Page 69 of Bound to the Bratva
Sasha nods, his expression somber. “I understand. I’m next up on the chopping block,” He pauses, studying my face. “Apparently, our siblings have put up a fight. They won’t get married unless you and I are held to the same standards as them.”
I feel the blood drain from my face, shock and disbelief washing over me. Though, it’s a welcome distraction to everything that’s going on in my mind. “You’re getting married next?” I’m shocked, struggling to process the information. “What in the world…”
Sasha’s hand squeezes my arm, his eyes filled with a mixture of defeat and acceptance. “Yes, unless you and I are married first, they refuse to have matches made for them.”
I shake my head in stunned silence, my mind racing with the implications. Our family dynamics have always been complex, but this...this is something I never saw coming. “I can’t believe this. He never wanted us around except when it suited him, and now our siblings are using us to buy them more freedom?”
Sasha nods solemnly. “Yeah, it’s funny how things work out, isn’t it? He barely showed up when we were children. Yet, now it’s my turn to beat to the tune of his drum.” He pauses, a flicker of unease crossing his features. “I…I don’t even know how I feel about this, Aria. I want to tell him to go fuck himself, honestly, but just like you, I know I’m not being given a choice. Everything’s happening so fast, and I never expected to be in this position. I never expected either of us would be in it.”
I reach out, grasping his hand in a gesture of solidarity. “I know things have been different lately, but I’m always here for you, Sasha,” I say, my voice low and earnest. “All our lives, all we’ve had is each other and nothing will change that.”
His lips quirk into a small, grateful smile. “I always know I can count on you, sis.”
Sasha changes the subject, asking how things are in my marriage. I take a deep breath, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Things are...good. Really good, actually,” I admit, my voice tinged with a hint of happiness. “I’m starting to really fall for him, and I didn’t think that was ever going to happen. He’s so good at getting under your skin,” The words feel strange on my tongue, a testament to how much has changed in such a short time.
Sasha’s eyes widen slightly, “I’m not going to lie. I’m surprised to hear that, but happy for you. If anything, you should be happy. Your marriage to him might not have happened organically, but it’s good that you both have found some common ground.”
I nod, grateful for his support, but cock my head to the side. “Good that we found common ground? What the hell has gotten into you?” I laugh, knowing my brother is distracted.
Sasha shakes his head, “Sorry, I probably didn’t even make any sense. I’m processing a lot of shit with this whole arranged marriage crap.”
I nod, completely understanding where he’s coming from. “I know all about it, so if you need to vent, I’m here for you. Do you know anything about the woman you’ll be marrying?”
Sasha shakes his head, “No. From my understanding she hasn’t been chosen yet and our father is scanning through the available options.”
I scoff, “Picking the cream of the crop no doubt.”
Sasha chuckles, “Exactly. So, what changed between you and Maxim?”
I shrug, “I’m not sure. We had this angst between us and then it shifted. I think the wedding was a big part of that, how he protected me. I never expected this, you know?” I pause, my gaze drifting toward the window, where the city lights twinkle in the distance. “But Maxim, he’s...different than I originally thought. He comes off brutal and harsh, but he’s been patient, and understanding. I feel safe with him.”
Sasha smiles softly. “I'm glad the marriage has worked in your favor, Aria. We’ve both been through hell and back and you deserve to be happy.” His expression turns thoughtful. “I hope I’m as lucky as the two of you are with my match.”
I offer him a warm, sisterly smile. “I hope so too, Sasha. You deserve it just as much as I do.”
Internally, I hope my brother is paired with a good woman. He deserves to be happy, to have everything he’s ever dreamed of. Yet, our father using us as pawns on his chess board is getting a bit old.
The words echo in my mind as Sasha’s gaze holds mine, a silent plea for reassurance. My heart clenches, knowing the burden he carries—the expectations of our powerful family, the underlying pressure to secure the next generation.
I reach out, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be here no matter what. So, if you want to scream, holler, or vent, my ears are open.” My voice is soft, laced with empathy. “Have you told Mom yet?”
He shakes his head, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. “I will. I just haven’t found the words yet. Part of me thinks I need to process the reality of it first, then I can tell her.”
I nod and chuckle lightly, “She’s going to be so pissed.”
Sasha cracks a smile, “Yeah, she is. She’s so pissed at him for kidnapping her, just so he could ensure you’d actually make it down the aisle.”
I shake my head in frustration, “Our father is a damn idiot. I’m glad Maxim talked some sense into him and got Mom out of that situation.”
Sasha rises from the couch. “Yeah, me too.”
Sasha grows quiet and I stare at him for a few moments, finally cutting into the silence. “Sasha, what’s going on? I can tell something’s bothering you.”
He closes his eyes for a moment. “It’s about the damn marriage. It’s fucking with my head. You know I’ve had no problem with women, I like my life, how carefree and unattached I am. If I’m being forced into a marriage, I only wonder if I’m going to be with someone who ends up being a good match, or if we’ll end up hating each other like so many other couples.”
Ah, now I see. “You really want something like Maxim and I have.”
He nods, “Yes, even if the foundation is friendship—I just want to be happy, and not feel like I’m being trapped. Is that too much to ask for?”
