Page 18 of Bratva Bride

Alessandro's deep, throaty chuckle made Vin and I look at him in confusion.

"What’s so funny?" I asked, frowning.

Alessandro shook his head, his big body still shaking from laughter. “I find it amusing that you think the choice is yours, my sons."

"Why wouldn't it be? When Dimitri agrees, I'll take her as my wife. End of discussion. There is no choice in the matter," I stated firmly.

"It is not Dimitri who must agree to the marriage," Alessandro replied. His blue eyes locked onto me as he waited for me to figure out the hidden meaning behind his words.

"Then who?" Vin asked, scratching his head. His nose was scrunched up, like he was working his brain overtime to try and work it out himself.

Alessandro sighed. "Illayana's of course."

Surprise flashed across Vin's face. "What? That can't be right. As a matter of fact, what was she even doing here? Since when does a woman get involved in our world?"

I could see where he was coming from. In La Cosa Nostra, the women are never involved in the day-to-day operations of the world we live in. They were to be kept safe. To be protected. At the slightest hint of danger, they were taken away and hidden in our safe houses until the danger had passed. It's the way it's always been. . . for us anyway. But a part of me knew that the Russians didn’t work that way. At least, from what I've seen so far of their beautiful Russian Princess.

"The Russians are different, Vincenzo. They do not hide their women away. They are raised in the life. Like you and your brother," Alessandro replied, heading towards the exit.

"Bullshit!" Vin snapped. "I've never once since a woman out on the streets."

Vin and I followed behind Alessandro as we made our way down the long corridor, heading towards the elevator. My father's men dropped into position behind us, flanking us.

The blonde woman who brought drinks to Dimitri throughout the meet was standing beside the elevator with her head down, hands clasped in front of her body. At our approach, she quickly pushed a button on the wall, calling the elevator.

Vin narrowed in on the woman instantly. His lips curved up in a smile as he stood in front of the blonde. "Well, here I am," he said, sweeping his arms out in front of him. "What were your other two wishes?"

The woman slowly lifted her head and her jaw dropped open.

Yeah, my brother always had that effect on women. I shook my head, chuckling.

"Uh-uhm. . . what?" she croaked.

"Aw, don't be shy darlin'. How about we head back to your place and you can tell me your other two wishes," he leaned forward, bringing his lips to her ear. "I'll do everything I can to grant you your every desire,bella," he whispered.

"Vincenzo! Enough!" Alessandro barked as the elevator appeared and he stepped inside.

Vin pouted as he followed us in. He turned around and waved his fingers in the air at the now pale and frozen blonde. "Next time," he whispered seductively, blowing her a kiss.

I brought my hand up and smacked the back of his head just as the doors closed.

"Ugh, what the fuck?!" Vin hissed, massaging his head.

"Can't you keep it in your pants until we get home? She's a Bratva woman. Otherwise, she wouldn't be waiting on Dimitri hand and foot," I snapped.

Vin shrugged his shoulders and pulled out his phone. "I would have given her a better time than that wrinkly old man. Just sayin'."

"Jesus Christ, Vin," I breathed, releasing a frustrated sigh. "Just keep your mouth shut until we get out of this building, okay? Who knows if they've bugged the damn place."

The elevator arrived on the main floor and we all stepped out. Two large black SUV's were parked right out front of the large commercial building, waiting for us. My father, Vin and I took the first one, and our men took the second. Once we all climbed in, the car took off heading for our hotel.

"So, if Illayana really does get to decide about the marriage, does that mean she gets to pick the groom?" Vin asked, waggling his eyebrows.

I glowered at him and folded my arms across my chest, staring him down. The image of Illayana and my younger brother together was making my blood boil.

"What makes you think she would even choose you? She threw a fucking knife at your face!" I yelled, my anger getting the better of me.

Vin pulled said knife from his pocket and started flipping it around his fingers. My eyes watched, entranced as the blade moved effortlessly around his hand. "So? Maybe that's her version of foreplay," he replied, winking at me.

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