Bratva Bride: Chapter 3

After leaving Father’s office I was absolutely brimming with excitement. The possibility of going to war with another mafia family had my fingers twitching and my blood running hot. It had been so long since the Volkovs had had a worthy challenge.

After my Father’s rampage over my mother’s death, no one has had the guts to challenge us, and I can’t really blame them. When you hear an entire family has been wiped out, you tend to stay away from the people responsible.

Heading down the long corridor outside my father’s office, I start to think about the meet tomorrow. What are the De Lucas like? What exactly do they want from the Bratva? It could be a simple means of trading. La Cosa Nostra are well known for their drug trade, whereas the Bratva specialise in arms trafficking and money laundering.

Could the De Lucas simply be looking for some kick ass weapons for their war against the Gambinos? A simple trade off? Drugs for guns? I hate the fact I have to wait until tomorrow to find out. I wonder if the bi-eyed beauty will be there?

Passing the kitchen, I watched as the maids rushed around trying to get lunch prepared. I barely paid attention as I made my way through the large open space and headed towards the back door.

“Illayana, wait.”

I turned and frowned. “Nik? I thought you were leaving with Lukyan to deal with the high rollers?”

“I am,” he said, coming to a stop in front of me. “Have to talk to you first.” He glanced around the room and leaned in close so I could hear him whisper. “What the fuck was with last night?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, playing dumb.

He glared at me, not believing for a second that I didn’t know what he was talking about. “You know exactly what I mean, Illayana. You threatened to castrate Ivan and Donat if they didn’t let you through the gate with that little fucker you brought home from the club.”

I winced. “I did?”

“Yes, you did. Why would you do something so stupid? You know Father is going to lose his mind when he finds out a norm passed through the gates.”

My father classified anyone who wasn’t in a criminal syndicate as a ‘norm’, someone who lived a completely normal life instead of one filled with violence and bloodshed.

“Look, I’ll be honest, I barely remember the night Nikolai. I’m sorry, okay?”

He shook his head, disappointment flashing on his face. “Just get rid of him before Father finds out. Otherwise, it’s both our asses.”

I saluted him. “Yes, sir.”

“I’m serious, Illayana. He’s your responsibility. And if you don’t handle it, we’ll all be in deep shit.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll deal with it. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

“Nikolai! Hurry up already!” Lukyan yelled from the front of the house.

My brother narrowed his eyes and pointed his finger sternly at me before turning, plucking a banana from the kitchen counter and jogging away.

I blew out a breath and reached for the handle on the sliding door that led to the outside veranda. A deep voice called out to me from behind. Turning around, I found my father’s Sovietnik, Maxim heading towards me.

A Sovietnik is a councillor, someone who helps the Pakhan in making decisions and gives another point of view. Maxim has been with the Bratva for as long as I can remember and he’s one of my fathers most trusted advisors.

My eyes travelled up and down his long, muscular body as he stopped in front of me. His full lips curved into that devilish smile that always makes me hot, and his chocolate brown eyes lit up with excitement.

Maxim and I have had a bit of a sexual relationship over the past few years. He may be a little older than me. . . okay, a lot older. At thirty-nine, there’s a solid eighteen years age difference between us, but I don’t give a shit. He’s sexy as all fuck and age doesn’t matter to me if they’re older.

‘Happy Birthday, Miss Volkov,’ he said, giving me a slight bow and arching an eyebrow in amusement.

Even though we passed onto a first name basis years ago, in public he will always address me as he should. My father would kill him if he were to find out one of his men, his Sovietnik no less, had slept with his daughter after just turning eighteen. Actually, killing would be too quick. Knowing my father and his need for revenge, I’d say he’d make Maxim suffer for a long time before letting him meet his end.

“Maxim,” I replied coolly, with a slight tilt of my head.

Maxim scanned the kitchen, taking note of who was around us before his brown eyes focused back on me. His eyes roamed up and down my body and I could see him mentally undressing me in his mind. ‘Heading to the gym?’ he asked, a hint of seduction in his voice.

The gym is our usual go-to place. There’s an entire workout area specifically designed for me, which only my brothers and I have access to. My father can be a tad bit overprotective sometimes, and he likes to make sure all precautions are met when it concerns his only daughter.

Truth be told, I was heading to the gym, but not for the workout he had in mind.

‘I am,’ I replied, before turning on my heel and making my way outside.

The Las Vegas sun bored down on me the second I stepped foot on the veranda, and the heat instantly brought sweat to my brow. I hated the fucking heat, with an unbelievable passion. If it’s too hot and muggy, you better stay the fuck out of my way. I’ve been known to shoot a person or two who pisses me off on a hot day.

‘Keen for some company?’ Maxim asked, following behind me as I headed towards the warehouse a few yards behind the house. ‘I need to give you your birthday gift,’ he said, winking.

If I know Maxim – and I think I do – his ‘gift’ would be his cock.

‘Not today,’ I said, briskly. ‘I have a meeting tomorrow with my father, and I need to get a proper workout in beforehand.’

Maxim stopped dead in his tracks, a look of confusion plastered all over his face. ‘The De Luca meet? You’re going to that?’

His tone of voice irritated the fuck out of me and I couldn’t help clenching my teeth.

‘Yes. Father asked me.’

‘Why?’ Maxim immediately asked, and his line of questioning was really starting to piss me off.

Growing up with three overbearing brothers, and a father who was head of the Russian Bratva, I learnt very quickly to stand up for myself and not take crap from anybody.

‘Because Father said so.’

Like I needed any other fucking reason?

I continued on, a little frustrated he followed close behind me, but I said nothing.

‘Why would he want you there? You hardly ever come to meets. You’re always off with Lukyan doweling out punishments.’

This was true. I never had any particular interest in the meets my father would organise with other families or gangs within Las Vegas. I much preferred being out with my brothers, enforcing Father’s word. That’s where the real fun was.

I was debating whether or not to tell Maxim about my father’s thoughts. About how there could be a possibility of marriage. How would Maxim react? He’s always shown a bit of possessiveness towards me. Would he flip out? God, I hope not, I don’t want to have to deal with his jealous ass.

In the end I decided to just keep my mouth shut. If my father wanted him to know, he would have told him himself.

‘I don’t question my father’s orders, and neither should you,’ I said briskly, effectively ending the rest of the conversation.

The warehouse finally came into view, and I turned around to face Maxim, who was only a few paces behind me.

‘I’m not questioning him,’ Maxim said quickly. ‘I just have no idea why he’d want you there.’

I felt the rage his words brought on flow throughout my entire body. What, does he think I’m not good enough to meet with the De Lucas? That I’m not strong enough to handle it? I closed my eyes and clenched my fists at my side. Taking in a deep, calming breath, I opened my eyes back up to see Maxim watching me intently.

‘What?’ he asked, cocking his head to the side.

I shook my head and turned back around, heading towards the gym. Just as I reached for the handle on the door, I spoke. ‘I’m going inside to train. Don’t follow me,’ I opened the door and stepped inside, slamming the door behind me.

Maxim has always been this way. He’s always questioned my involvement with the Bratva. I don’t know if he thinks I’m incapable of doing what needs to be done or if he just doesn’t want me in danger. Either way, he needs to mind his own fucking business. Maybe I’ve let what’s been going on between us get too far.

I felt along the wall next to the door and as soon as my fingers found the light switch, I flicked it on. The room immediately started to come into focus as light flowed throughout the warehouse. It was a large space, about 25,000-50,000 square feet, with a high tin roof and concrete flooring. Gym mats were placed strategically throughout the building, and an endless amount of weight sets were stacked haphazardly around the room.

I walked in, making my way to the room at the very end of the warehouse. I opened the door, flicked on the light and stepped inside. Here is my safe haven. The only place I can truly calm down and let myself relax.

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been doing gymnastics. Apart from doing work for the Bratva, gymnastics is my ultimate passion. If I wasn’t born into the mafia, I know I would have pursued it as a career. There’s no way to describe the happiness that flows through me when I fly in the air, twisting and turning my body only to land back on the ground with complete ease. Such pride. Such accomplishment. It’s a truly wonderful feeling.

Once my mother saw the love I have for this sport, she built me my very own gymnastics gym. Fully loaded with the very best equipment money can buy.

I headed straight for the large open space, ready to kick off and just start flying. Ready for my mind to disappear and let my body take over.

I stood dead centre on the large blue mat; feet planted firmly on the ground with my hands at my side. I cracked my neck and shook my hands out, jumping up and down on the spot. I pulled out my phone from my back pocket, connected it to the Bluetooth speakers and clicked Spotify.

Music immediately started blasting throughout the room, the walls almost shaking from the vibrations, but I didn’t care. The louder the better. I just wanted to drown out everything and focus on the task ahead of me.

I tossed my phone to the side and ran forward, immediately starting. A constant of front handsprings until I reached the end of the mat and then a full-twisting layout, landing solidly on my feet. Without missing a beat, I flung my body back towards the centre of the mat and ended up in a handstand. My body, completely straight with my toes pointed at the roof. I waited five seconds, maintaining that position, staying still until I slowly moved my hands, heading back the way I came. After moving ten metres on my hands, I arched my body backwards and flipped, landing back on my feet. Then I spun around and did it all over again.

For hours and hours, I worked my body, pushing it almost to its breaking point. I flipped, I flew, I twisted my body in every direction it could go, working on making it as flexible as it can be. By the time I was finished, I was lying on my back in the middle of the mat, sweat coating my body and my breathing ragged. My muscles ached beyond belief and I couldn’t help the smile coming across my face. This was a good session.

The sound of someone doing a slow clap pulled me out of my thoughts and my eyes scanned the room, trying to pinpoint the location of the noise. My brother Lukyan stood leaning against the far wall with a smirk on his face and his hands clapping in front of him.

‘What the fuck do you want?’ I grumbled, closing my eyes.

Lukyan stayed silent and I thought he might have left until I heard his large body plop down next to mine. I turned my head to face him.

‘Whatcha doin’?’ he asked, rolling his body to face me and propping his head on his hand.

I couldn’t help the smirk that came on my face. ‘Nothing, just thinking,’ I replied, turning my head back up towards the ceiling. ‘How were the high rollers?’ I asked.

Truth be told, I was a little pissed that I couldn’t go with. Usually, it was Lukyan and I that handled the clients. Sometimes people stepped out of their place, either mouthing off to someone they shouldn’t be, or refusing to pay their debts. That’s where Lukyan and I come in. As Father’s enforcers, it’s up to us to keep people in line.

Lukyan pulled out a knife from the sheath on his hip and held it up high. It was still dripping with blood. ‘Not as much fun as I would have liked it to be but entertaining enough.’

I nodded, staying silent. Eventually Lukyan sighed loudly.

‘You’re pissed I had all the fun aren’t ya?’ Even though I couldn’t see his face, I knew the bastard was smiling.

‘Fuck you,’ I grumbled.

Lukyan stood up in a flash and extended his hand to me. I placed my hand in his and he helped me to my feet.

‘Come on,’ he beckoned as he led me back to the main training area.

‘Where are we going?’ I asked, dragging my feet behind him.

To be honest, I was tired and cranky, and all my muscles were aching from my workout. All I wanted was a nice, hot bath and some vodka. Maybe even a joint. Definitely a joint.

‘I haven’t given you my present yet,’ Lukyan replied, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Excitement bubbled through me, and all my other feelings disappeared. I love presents. And Lukyan always gave the best gifts.

I’ve always been closer to Lukyan, more so than I have Aleksandr and Nikolai. I don’t know if it’s because he’s only two years older than me, or if it’s because we have the same quirky personality. Either way, he’s my go to brother.

He led me over to the large steel door at the very back of the warehouse. A small fingerprint scanner was on the right-hand side of the door, and a few metres up was a thin, black camera, recording every movement within ten feet of the door.

Lukyan placed his right index finger over the scanner, the red light above it turned green, and the door swung open. A long, wooden staircase led downwards into the pitch-black basement. Lukyan took point, walking down the stairs with ease. I followed behind, making sure to shut the door after me.

Once Lukyan reached the bottom, he flicked a switch on the wall and the hallway lit with light. He led me down the long corridor, walking past several closed doors until he got to the one he wanted. Opening the door, he swept his hand out in front of him and bowed slightly, a playful expression on his face. “Your present awaits, Princess.”

I glared. “Don’t call me that. You know I hate being called Princess.”

“Oh, come on, we both know you’re Father’s favourite. His little Princess,” Lukyan laughed, and I elbowed him in the ribs as I walked past, stepping into the room.

I took in the scene in front of me. The room was completely bare, except for the single male suspended from the roof. His hands were bound in a thick layer of chain that was being held up by a beam running along the roof. His feet just barely touched the ground as his body swayed lightly through the air.

He was completely naked and already had several cuts and bruises throughout his body. Blood dripped onto the floor, heading towards the drain in the centre of the room.

Lukyan walked over to the man, gripped his hair and flung his head back. He slapped his face a few times, trying to rouse him. ‘Wakey, wakey,’ he sang, slapping him a few more times for good measure.

The man groaned.

Lukyan let him go and turned to face me, a wicked smile on his face. ‘Best birthday present ever, right?’

I grinned. ‘Who is he?’ I asked, walking forward and circling him like prey. My eyes roamed his body, looking for all those vital weak points.

‘Some local gangbanger. Got caught roughing up one of our girls at Strip,’ Lukyan replied, backing up.

In case you couldn’t tell, Strip is the name of one of our strip clubs downtown, in one of the worst parts of the city. Occasionally gangs stopped in to partake in certain services we provided.

‘Ready to have some fun?’ Lukyan asked, tying up his long hair at the nape of his neck. His eyes shone with excitement.

I slowly walked over to him and held out my hand. Lukyan reached for his knife and handed it over. It was a small dagger with a black leather hilt that had LV engraved along the blade.

I ran my thumb along the sharp edge, watching the blood drip down my hand. I turned and made my way back over to my present, my blood pumping with anticipation.

My eyes locked with Lukyan’s and I raised the blade, a smile crossing my lips. ‘Where should we start?’