Page 27 of Bound to the Bratva
Lori, on the other hand, rolls her eyes in annoyance. "I'm calling bullshit on that one," she retorts with a hint of sarcasm.
Feeling drained and tired, I have no energy left to argue with Lori. I decide to be direct and honest. "I don't owe you an explanation at all, actually. But I am choosing to take the time to explain it to you. And in return, you're being a fucking bitch," I state firmly.
Lori shakes her head disapprovingly. "You're acting completely out of character, you know," she comments, her tone dripping with judgment and criticism.
I lick my bottom lip, fighting back the urge to completely unleash on her.
Emily butts in, "Okay ladies, c'mon, the stress is really high right now because Aria is getting married in just a couple of days. Let's not say anything we don't mean, okay?"
Lori swallows hard and looks right at me. "Oh, I mean everything I'm saying."
Malia speaks up, trying to be the voice of reasoning. "I'm sorry, Aria. I think Lori's just scared for you. We know you're strong, but we don't want to see you get hurt." She reaches out and places her hand over mine, giving it a comforting squeeze.
I take a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. "I appreciate that, Malia, and I understand your concern. But there are things you don't know, things I can't explain. Trust me when I say I'm doing what's best for me."
Lori shrugs, conceding the point. "I don't buy it. Something seems really off here and you keep beating around the bush, giving us bullshit answers. And, don't you dare tell me they're not bullshit. I know you, Aria."
Emily steps in, this time with a mischievous glint in her eye. "How about we focus on something a little happier, hmm? Let's get the bachelorette party planned!"
I hesitantly voice my thoughts, "I'm not really feeling up for a bachelorette party."
Malia raises her eyebrows in surprise, "What? You have to have one! It's tradition, you're getting married!"
Lori scoffs and crosses her arms, "This just confirms my suspicion: something isn't right. If you were marrying someone you truly cared about, you'd be excited to partake in all the typical bride-to-be activities."
Frustration and anger bubble up inside me, threatening to spill over as I give up on my futile attempt to keep the truth from them.
Fuck it, I'm not keeping it from them anymore. "Fine, you want to know what's really happening? Well, let me tell you!"
With a heavy sigh, I pull my legs up onto Malia's plush couch, sinking into the soft cushions as if seeking comfort from the chaos raging inside of me. The girls look at me expectantly as we sit in her cozy living room.
"My father...he's part of the Russian Bratva," I finally admit. "And he's arranged for me to be married."
A burst of laughter erupts from Emily, her amused expression adding to the absurdity of it all. "Oh come on, that's not even remotely believable!"
Malia's tone is more serious as she spoke up. "I can't tell if you're being serious or if this is some kind of joke."
But it's Lori's piercing gaze that makes my heart clench with guilt. "You're not messing with us, are you?" she asks firmly. "You're telling us the truth."
I sit up, each breath I take feeling heavier and more noticeable in the suddenly tense atmosphere. "Yes, Lori. I'm telling the truth. I'm being forced into this marriage and there's nothing I can do about it. My father's a powerful man, and if I don't go through with it, there will be consequences."
I don't know what those consequences are, but I know better than to test him. He and my stepmother already had my mother held captive, and if it weren't for Maxim, she'd still be under lock and key. I'm facing a reality I never thought I would be: I don't know anything about my father. He might kill me if I don't go through with this.
Lori's face turns pale, and she takes a deep breath. "Shit, Aria. That's...that's terrifying. I can't even begin to imagine how you feel right now."
Malia looks just as horrified, her eyes welling up with tears. "I can't believe this is happening to you. How can anyone do this to you? It's just not fair."
Emily, still trying to process what I've admitted, speaks up. "This is insane. An arranged marriage? These sorts of things don't happen anymore. What can we do to help?"
I shake my head, feeling suddenly exhausted by the conversation. "I don't want any of you to get involved. I'm doing the best I can with the hand I've been dealt. It's not safe for any of you, and I won't risk your lives because of my problems."
As I sit here, I can see the concern in their faces. They care about me, and they want to help, but I won't let them put themselves in danger. I can only hope that they stay out of it.
As Emily's voice drops, a tense silence falls over the room. I take a moment to scan my friends' faces, searching for any sign of judgement or hesitation. But instead, I see only concern and understanding. Their unwavering support gives me the courage to speak up.
"Just be here for me," I finally say, my voice filled with emotion. "That's all I need, for my friends to stand by me through this crazy situation."
"We can do that," Lori chimes in confidently. "Now that we know what we're dealing with."
