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“Take a shower and relax, piccola mia. You’re safe with me.”
If everything Armani has said is the truth, then a marriage with him will be what I prayed for. Home. It’s the one thing I want more than anything. A husband I can love. Children I can give the world to. A house I can call my own. To many, it’s a stupid wish, but to me, it’s everything.
I hear movement behind me, and when I glance over my shoulder, my heart stutters and my jaw drops. Gesù Cristo, I didn’t think this through. The shirt engulfs Tiana’s petite frame, the fabric stopping above her knees. Her wet hair hangs down her back, and her makeup-free face is a picture of pure innocence. The sight of her in my shirt is borderline erotic. Desire ignites in my veins, and my cock hardens at the speed of light.
Now that I’ve seen what she looks like and I’m getting to know her, it breaks my fucking heart picturing her as a little girl who almost starved to death. “You’re welcome, piccola mia,” I murmur, affection softening my tone.
“Why do you call me little girl?” It’s the second time tonight she’s bringing up this subject. Tilting my head, my eyes search hers. “Because you’re so small. Does it bother you?”
“I know. I don’t mean it condescendingly. It’s a cute nickname.” I help myself to a plate of slow-cooked lamb and take a seat across from her. “People tend to treat me like a child,” she admits. “It’s very frustrating.” Trust me, I won’t treat you like a child. Especially if you keep wearing my shirt. “I’ll never do that.” Giving her a reassuring smile, I say, “I’ll pick a new nickname for you.” Her cheeks flush pink. “You don’t have to.” “Bella? It means beautiful.” Tiana’s eyes flick to mine, and the pink on her cheeks deepens in color. “I like that.” A satisfied smile spreads over my face.
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“Will I be allowed to make your apartment my home?” God help me. I hate the fucked up life this angel had to endure.
“Viktor isn’t an unreasonable man.” I lean down so I can see her face. “Tell him everything Karlin did to you. Leave nothing out. The Vetrovs disapprove of women being abused. It will count in your favor.”
“Do I have any say in this? Do you think it will help if I tell Mr. Vetrov I want to marry you?” “Definitely.” “Do you think Misha will get back in time?” I let out a sigh as I hold her to me again. “I don’t know. Try not to worry too much. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you with me.”
“Please, Armani. I want to stay with you. I know it’s asking a lot, but I can’t marry Karlin.” I press a kiss to her hair and wrap her so tight against me it will take an army of men to pry her from my arms. There’s no way on this godforsaken earth Tiana will marry Makarova. Over my dead body will I allow that to happen.
He walks closer to the bed, and staring down at me, the corner of his mouth lifts. “Try to get some sleep, bella. If you need anything, just wake me.” I nod, and when he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, my heart flutters in my chest.
“Brother,” Misha says to address Armani, “Don’t leave her alone. Don’t allow Makarova close to my sister.” “Don’t worry,” Armani answers, “They’ll have to pry her from my dead arms.” Jesus.
When he reaches her, and his arm rears back, I dart forward. My hand clamps around his wrist, effectively stopping the slap he was going to give Tiana. Our eyes lock, and the air tenses. Shaking my head, I say, “No one will touch Tiana. She’s under my protection.” “Not for fucking long,” he hisses at me, a storm brewing in his eyes. Alek is a good friend, but so help me God, I will knock his father on his ass if he tries to touch Tiana.
“I’m sorry, bella. Misha will be here soon.” Just then, we hear Misha roar, “How dare you fucking pawn my sister off to that fucker?”
“Misha!” she gasps before throwing herself at him. My friend's eyes burn with barely controlled rage on Aslanhov while he hugs Tiana tightly.
“Stop putting everyone else first!” Misha snaps at her. I take a step closer, but Aurora speaks before I can open my mouth. “Stop yelling at Tiana. You don’t know what it’s like being a woman in the mafia. Things are easier said than done.”
Viktor glances at me, then at Tiana. “Come out of hiding, little one.”
Viktor nods, then asks, “Is that all?” Tiana shakes her head, and turning her back to Viktor, she lifts her shirt. The second Viktor sees the welts on her back, rage ignites in his eyes, and his features turn to stone. Misha lets out a growl, his hands fisting at his sides. I step closer to him in case he lunges for Makarova. Leaning in, I whisper, “Keep calm. We’ll deal with the fucker at a later stage.” Luca stands up and takes hold of Viktor’s arm. “We’re on neutral ground. Calm down.”
“Are you ready for marriage? Is this something you want?” He makes it clearer for her. Tiana swallows hard. “Yes, sir.” She takes a deep breath, then continues, “You said I could call you if I need anything.” Viktor’s face softens even more. “I did.” She swallows hard again. “Please, will you allow me to marry Armani?” The air wooshes from her lungs as she lets out a breath. “I’ll never ask for anything again.” Viktor glances at Luca, and they have a wordless conversation. When Luca nods, Viktor turns back to Tiana. “Are you sure, little one? Marriage is for life.” She doesn’t hesitate to
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Viktor ignores the outcry and steps closer to Tiana. Giving her shoulder a squeeze, he says, “You have my permission to marry Armani. You can leave.”
I whisper in her ear, “Go straight to Alek and Aurora. Stay with them until I come to get you.”
Locking eyes with Makarova, Viktor mutters, “You’re a worthless piece of shit. What makes you think I’ll give you a bratva princess? You’ve been nothing but a thorn in my fucking side.” His eyes narrow on the man. “If I want your business, I’ll fucking take it.”
Viktor eyes swing to me, pinning me with an authoritative look. “What have you done to deserve Tiana?”
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I take a step forward. “Give me an opportunity to earn Tiana Petrov, and I won’t disappoint you.” I don’t miss the corner of Luca’s mouth lifting with pride. Viktor tilts his head, stares at me momentarily, then nods. “The task will be sent to you via a secure message. You’ll have a week to get the job done.” “Thank you, Mr. Vetrov.”
A smirk tugs at Viktor’s mouth. “The offer was never authorized by me. I’ll see you on the battlefield, Makarova. Watch your back when you leave the safety of St. Monarch’s.” “You’ll regret this, Vetrov.” Makarova glares at Viktor, and as he walks to the door, his eyes meet mine.
Viktor shakes his head. “I’m disappointed in you, Vincent. My father spoke highly of you, but to allow a woman who’s under your care to be treated like an animal is not acceptable.”
It’s been ten years since Viktor took over as head of the bratva, but everyone knows his father is still active in the business. If you take on one Vetrov, you face the entire family and the Koslovs who they’re close with. And the Cotronis. Fuck, you’d be stupid to piss off Luca or Viktor.
“Thank you, sir,” Misha says, gratitude in his eyes. “My sister means the world to me.” Viktor nods as he walks to the liquor cabinet, and pouring himself a shot of vodka, he says, “There’s nothing more important than family.” He throws the alcohol down his throat, then continues, “The wedding will be officiated as soon as Mr. De Santis has completed the job.”
Looking at Luca, I say, “There’s only three months of training left, sir. May I have early leave to do the job, marry Tiana, and return to work?” Luca’s eyes search mine, then he nods. “Once you’ve succeeded in whatever task I have for you, you may leave St. Monarch’s.” He stands up, and closing the distance between us, he takes hold of my shoulder. “Don’t fail me.” “I won’t.” We look at each other for a moment, then he turns to Viktor. “I think we’re done here. Let’s go home to our wives.” “Mr. Cotroni,” I say to get his attention. “Thank you for settling this issue for us.” My eyes move to
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“I’ll do everything in my power to give her the life she deserves.” We pull apart, and only then does it sink in – Tiana is mine.
“Oh, all my belongings are still in Russia,” I think to mention. “We’ll go get everything before going to Venice,” Armani answers. “I just want a moment alone with Tiana,” Misha says.
Misha’s eyebrows draw together, and his eyes lock with mine. “I only want the best for you. We’ve been through hell together.” I press my lips against each other as emotion wells in my chest. My eyes sting with tears as I whisper, “Thank you for being the best brother ever. I wouldn’t have survived without you.” His features soften as he pulls me into a hug. “I’ll always watch over you.”
That’s it. I now belong to Armani.
The man, who likes to wake up early, prefers coffee, and likes home-cooked meals. The enforcer, who has an eerie control over his temper and emotions. My soon-to-be husband.
“Should I pack your belongings?” He shakes his head, and lifting his hand to cup my cheek, his expression turns tender. “We’re engaged, bella. That doesn’t mean you’re my slave.”
Ever so softly, Armani presses his lips to mine. Even though it’s only for a moment, the kiss scrambles my thoughts and leaves me completely breathless. It’s so intense my stomach erupts in a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and I swear it feels like the sun is shining in the room. Everything is bright and warm. Lifting his head, a smile plays around his mouth. “La mia bellissima fidanzata.” Before I can ask what it means, he translates, “My beautiful fiancée.” His hand moves to rest at the back of my neck. “I thought I’d get the first kiss out of the way so you’ll feel more comfortable with me.
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“It’s so beautiful,” I whisper, captured in awe of this city of bridges and canals. “I’ll show you around tomorrow,” Armani says, his eyes locked on my face.
“We’re home,” Armani murmurs as he stands up. Home.
I watch as the boat speeds off, then look at Armani. His eyes search my face before he unlocks the door and holds it open for me.
There’s a balcony outside the windows with a small, round table and chairs. A smile spreads over my face again as I picture Armani and me sharing a glass of wine while watching the waterway below. It would be so romantic.
“Is everything where you want it?” He doesn’t even look at his side of the closet as he nods, then he holds his hand out to me.
“This was my grandmother’s ring.” His eyes lock with mine. “Even though this is an arranged marriage, I want you to be happy, Tiana.” My lips part, and in absolute surprise, I watch as he pushes a vintage ring onto my finger. The diamond is huge and set in gold that’s been shaped into a rose. “Thank you,” I breathe. My eyes dart to his. “For everything. I won’t disappoint you.” I can’t read the expression on his face. It almost looks like he’s in two minds about something.
The way she held onto me as if she needed me to keep her standing filled me with an overpowering need to protect her with my life.
“Who was your first kiss?” Her eyes dart to my face before she looks down at the water. “You.” I’m an asshole because my smile grows, and satisfaction pours into my chest.
“Are you okay with the wedding happening so soon?” She nods again. “I am. Please don’t worry about me.” “You’re mine to worry about.” I can’t keep the possessiveness I feel for her out of my tone.
She seems to have enough, and as I turn around, my eyes catch on an old shoe box pushed into the corner of the closet. Don’t you fucking dare invade her privacy. I stare at it for a moment longer before grabbing a pair of sweatpants and heading to the other bathroom.
She snuggles into my chest, making my smile widen. She feels good in my arms. As if she was made for me.
“Armani,” she whispers. “Yeah?” “Is the job you’re going to do dangerous?” Yes. “No.” The lie slips easily over my lips. “It just involves a lot of traveling.” She tilts her head back, and I see her eyes shining. “As long as you’re safe.”
“How do you like your coffee?” “Sweet like you.” A grin spreads over his face as he stretches out. “Two sugars and cream.”
As I’m stirring the warm liquid, strong arms circle my waist, and a kiss is pressed to the side of my neck. I didn’t even hear Armani come into the kitchen. God, this feels like a dream. If it is, I never want to wake up.
