal to the Bratva.” My thumb caresses the soft skin of her hand. “I care about you more than you could possibly realize, and I will do anything to keep you happy, sweetheart.”
Her eyes search mine, and in that moment, I see the rest of her walls come crashing down. “I’m starting to fall in love with you, Maxim.”
