Page 113 of Bratva Bride

“Wonder why.”

“Maybe he has a crush,” Tatiana sang, her lips curving into a smirk.

Lukyan and I looked at each other and then burst out laughing. “Aleksandr? Crush?” I shook my head, my body still shaking from laughter. “No way.” A devious plan formed in my mind. “Should we go see her?”

Tatiana nodded excitedly, already getting to her feet, and Lukyan looked uneasy. “I dunno-”

“Aw come on! Don’t be such a wuss!” I slipped on my Converse and tied my hair up to get it out of the way.

“That’s easy for you to say! You’re his favourite. He wouldn’t dare hurt you. He’ll fucking castrate me.”

“Oh, grow a pair.” I dragged my suitcases out of my bedroom door and left them in the hallway.

Tatiana followed behind me, just as eager as I was to talk to this woman, when her phone rang. Frowning, she pulled it out and sighed.

“Fuck, I gotta go. Dad wants me home.”

I shook my head. “You’ve got to start standing up for yourself, T. You’re twenty-two, he can’t control you anymore.”

“I know, I know,” she sighed, giving me a hug. “Text me as soon as you get to New York, okay?”

“I will.” I went to pull back and she hugged me harder.

“I’m going to miss you,” she said sadly, and I smiled, squeezing her tight.

“I’ll miss you too. Don’t worry, I’ll come back every now and then. And you can come visit me anytime you like.”

She scoffed and stepped back. “Yeah, if the Grinch ever lets me.” She kissed my cheek. “Later, girl. Bye, Lukyan,” she called out as she went down the stairs and out of sight.

I sighed. I was really going to miss her. Turning to Lukyan, I smirked. “Come on, let’s go see that woman. If we’re quick, we can be in and out in no time.”

Aleksandr rounded the corner and we both froze, eyes wide. He scowled. “Why do you two look like you’re up to no good?”

“No reason,” Lukyan and I said at the same time.

He narrowed his eyes in disbelief. “Right.” He waved at the suitcases piled at the door. “Come on, let’s get your stuff and get down to the car. The plane’s waiting.”

Damn it.

Lukyan and I shared a look.

“Alright, seriously. What’s going on with you two?” Aleksandr barked.

“I wanna talk to the girl. The one you took from Nero’s,” I answered quickly before Lukyan could make up some lie.

Aleksandr growled. “No.”

“But-”

“I said no, Illayana. Now, get your shit and move it.” He picked up a suitcase by the handle in each hand and marched downstairs.

“Told ya.” Lukyan grabbed a suitcase and hefted it onto his shoulder. “He’s touchy about her.”

I sighed, taking my last piece of luggage and following after them. When I got to the foyer, my father was there waiting. He gave me a small smile. “All packed?”

“Yep,” I huffed, dragging my overpacked suitcase behind me. “Gonna miss me?”

“The house will definitely be quieter without you.”

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