Page 46 of Bound to the Bratva
I search their faces, trying to gauge if this is true. “Are you saying this was some sort of jealous revenge plot?”
My father nods, his jaw set in a hard line. “That’s exactly what we’re saying. This was personal. I think they wanted to kill you, so she’d be back on the table.”
Dmitri pipes up, “If you died, Maxim would still need a wife. But, I don’t know if the family is truly behind this. It could be the woman. From what I’ve heard, she’s reckless.”
The revelation hits me like a punch to the gut. I lean back in my chair, mind reeling. “I can’t believe this…someone was actually trying to kill me.”
I had thought maybe the attack was on Maxim, but it’s clear to me now that I was the target.
I take a steadying breath, understanding that things will only continue to be this intense for the rest of my life. There’s no way out of this for me, and attacks on my life could be my new normal.
As a doctor, I’ve dedicated my life to caring for others, to giving hope and healing where I can. But this...this attack on my life is something else. I’m not a bad person. I’m a good person…but no one cares about that. All this person—or her family—cares about is the fact I’m married to Maxim, which means I’m a threat in their eyes.
I level my father and brother with a steely gaze. “What else can you tell me? I need to know everything.”
Dmitri shifts, his muscular frame radiating controlled power. “We’ve been tracking this lead since a few days after the wedding. The woman…apparently she was with Maxim for a time.”
My fingers curl into fists at the mention of a previous relationship. “So, this wasn’t just about getting my position,” I murmur, anger coursing through my veins. “She wanted to get him back.”
How could Maxim not tell me he had a crazy ex? Or that he was considering marrying her? Granted, his father could have been the one making these decisions…but still.
My father nods, his expression grim. “I think she was working with her family,”
Dmitri’s gaze shifts back over to mine. “Don’t jump the gun. All of the information I’ve gotten points to the family not knowing.”
I hold his gaze, “What does that mean?”
He sucks in a sharp breath, “Little sister, the woman acted alone. Don’t condemn the family for the actions of one. At least, not until I have all of the information.”
I take a steadying breath, pushing aside the turmoil of emotions that threaten to overwhelm me. “You’re sure your information is right?”
Dmitri chuckles, “Yes, I’m thorough.”
Dmitri and I haven’t always had a good relationship. At some point, he became kinder to me in my latter teenage years. I think he began to feel sorry for the position Sasha and I were in.
“All right, well, let me know what you find out when all is said and done. Have you spoken to Maxim?”
Dmitri nods, and launches into a detailed account of the intel he’s gathered. As he speaks, I can’t help but feel a growing sense of dread. This is my life now—constant risks.
But the thought of them targeting me, at my wedding no less...it ignites a fiery determination within me. I will not cower in fear. I will not let them win. Before, I’d probably be scared and just want to flee…but I’m not given that option anymore.
“So what's the plan? What are you going to do? Are you—” I ask my brother.
My father raises a hand, cutting me off. “Aria, we’re not involving you in this. We will handle it, as it’s our duty.”
I bristle at his words, my jaw tightening. “Father, I’m not a child. This is my fight too. Actually, it’s my husband’s fight, wouldn’t you say? How do you think Maxim will handle things when he finds out you’re trying to cut him out of getting his own revenge?”
Dmitri leans forward, his eyes holding mine with unwavering intensity. “We understand, Aria. But you have to trust us to handle this. Obviously, I have already spoken to Maxim and he’s agreed to let us take the lead, for now. You need to stay out of this so you don’t get hurt. Your place is here, saving lives.” He pauses, the barest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Leave the dirty work to us men.”
I want to argue, to insist on being a part of this, but I know they’re right. As much as it pisses me off, my duty lies with my patients, with the children whose lives hang in the balance. I can’t let this drama with the Bratva cause me to be yanked away from where my focus should be—these kids. Dmitri is right.
With a resigned sigh, I nod. “Fine, but I want to be kept in the loop. I…I know what being in this life means now and I’m not afraid to know about what’s really happening.”
My father places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Well, this is a positive change. Never did I think I’d see the day where you began to embrace your life in the Bratva.”
I glare up at him, steel in my words. “I wasn’t given an option, Father, or did you seem to forget that? You put me here, and now I can’t look away, even if I want to.”
My father clears his throat and heads for the door, while Dmitri looks at me with soft eyes. “You’re filling the shoes very well, little sister. I’m proud of you for that. I know you weren’t happy with the way he arranged this all, but Maxim isn’t as horrible as some say.”
