Page 52 of Bratva Bride

Shock flashed across Dimitri’s face. It was the first time I had ever seen him at a loss for words. He looked me up and down, assessing me. “Are you ready?”

I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.” Because I was ready. I was born for this.

He nodded. “We need to discuss the next course of action to take then.”

“After,” I barked, turning around and placing my hand on the doorknob.

Before I could open the door, Dimitri spoke. “After what?”

I glanced over my shoulder and raised my chin in the air. “After I cut Miguel to pieces.”

ChapterFourteen

Illayana Volkov

Iwoke enveloped in warmth, strong arms embracing me against a bare chest. I instinctively leaned back and sighed in content. I closed my eyes and tried to drift back off to sleep, but it was too late. My mind and body were now wide awake, painfully aware of the fact Arturo was spooning me, his entire body encasing me like a cocoon.

He gripped me tight and pulled me closer to his body, nuzzling my neck. He took a deep breath in and sighed, relaxing.

I slowly lifted my head, my eyes squinting from the sunlight beaming into the room.

What time is it?

I turned to look at Arturo, his beautifully sculpted face relaxed in his sleep. Part of me wanted to wake him so I could look into those gorgeous multi coloured eyes, but I knew he needed his sleep. He had only come to bed a few hours ago, so I knew he was exhausted. I actually couldn't believe my father allowed him to stay the night, especially in my room with me.

I slowly untangled his limbs from my body, being extra careful not to disturb his peaceful sleep. His arms tightened around me as I tried to move, like even in his sleep he didn't want to let me go.

As the bed shifted, he turned to lie on his back, mumbling something incoherent in Italian. I took the time to appreciate his muscular and toned body. His chest was completely bare, giving me an unobstructed view of his body.

His tattoos encompassed the length of his entire upper torso. From his wrist up to his shoulders, fanning out over his chest, down his abdomen and wrapping around to his back. His gorgeous, tan skin was as smooth as silk, which was hard to believe considering the tough life he lived.

Of course he had a set of perfectly sculpted abs…six pack from the looks of it. No wait, eight. My fingers twitched at the sight of him lying in my bed, his dark hair fanned out over my pillow. I ached to run my hands down that immaculate body but I was too afraid to wake him. He deserved his sleep.

I rose to my feet and stretched out my body. I had no idea what he had planned for the day, whether he was hanging around Vegas or flying home. Either way, I knew he'd be hungry when he woke up, so I quickly chucked on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and made my way downstairs to the kitchen to make him some breakfast.

When I walked in, Lukyan was seated at the kitchen table, leaning back casually in his chair with his legs kicked up on the table, as per fucking usual. Mum used to hate it when he did that and I know if she were here right now, she'd be having a fit.

Don't worry Mum, I gotcha covered.

As I walked closer I noticed he had his eyes shut, like he was sleeping. I slowly snuck up from behind, being careful not to make a sound. Before he sensed my presence, I lashed out, kicking the legs of his chair and sending him sprawling to the ground.

His big body hit the floor with a solid thud as he mumbled a curse in Russian. He immediately pulled out his gun and had it aimed at my chest in under a second.

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "If you had reacted that quickly earlier, you wouldn't be sprawled out on your ass right now."

He narrowed his eyes and cocked his gun. "I could still shoot you. Nothing wrong with a little flesh wound," he smirked.

"You could, but we both know you won't."

He grunted and lowered his gun.

"You deserved it anyway, you know Mum hated when you did shit like that."

His face softened, the mention of our mother bringing out his softer side. He sat up and crossed his legs, for some reason deciding to stay on the ground.

"You miss her," he stated, cocking his head to the side.

I moved to the kitchen and started preparing Arturo's breakfast. "Don't you?"

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