Page 26 of Bratva Queen

“Aleksei?” I asked. My mother had never officially met him, and quick introductions were made. “Where’s Stepan?”

“He had some urgent business to attend to,” Alek said. “He’ll meet us at the cemetery.”

“Okay.” I accepted that. Alek had ditched the limousine for a more modest, black town car today. It was appropriate, and I found myself grateful to him once more, as I had been more and more these past few days since… Well, since Oleg left us.

The military-led ceremony dragged on, longer than anyone mourning their direct family member would truly prefer. I knew it was respectful to pay as much tribute to Oleg as we could, but the pain was almost too much to bear. The salute of three blank rounds fired was too loud for my nerves. The marching band playing the national anthem dragged on too long.

Adding to my anxiety was the fact that I kept looking over my shoulder, waiting for Stepan to arrive. But he didn’t.

“He’s an important man,meelaya,” my mother made excuses, too fond of Stepan to find his absence disconcerting. “He never met Oleg. Give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Meanwhile, Aleksei stood as a part of the crowd. Not a bodyguard in the background, or at my shoulder watching my every move, but as a mourner, paying his utmost respect to my brother. I couldn’t help but appreciate that courtesy toward not only me but my entire family, something I didn’t expect from him.

The whole ceremony passed, and Stepan still hadn’t shown.

We moved into the social hall where the wake was held, and I stood against the back wall, avoiding the judgmental glances of my aunts and disturbing looks from my uncles. They’d all heard about my most recent profession, and the reputation would stick even though I’d officially quit. Even my cousins stood in clusters and whispered.

When I sighed and swiveled my glance around the room, I saw Aleksei watching me with soft concern in his eyes. I wished he would stop doing that.

I forced myself to close my eyes and picture his face after he kissed me in the hallway, the look of revulsion he wore. I imagined his face that day he sat at the bar, downed his vodka, and then degraded me in my work outfit; or that day when I danced and glanced his way to see him watching me with so much disdain.

Then I pictured Stepan’s looks of complete adoration, love, and affection. The way he held me, touched me, and showed me that he cared. When I opened my eyes, I saw him.

Stepan walked in, not caring about the slight gasps and looks of surprise from the rest of my family, and headed straight for me.

“I’m sorry I’m late, my love.” He kissed my forehead, then turned to my mother and held both of her hands in his, expressing his sincere condolences. She teared up again and he hugged her, watching me with a soft, sad expression as he did so.

After a respectable amount of time spent with her, I pulled him aside, away from all glances and curious eavesdroppers.

“What took you so long?” I asked.

“I had an issue to deal with,” he said, brushing my hair behind my ear with his other hand in his pocket. I had to admit he looked handsome in his black suit and tie.

“Couldn’t someone else handle it? Couldn’t Aleksei? He’s supposed to be your right-hand man or whatever. Shouldn’t you trust him—”

“Baby, some things, no, some people—clients and associates of the organization—only ever trust the boss. That’s me. I need to be there for certain deals to be finalized.”

“So you’re talking about drugs?” I hissed. “Pushing drugs into the streets of Belarus is more important than me? Your girlfriend? I needed you today!”

He ground his teeth together in irritation. “You have no idea the amount of money that rides on these meetings. You couldn’t even imagine it, Isabel. And look,” he closed his eyes and shook his head, clasping both my hands in his. “You are more than a mere girlfriend to me, my love. Please, you need to understand that. I love you.”

My eyes widened. He’d never said that before. He’d insinuated it at times when we were in bed together, but I felt he’d always been too busy to make it official.

“I… Stepan, I—”

“Listen,” he stepped closer and brushed his lips against my cheek. “I know you’re angry with me right now, so don’t say anything else. I’m going to make it up to you. I’m going to treat you to the best night of your life, okay?”

I cast my eyes down, shaking my head. “Not tonight, Stepan. My heart is too sore.”

“I understand. You let me know when you’re ready.”

He cupped my cheek and kissed me tenderly, so softly and warmly that there was not a doubt in my mind or my heart that this man loved me. I sighed and pressed my cheek against his chest, hugging him tightly.

“Come, let me pay my respects to the rest of your family.” He took my hand in his. “I have to make up for lost time, so to say.” He smiled, and I smiled back, even if sadly.

Chapter10

Aleksei

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