Page 11 of Bratva Bride

As the information about the De Lucas flowed through my brain, I started to get ready for the coming day. I quickly jumped out of the bed and made my way to my bathroom for a quick shower. Once I was finished, I dressed in the outfit I had laid out the night before and did my usual hair and makeup routine.

Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I took stock of my appearance. I was wearing one of my favourite business outfits. A long-sleeved black blouse that clung to my chest like a second skin, matched with a knee-length pencil skirt that accentuated all my curves. I had on my favourite pair of black Louis Vuitton pumps that added an extra few inches to my height. My long, black hair was left free to flow down my body, ending just above my waist.

I kept my makeup minimal, just simple eyeshadow, eyeliner and blush, with my full lips painted with a bright red lipstick.

After strapping a holster around my chest, I placed two fully loaded, semi-automatic handguns into the pouches. I placed another holster around my waist and put my favourite switchblade in. Walking over to my closet, I pulled out a stylish long coat that matched my outfit and concealed my weapons. After stashing a few more knives into my coat I was ready to go.

My phone rang. Frowning, I picked it up.

“Yes?” I answered.

“You’re meeting with the De Lucas today?! Why didn’t you tell me?!” Tatiana screeched. I had to pull the phone away from my ear, it was so loud.

“Who told you I was meeting them?”

“Irrelevant! Is it true?”

“Yes, it’s true. They reached out requesting a sit down.”

“Oh my god! Oh my god, you lucky bitch! Do you have any idea how hot the De Luca brothers are?! They’re spank-your-ass-and-fuck-you-til-you-can’t-feel-your-pussy hot!”

I rolled my eyes. “Calm down, they ain’t all that.” I was lying through my teeth. They were sexy as all hell. “How do you even know who they are anyway?”

“Uhm hello, they’re two of the most eligible bachelors in New York! Who doesn’t know who they are? Argh, I’m so jealous of you right now I could kick you.”

I laughed. “Thanks? I think. Anyway, I gotta go. We’re leaving soon to meet them.”

“Take pictures!” she yelled.

“Pictures? Are you serious? I can’t just take pictures of them in the middle of a meet.”

“Yes you can! Just do it on the sly. Come on, I need some material for my spank bank.”

“Dude, they’re not going to be naked!”

“Doesn’t matter. They’re that hot, I don’t need them to be. Just snap a few for me.”

“I’ll try.”

“You better!”

I hung up, shaking my head.

She was fucking nuts.

I walked out of my bedroom and made my way downstairs without another thought. I knew that if I were to stand around and dwell, my mind would start to go crazy, and the nerves would kick in.

Stepping into the foyer, I saw Aleksandr waiting next to the front door, dressed in a sharp, black suit that looked like it was moulded to his large muscular frame. His black hair was cut short and neat, and his blue eyes narrowed in thought. I couldn't see any weapons on him, but I knew he was packing.

The only sound that could be heard was the click-clack of my heels as I made my way over to Aleksandr. He stuck his fist out for a quick fist bump as I took up position next to him. We were only waiting for a few minutes before we heard the door to our father's office open and shut.

Making his way through the corridor towards us flanked by four of his men, my father looked just as menacing as thePakhanshould. His face was set in stone, portraying no emotion whatsoever. His body moved with grace, his shoes making no sound at all as he walked on the marble floor. He was wearing a stylish, dark three-piece Armani suit with a grey tie and matching pocket square.

He didn't say a word as Aleksandr opened the front door for him and he stepped out. We followed close behind him, heading straight for the black Range Rover parked in front of the house.

Maxim stood waiting next to the car, feet planted firmly on the ground and hands clasped behind his back. "Boss," he said in a deep voice, opening the back door of the car.

Father acknowledged him with a slight tilt of his head and climbed into the back seat. Maxim extended his hand to me and helped me inside, with Aleksandr following close behind me.