Page 18 of Bound to the Bratva
As we step out into a small backyard, I turn to Katarina with genuine interest. "This isn't cutting it for me,"
Katarina smiles warmly. "I thought you might like the condo more than anything else. It looks like I was right. Your father recommended I show you the mansion and this property, but I could tell you wanted something different. Something you weren't used to back home."
I nod, glad she's understanding me. "Exactly. How much is the condo?"
"Well, the building was just built last year. This is the last unit available and there's a lot of interest in it, so I'd dazzle them with your offer if you really want it."
I chuckle lightly, "That's not what I asked."
"It's seven and a half million,"
She showed me property a million and some change over my budget.
"Why would you show me that? I told you my budget was six."
"You and I both know those pockets run deep, and you didn't like the other two options. You want something different, Maxim. I can see that...but for something different, you're paying a price. Plus, it's ten minutes away from your fiancee's hospital. Isn't that worth it, making her happy?"
I don't care too much about making Aria happy, but I do think it will keep her off my ass a bit. I'm a gambling man, so I might as well go all in. "Put the offer in for $7,777,777.77."
Katarina giggles, "Let's hope your lucky number works this time."
Hours pass me by and I'm tired of being stuck in my hotel suite, so I take a hot shower and change, ready to get a couple of drinks at a nearby bar.
I respect the fact Aria is now my fiancee, and I will not make distasteful choices. She's going to be my future, whether I want her to be or not. My days of fucking random women are behind me. Even so, I know I'll be hit on tonight. It's inevitable. I mean, look at me. I'm dressed in a three thousand dollar suit, ooze confidence, and I have one hell of an accent. The ladies love that.
I pick a random bar and have my driver take me to it's location. I head inside and I might be ten feet inside before I see something I never expected to--my fiancee.
Aria is sitting at a raised wooden table, on a barstool, with a group of friends. Her black hair is pulled back in a tight high-ponytail. She's wearing a gold dress that clings to her body like a second skin, and ruby red lipstick is plastered across her lips.
The ironic part is, she's the kind of woman I would have chosen to pursue.
My heart skips a beat as I take in the sight of Aria. It's nothing overly emotional. I don't like her personality, but fuck if she isn't gorgeous.
She's surrounded by her friends, laughing and chatting animatedly, completely unaware of my presence. I can't help but feel a mix of emotions—surprise, intrigue, and a strange tinge of jealousy. It's as if seeing her in this setting, surrounded by admirers, reminds me that she is now mine to claim.
I approach the bar and take a seat a few stools away from Aria's group, keeping a watchful eye on her every move. The bartender pours me a glass of expensive vodka, and I take a slow sip, trying to calm the sudden rush of emotions coursing through me. What am I feeling? It's been so long since I've allowed myself to be vulnerable in any way.
Aria's laughter reaches my ears, causing my gaze to flicker in her direction once more. She has this magnetic energy that draws people in, effortlessly captivating everyone around her. And yet, as I observe her interactions with her friends, I realize she isn't the feral woman I met at her father's house.
The people around her seem to adore her, smiling and laughing at what she's saying. Maybe she isn't so bad after all...but there is a part of her that's a fighter. I just have this feeling like there's a flicker of something deeper, lurking beneath her charismatic facade. I'm going to marry this woman and I'll end up discovering every part of her. One day, she won't be able to keep anything from me.
Unconsciously, my fingers tighten around the glass as an unfamiliar possessiveness takes hold of me. I don't want to admit it, but seeing Aria like this ignites a fierce protectiveness within me. She may be my fiancee by arrangement, but tonight she is just Aria—free-spirited, independent, and utterly captivating.
Why couldn't I meet her like this? Maybe then I wouldn't have had an instant hatred toward her. Now, I see her in another light, and she seems nice, kind even. I'm not foolish enough to think she'd be so kind to me. In her eyes, I'm the enemy.
"You want another?" The bartender asks me.
"Yes, I'd love one." I notice the table next to Aria's is leaving, and have a grand idea.
The bartender gives me my drink and I go over to the empty table, swipe a chair, and place it next to Aria, squeezing myself between her and one of her friends. "Ladies! It's so lovely to meet you,"
Aria shoots me the nastiest glare. I raise my eyebrows at Aria's expression, wondering if she's forgotten that we're engaged. I'm going to meet these people eventually. I do love the fact we happened to be in the same bar tonight.
Instead of addressing her hostility, I turn to her friend on the other side of me, flashing a charming smile. "And you must be one of Aria's best friends. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The friend, clearly taken aback by my sudden intrusion, hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Uh, yeah, I'm Emily. Nice to meet you too...?"
"Maxim," I introduce myself smoothly, offering my hand for a handshake. "Maxim Volkolv."
