Page 65 of Bratva Bride

Arturo extended his hand, palm upwards, his eyes never leaving mine. My father leaned over and kissed me on my cheek, before placing my hand in his and taking a step back. His jaw clenched slightly, so slightly I almost missed it, and I tried to give him a reassuring smile.

Arturo's warm hands clasped mine as he pulled me closer and up towards the priest standing underneath the floral arch.

He leaned over and whispered into my ear, his deep seductive voice sending shivers down my spine."Ora sei mio."Now, you're mine.

ChapterSixteen

Arturo De Luca

"You know it's not too late to make a run for it. Get on a plane, fly to Costa Rica or some shit. I've heard marriage is a real killer."

I rolled my eyes and turned to face my younger brother who stood by my side underneath the large floral arch. To be honest, it wasn't my taste. Not at all. But as the 'husband to be' it wasn't my job to comment on the decorations. No. My only job was to show up on time, dressed to the nines, ready to commit myself mind, body and soul. According to Alessandro anyway.

"We both know if anyone is going to be the death of me, it's going to be you."

Vin's green eyes lit with amusement as he shook his head and laughed. "True.”

He wore a dark green three-piece suit that matched his eyes perfectly, paired with an even lighter green tie. He always loved to accentuate his eyes. He firmly believed they were his best feature.

Illayana's maid of honour, who also happened to be her best friend, wore a sleeveless dress the same shade as Vin's suit. She stood off to the left side, hands clasped in front of her body, her face a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I had spoken to her briefly before making my way to the arch. She was determined to give Illayana a beautiful, graceful wedding, even though Illayana didn’t particularly want one. She seemed nice, and by the way she snapped commands at everyone around her, she had that fiery spirit a lot of the Bratva women seemed to have.

Vin was definitely interested in getting in her pants. I knew my brother. I knew all his tells. If the smirk he kept throwing her way was any indication, he was going to try something. But I wasn’t sure if she was interested. I caught her gaze shifting to Nikolai frequently and then darting away before he could notice. It was…interesting.

Looking out in front of me, I took note of our surroundings. The Volkov mansion was huge, giving us plenty of room to hold the wedding here comfortably. The patio was filled with people, some I knew, some I didn't. Most, if not all, were in some way involved with the Mafia.

My mother and father were seated in the front row talking amongst themselves, while my younger brother Lucian and younger sister Theodora were chasing each other around the yard. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them duck and weave in between guests, both trying to catch the other.

In truth, I envied them. To be that young again, so carefree, without a trouble in the world. I missed that feeling. Soon, Lucian will come of age and begin his transition into thefamigliaand that feeling will slowly start to fade for him. If it were up to Alessandro, he would already be in the thick of it. Like Vin and I were at his age. But my mother was adamant about giving him at least some semblance of a childhood.

Lucian came bounding towards me and started to run circles around my body, Theodora hot on his heels. He looked adorable in his little black suit and tie, even if it was dirty already.

"Give it back, Lucian!" Theodora shrieked, her tiny face scrunching up in anger. Her pink dress was already covered in grass stains, her dark brown hair tousled with dirt and sticks. I knew my mother was going to pitch a fit when she noticed the state she was in.

"No! I want to give it to her," Lucian huffed, making sure to keep me between himself and Theo.

She went to dart around me, determined to catch him but I crouched down and gripped her shoulders lightly, holding her in place. "Lucian," I said sternly, clicking my fingers.

His head popped out from my right side, his little hands gripping my shoulders for support. I pointed next to Theo. He dropped his head and moved to stand next to her, dragging his feet. I could hear Vin laughing behind me but I ignored him. For now.

"What's going on?" I asked, looking between them.

Theodora's bright green eyes connected with mine and she pointed at Lucian accusingly. "He stole the present for our new big sister and won't give it back!"

"Liar!" Lucian yelled, stomping his little foot. "You left it on the chair. I didn't steal it."

"Yes, you did. Mum said I could give it to her."

"I want to. Why do you get to do it?"

"Because Mum said so!" she yelled.

"Enough!" I snapped. I held my palm out, facing upwards. "Give it to me, Lucian.”

His shoulders sagged and he lowered his head as he reached into his little suit jacket and handed me a small purple box.

Huh. Wonder what it is.

I plucked it from his grasp and passed it to Theo. "Run along."

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