Page 56 of Bound to the Bratva
I can’t help but groan into her mouth as my hand snakes under her top, feeling the warmth of her skin under my fingertips.
She trembles beneath me and I pull back from the kiss to gaze at her flushed face. Her eyes are heavy lidded with desire and it fuels the hunger within me. This woman makes me insatiable, it’s like I constantly desire her.
“Maxim,” she breathes out, her voice shaky.
My lips trail down her neck, all the way until they reach the valley between her breasts. I can feel her heart beating wildly against my chest and it sends a thrill down my spine. In this very moment, this is all I want—Aria beneath me, begging for nothing but me.
“I hope you had a good nap, sweetheart. You’re gonna need your energy for what comes next.” The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them and a mischievous grin pulls at her lips.
There’s no doubt about it—I have feelings for this woman.
Nineteen
Aria
Snowflakes drift lazily outside the towering brownstone, casting a soft glow over the bustling city street. My heart pounds in anticipation as Maxim and I approach the grand entryway, my hand trembling in his firm grasp.
“You look stunning, Aria,” Maxim murmurs, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. I straighten my shoulders, trying to quiet the fluttering nerves in my stomach.
“I’m a little nervous,” I admit, offering him a shaky smile.
It’s the first big event that I’ve been invited to from his parents, and even though I’ve married into their family—sometimes I still feel like I’m not supposed to be here.
He squeezes my hand reassuringly. “Don’t be. Everything will go great. Think of this as a way for them to get to know you a little more.”
Before I can respond, the large oak door swings open, revealing Vera, Maxim’s sister. She’s sporting a mischievous grin, her medium-length blonde hair perfectly in place. “Maxim! You made it.” She envelops him in a tight hug, then turns her sparkling gaze to me. “I’m not going to lie. I thought the two of you would back out last minute and leave me to suffer alone.”
“God, no. As soon as I heard about the invite I knew we had to come.” I laugh, because Maxim did try to talk me out of us attending, but we aren’t really given a choice.
Vera shakes her head and looks at her brother accusingly. “You little shit.” She waves a hand, ushering us in. “Please, step inside and get out of the cold. I’m so surprised it’s actually snowing. They said what, a thirty percent chance?”
I shrug, “I don’t know. I honestly didn’t even look.”
As we step into the grand foyer, I’m struck by the antique decor— dark hardwood floors, towering ceilings, and a sprawling crystal chandelier that casts a warm glow over the space, not to mention the wood paneling throughout the space. It’s like the Volkolv family wanted to keep the original charm the brownstone had, while updating it slightly.
It’s beautiful, so beautiful it could be in an architectural magazine.
Vera chatters animatedly, leading us deeper into the gorgeous home. “I have a feeling you and I are going to be great friends,” she says, casting me a sly grin. I can't help but smile back, already charmed by her vibrant energy. But, at the same time I know she can be a bit spunky too. Maxim has told me stories, and I’m excited.
Vera leads Maxim and I through the lavish Volkolv family home, the walls adorned with priceless artwork and ornate tapestries. The air is thick with the scent of freshly baked pastries and the soft hum of Christmas music plays in the background.
“The lovebirds have arrived,” Vera calls out, guiding us into a grand living room where his father and mother are engaged in a deep conversation.
His father is in an exquisitely tailored suit, likely custom made for him. The fabric a luxurious blend of silk and wool that moves with ease as he walks. His mother, on the other hand, is adorned in a shimmering, form-fitting red gown that hugs her curves in all the right places. It’s surprising to see her in such a bold fashion choice, but it accentuates her beauty and radiance. The dress glimmers in the light, mirroring the sparkle in her eyes.
I really like the fact she’s wearing something that makes her feel beautiful. Tatiana would choose something like this, but she’d also want it to shove her boobs up, make her thinner, and just add a plastic element so to speak. Maxim’s mother seems different, as if she embraces her natural beauty.
She has to be in her early-sixties, and she has beautiful, long curly white hair with gray spread throughout it.
They both turn at the sound of Vera’s voice, their expressions lighting up when they see Maxim. “Maxim!” the woman exclaims, rushing over to embrace him tightly. “God, it’s been too long. How are things? It seems like you never have time to call me up and see how I’m doing.”
Maxim laughs lightly, “I apologize, Mom. Things have been a bit hectic in Chicago, but I’m here now.”
His mother releases him and comes over to me, pulling me in a soft hug. “It is so good to see you too, dear.”
“I thought you were going to chicken out.” Maxim’s father quips. “Wouldn’t be the first time you dipped out on a family event.”
I sense the jab his father is trying to make and interject before Maxim can. “Well, things are different now. Maxim is set to rule the Bratva, so skipping out on events like this are no longer an option. We must show unity within the family.”
