Page 12 of Bratva Bride

Maxim climbed into the passenger side, while another one of my father's men took the driver’s seat. "Let's go," Maxim told the driver gruffly. "The helicopter is waiting."

The driver nodded and started the car, driving down the dirt pathway that led away from the house. Just as we arrived at the main gate, the large iron-wrought fence swung open, allowing our departure.

After a quick car ride, we arrived at a large open field where our MD 500 Helicopter was waiting for us. The large rotary-winged aircraft was prepped and ready to go, wind flowing around the blades that flew through the air.

We all rushed out of the car, heading for the helicopter. This wasn't the first time we had to take the chopper somewhere, so we all knew what to do.

Making sure to keep my head low, I jumped inside the large black aircraft, strapping into the seat straight away. After chucking on the headset and double checking my seat belt was clicked into place, I looked to Aleksandr who took the empty seat next to me. He gave me a quick wink as he put his headset on.

My father sat in front of us, with Maxim at his side. After signalling to the pilot, the helicopter started to rise into the air with ease.

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes, running through everything I knew about the De Lucas one more time.

I felt my phone vibrate in my coat pocket, and I quickly pulled it out to read the text.

Maxim: Don't be nervous baby, I'll keep you safe ;)

My eyes flicked up to connect with Maxim's dark brown ones, which were already on me. He had his phone in his hand and a sly smile on his face.

I scowled at him and looked out the window. He knew I hated being called baby. Furthermore, I hated the fact he was treating me this way. I'm not a fucking child and I'm not weak. I don't need protecting. My father taught me how to protect myself.

Maxim was continuing to step out of line. I let our arrangement go on for too long, and it was clear he was laying a claim to me, one he was most definitely not entitled to. Even if I wanted to be with him - which I didn't - it could never happen. My father would never allow it.

An idea popped into my head and before I could question it, I raised my hand and pressed a button on the side of my headset and spoke.

"If I agree to marry into the De Luca family, what will you ask for in exchange, Father?"

My voice flitted through their heads and three sets of eyes landed on me.

Maxim's face was one of pure confusion that morphed into anger within seconds. "Marry? Why would youmarrya De Luca?!" he asked, showing a bit too much emotion.

Aleksandr arched an eyebrow at Maxim's reaction to my question and I mentally slapped the fool. If he wasn't more careful, they were gonna catch on real fucking quick. I just wanted to torture the fucker for a bit, not completely blow our cover.

My father's bright blue eyes were on me, the orbs twinkling with excitement. "Expansion," he replied, one side of his mouth quirking up into a smile.

Maxim's eyes flew between my father and I, like he couldn't believe we were having this conversation. I could see the anger radiating off him, feel it climb over me and cling to my skin.

He was pissed.

"The Italians would never agree to a marriage," Maxim said stiffly, turning his head to look out the window. "They're sticklers for tradition and never marry outside of thefamiglia."

That was true. The Italians were well known for only marrying within other Italian bloodlines. I myself have never heard of a union between La Costa Nostra and the Bratva before, but that didn't mean it wasn't possible.

Aleksandr's deep voice came through next, clear as day. "Is marriage what you want,sestra?"Sister?

I turned my head to look at him. He had a smirk on his face and his eyes were shining with amusement.

"Wouldn't be the worst proposal in the world, big brother," I replied, winking at him. "Me? Married to the future head of La Cosa Nostra? Who knows how much fun I could have?" Because I had a sneaking suspicion that if a marriage was proposed, it would be to the eldest De Luca, which meant when Alessandro eventually stepped down, I would be Queen of New York. Not a bad thought, considering I would never get that here. Aleksandr was the one who would inherit our father’s title.

Aleksandr's face broke out into a full-blown smile, his big body shaking as he chuckled.

"They won't ask for marriage," Maxim interjected. "They just won't. It's not how they do things."

I looked back over to him. His eyes were fixed firmly on me, his hands clenched on top of his knees. His body was tensed in anger and I could see the tick in his jaw from where I sat across from him.

"If an alliance is proposed the only way to solidify that would be with marriage. It's the only logical course of action," Aleksandr replied stiffly, narrowing his eyes at Maxim.

"They won't do it because she's not Italian!" Maxim hissed, pointing straight at me.

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