Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

R aphaella

Are you fucking kidding me?

The question repeated in my mind several times as I backed out of the room. My last glare was directed toward my asshole of a father. I knew him better than most.

He was petrified of the Bratva.

Well, goody.

The Bratva. I couldn't believe I was betrothed not just to some dude in the crime syndicate but the second in command. My boss. Someone in heaven hated me.

However, I would use this to my advantage against my father, making him feel the pain.

I wanted to jump up and down with glee and honestly would have had it not been for the continued realization I'd been sold off like cattle.

And to a man I'd respected. Formerly respected.

What the hell was the Councilor to the Pakhan? If I had to guess, I'd say it was a trusted position. That also meant Aleksander was even more dangerous than I'd suspected. Marrying him? What in God's name did the man expect? Heirs. The thought made me nauseated, even more so than before since my fiancé had a name and a face.

Okay, so I was grateful the choice wasn't some bald, old man. Aleksander looked even more handsome, power exuding from every word.

Plus, he'd defended me, at least a small check in the good category. But Christ. I'd found the perfect job as a steppingstone to my hopes and dreams. Now this. I had no idea what to think or how to deal with my anger and fear.

I was furious, enough that I ripped off the ugly dress that had been chosen for me, not caring that I'd torn the material in the process. At least I'd had the forethought of bringing my usual attire, jeans and a shirt.

Every action I made was filled with anger. There were so many things I wanted to say to Aleksander, but most weren't appropriate in front of other people. But later? No holds barred. The man would get a piece of my mind.

Had my father and the man been planning this all along? The question was valid but given the way Aleksander had been incensed, I had certain doubts. But of all the places I could get a job? Sure, my besties would attribute my feeling in the dark to my lack of research skills, but like everyone else, I'd heard rumors about Aleksander's involvement with the Bratva, but to what degree they were true I hadn't been certain.

Now this. I hadn't told my besties. What could I have told them? That my father was so old school he'd arranged a marriage to save his butt? They would never understand.

The few things I gave a shit about were inside the small duffle. I was nervous but if I was honest with myself in the least, I was also excited.

As I turned to scan the perimeter of a room I'd once loved, I couldn't help but feel a hint of sadness and perhaps remorse. I'd been so wrong about my father. I had no idea how that had been possible.

"You're going to make a beautiful bride."

My mother's voice made me bristle. "A few years too fucking early." My words were terse as necessary. She'd turned such a blind eye to the man I doubted she could see past her nose. "What do you care anyway?" I jerked around to face her, a snarl forming as my upper lip curled.

"Don't talk to me that way. I am your mother." We shared the same level of nervousness and the tics that came along with it. It would seem she was more nervous than I'd seen her in a long time. Likely because my father had put the screws to her.

God, I hated that man.

"You don't know how rough it's been," she whispered.

"Oh, yeah? Well, you're not the one being forced to marry someone against their will."

"Don't you think that's what I faced at a much younger age? I was told in no uncertain terms I would be marrying your father. In doing so, it would prevent a war. Which it did."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Then you should know what it feels like and not want that for your children. Do you know the bastard threatened me that he'd force Caspian into the business?" Well, it would seem she was surprised. Great. My father was keeping everything from her, something I'd refused to allow in my marriage.

Right. As if I had a choice. I suspected Aleksander was like all the rest. A control freak. The thought unnerved the hell out of me.

"I'm sorry, baby girl." She approached and as soon as she touched my face, I flinched and pulled away.

"I'm no longer your baby girl, Mama. I'm a grown woman who should be able to make up her own mind, live her own life. You're part of this and I will never forgive you as long as I live." I moved around her, storming toward the door. At least I could get the hell out of here.

I stomped down the stairs, thankful I had my tennis shoes. Aleksander was going to need to take me as I was. No longer would I pretend to be anything or anyone else. I'd own up to my identity, but he was going to come clean for me or else.

After dropping my bag by the front door, I took a deep breath. Seeing my future husband walking toward me sent another wave of electricity all the way to my toes. We had a strange but intense connection and the vibes today were stronger than ever.

Seeing the way he was looking at me, his eyes full of lust was enough to take my breath away. A smile crossed his face as he gazed down to my tennis shoes, giving a nod of approval.

Not that I should care but at least he had an appreciation of the real girl inside.

He walked closer, although I'd call it more of a saunter. "Are you ready?"

"Where are we going?"

"Vadim will take us back to my house. Vadim, meet my bride to be. Vadim is Pakhan of our regime."

Our regime. I thought enduring my father's world was a pain in my ass. "Does that mean you're as brutal as I've heard, eating your young for breakfast?"

Vadim chuckled, trying to keep his reaction to a minimum. I threw him a nasty look anyway, still agitated with the entire situation.

"Oh, we're dangerous and very powerful, Raphaella, but unlike your father, we respect our women and children including the sanctity of marriage."

The way Aleksander said my name sent a wave of prickling heat all the way to my core. "Is that supposed to make me feel any better? To think it's okay to enter into an unholy marriage? Think again, buster."

He kept the amused look on his face and I turned around in a huff.

"Let me get your bag. You don't have anything else?"

"You know where I live, Aleksander Semenov. Not only did you force your way into my world, you also likely scoped out everything about me." I grabbed the bag, forced to unlock the door before throwing it open. "Invading my privacy." As soon as I was outside, one of Aleksander and Vadim's goons climbed out of the front seat of a big black SUV.

There was zero creativity within mafia groups. Same attitudes. Same vehicles. Hell, the soldiers looked similar enough I wondered if they'd been found at mercenary.com.

After the man opened the door, attempting to take the bag from my hands, I rolled my eyes and tossed the duffle into the back, sliding inside as if I owned the place. At least my ride to the devil's estate could be done in style.

The SUV was huge, more so than a traditional one. The middle row had been flipped around so two thick, soft leather benches could face each other. While the windows had been darkly tinted, the coloration didn't prevent me from seeing the surrounding scenery.

As expected, Vadim slipped onto the seat opposite while Aleksander eased beside me.

I moved as close to the opposing door as possible, holding my meager belongings close to my chest. It was funny, I didn't care about the location where he lived. I wasn't certain I wanted to know.

"Are you alright?" Aleksander dared to ask.

I simply turned my head slowly, glaring at him. How could he think I was okay with this on any level?

That prompted Vadim to laugh. When I gave him a hateful look too, he threw up his hands. I returned my attention outside, the darkness finally settling in.

"You have a tiger by the tail," Vadim told him.

"She isn't a pushover."

Aleksander's answer amused me. "Did you really think otherwise? What gave you that opinion, the fact I talk back to you? Did I seriously give you that vibe wearing my ugly clothes and fake glasses?"

"There's nothing fake about you," he answered with a softer voice.

The driver and his sidekick drove out of the neighborhood and a hint of regret about my entire life rushed through me. Tears even formed but I refused to cry and give anyone the satisfaction. "Whatever."

Everyone remained quiet for several minutes as the drive took us toward the interstate.

"Do you think the man will honor his commitment?" Vadim asked, obviously the question directed at Aleksander.

"He will or face my wrath."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You two have no clue about my father. He's cunning in that he allows you to believe whatever you want. Then he'll swoop in like a vulture, waiting for the bloody pickings."

Aleksander chuckled. "And you know nothing about our organization, my sweet fiancée. Going against us isn't in anyone's best interest."

"Right. Let's cut the sweet fiancée crap. You and I both know this arrangement is disgusting. Just answer me this. Did you know who I was from day one? Did you lie waiting in glee to use me against my father's regime?" This time, I threw him a nasty look, daring him to answer truthfully.

"No, I only learned your last name last night, finding your employee file on Shanna's desk."

"Sure. A powerful man like yourself thwarted by someone like my father. If you expect me to believe that, you are sorely mistaken. I can see right through you. Whatever you're making off this, one day I'll find enough money to claw my way out of my servitude. When I do, I'll make it my life's mission to destroy both of you."

"Ouch," Vadim said under his breath.

"What the hell is a Pakhan anyway?" I knew I shouldn't have tossed it out there, but I wasn't into this to make points of any kind.

Vadim leaned forward. I wasn't certain if he was trying to put the fear of God into me or what, but his aftershave was just as powerful as Aleksander's was. I also noticed a ring on his finger. That surprised me. I wasn't certain why it should, but I suspected it was the single reason I wasn't marrying the ruthless man.

"I completely understand this is a difficult situation for you, Raphaella. However, Aleksander is by far a better man than I am. To answer your question, I'm required to be merciless in every aspect of my life and business."

"Including with your wife?"

"Enough, Raphaella. The man does command respect." Aleksander's words were terser than usual.

"If you think you're headed into marriage with a woman who won't stand up to you, you're sorely wrong."

"Don't worry, my friend," Vadim said. "Questions and accusations I'm used to. My wife, the lovely Caroline, changed my world. She happens to be one of my daughter's best friends. While that may seem disgusting to you, she has the rule of the house and in truth, my life. But don't tell my enemies my little secret."

I could see real love in his eyes and softened.

Slightly.

There was no way I could feel the same way with Aleksander. Especially since I couldn't trust him.

I sat back in my seat again, refusing to open my mouth. Time alone would do me some good.

They chatted about several things as the ride continued, but none that included aspects of their business. The drive took longer than I'd thought, Aleksander's estate far removed from the city. I was shocked at how incredible the area was, the houses large but certainly not the mansion style my father had insisted on purchasing.

The houses weren't exactly colonial but had huge wraparound porches and mostly white or light clapboard siding that allowed for colorful doors and shutters. The unique streetlights and the way homeowners kept their front outside lights on allowed me to see the incredible views. The streets were lined with sidewalks and trees, every lawn manicured but not coiffed to the point they didn't look inviting. I could almost see raising a family here.

God. What was I saying?

"What do you think?" Aleksander asked.

"I would have thought you'd have a fancy condominium in the city." Or a dungeon. That thought gave me a smile.

"Oh, I have one of those too as well as a townhouse in Brighton Beach, but this neighborhood is my home."

Home. I wasn't certain I could ever feel that way. Yet when the driver pulled onto a driveway, I couldn't help but believe this was the prettiest house on the block. My reaction must have created amusement.

"I think she believed I owned a dungeon," Aleksander said to the entire back of the vehicle.

"Oh, my guess is you do." My retort was followed by another snort from Vadim. Maybe the man could read minds too.

"She's got your number."

The driver stopped and another moment of anxiety rushed in. I knew all the protocols in the world and the driver was quickly out of the car, the passenger soldier as well, opening our doors. He even offered me a hand, helping me out. Seeing two rocking chairs and a swing hanging from the front porch ceiling was captivating.

Disturbing.

"We'll talk in the morning. Or in the next couple of days. Enjoy, my friend. Getting married is a huge event in anyone's world." Vadim was talking to Aleksander.

"Yeah, we will. I have that trial to finish and I might take a couple days off."

"Don't do so on my account," I told him before I tromped up the porch stairs. There were even flowers in stunning flowerpots. I had to reach down and touch them to believe they were real.

They were and very colorful. I doubted he had a green thumb in his body, but I allowed myself to be impressed.

I dropped my bag by the front door, walking to the end of the front porch, marveling at the clean, simple architecture. I finally heard a noise, realizing he was opening the door. He didn't ask this time, taking my duffle inside.

"Come on, Raphaella. This doesn't have to be something you hate."

He had no idea what he was talking about. But I was eager to see the inside.

As he turned on lights, I was even more impressed with the interior. The foyer was just as gorgeous with a tall ceiling and a sweeping chandelier. The cut in the glass was incredible, sparkles floating against every wall.

He led me deeper into the house, turning on a few lights. As he took me down a hallway, for some reason I felt as if I was being taken into a place of reverence. "My office, only off limits when I have a business meeting non attorney wise. Let me provide the quick downstairs tour."

"You have lovely tastes," I had to admit. That didn't mean I wanted to be there.

"Not quite the stodgy killer you believed me to be?" He returned down the same hallway, pointing out a huge half bath. When he opened the closed door to another room, he waited to see my reaction.

"What is this?"

"Your future sculpting studio. I thought you'd want to bring your pottery wheel and clays over."

I wasn't certain whether I wanted to be incensed or thankful. "This isn't my home but thank you." Being polite was still in my nature, even with him.

"I hope one day you will be able to think of it as your home. You can make changes, add your own touches. You'll be spending more time here."

"Oh, yes, the doting wife and mother." My retort was swift and easy. Still, the lighting was incredible, the beauty of the room with built-in shelves and oversized work area was spectacular. No, I wasn't going to tell him that.

He led me back out, turning out the lights and closing the door. I trailed behind him as he led me down the hallway, moving into an open-air living room that wasn't formal in the least. There were books and movies, an incredible stereo and entertainment center. There was even a bar located on one side. Something caught my eye and as soon as I went to the bank of back doors, I couldn't help but smile.

There was a stone patio leading to what I knew had to be gorgeous bank of grass, and a separate pathway leading to a pool on a raised platform. Water glistened from the overhead moonlight and incredible colored lights from the pool depth.

"A favorite place of mine," he said as he flanked my side.

"Do you swim?"

"I do. The water is warm. Inviting. A perfect ending to a long day."

I folded my arms across my chest. The man was nothing like I'd believed him to be, either inside or outside the office. We headed into the kitchen and it was impossible not to whistle. The granite countertops were a cobalt blue, not a typical boring gray or tan. The cabinets were white, but the appliances were more of a graphite color. With the comfortable-looking furniture including barstools and everything from a bowl of fresh fruit to cutesy kitchen towels, the room was anything but sterile.

He could tell I was looking at him. It was impossible not to. However, I was tired and certainly not ready to play house.

If I ever could be.

"Just point me in the direction of my room and I'll get out of your hair."

"Not so fast. I need to establish some rules." His tone had completely changed, becoming even more authoritative than he was in the office.

I backed away. "I don't need rules. Okay? Remember, I did grow up a mafia princess."

"Yes, but you altered your life to try and be someone you weren't. That gives me cause for alarm. Plus, we got off on the wrong foot."

"You think?" I could tell he was getting annoyed with me. Too bad.

He let out an exhausted sigh. "So, here's the rules as I see them, although there will be more. You aren't to leave the house without me or an escort. You can talk with your friends but right now, they aren't allowed here. You will have a room of your own but keep in mind, after the wedding, we will be a traditional man and wife sharing the same bed. I'll have someone go to your apartment and collect your things. We'll purchase you additional clothing as you will need them. Most important, escaping isn't in your best interest."

"Why is that?"

"Because I can be a nice guy, but if I'm crossed, you won't like the punishment doled out. You should already know that."

"Oooh," I hissed, backing away. "I'm scared to death. What happened before was your mistake. Yours. You know I had every right to be inside that office." Maybe I was pushing it a little. If I was going to make myself at home, I'd start right now. I turned completely away from him, opening the refrigerator and studying the contents. Before I had a chance to grab a bottle of water, I was jerked backward and into the man's arms. Just being this close, the tingling sensations heated up to an explosive level.

"Don't push me but for so long or so far, my lovely fiancée. As I already told you, I'm a dangerous man."

"Fuck you. Maybe I'm dangerous too."

He had the nerve to drive me into the edge of the counter, holding both my arms. He was very tall but when he was peering down at me, I felt tiny.

"Make no mistake, my sweet girl. Do you not think some of the men Vadim had chosen would be less forgiving than I will be?"

I had no answer for that.

"Now, neither Vadim nor I would have allowed a brutal choice. Still, I think you'll find yourself happiest with me. As long as you behave."

His scent was gloriously intoxicating. I allowed myself a few seconds of basking in his beauty before pushing him away completely. "Just stay away from me. How about that?"

I managed to sidestep him but not for long. He yanked me back once again, only this time cupping my jaw with his other hand.

"Not so fast," he growled. "One last thing. I will offer you leeway tonight since this is all new to you, but keep in mind. Even prior to our wedding day, you will learn to obey me in all aspects, including in the bedroom."

As he dropped his head quickly, I didn't have time to think. The way he captured my mouth was incredible, so much so I couldn't breathe at first.

The attraction was real.

And it was damning.

I made another promise to myself that I wouldn't fall for the man in any way. No matter what he did or how he punished me.

Fuck him.

Even if the kiss was…

Amazing.