Page 24 of Bratva Vow

There’s an unspoken exchange between them, something I can’t quite read, but it’s like they’re speaking in a language I don’t know.

Ivan leans back. “And what is it you want, son?”

Ben doesn’t look away from his father, but his fingers trail a fraction higher on my thigh, his knuckles brushing the hem of my dress. “Stability. Legacy.”

The word makes my stomach flip, but neither of them looks at me when it’s said.

Ivan’s eyes gleam faintly, almost satisfied. “Good. A man should think of the future.” His voice is casual, but it feels weighted. “A man like you…especially.”

Ben’s grip firms just enough to make my pulse jump. “I am.”

Ivan smiles faintly, but I can tell it’s the kind of smile that comes with expectations. “Then I hope this future of yours…knows what she’s in for.”

I swallow, my heart pounding so loudly I swear it fills the quiet room. But when I speak, my voice is steady. “I’m a quick learner, sir.”

Ivan chuckles low. “I’m sure you are. Benedikt’s life is not…ordinary.”

I offer a small smile, unsure what else to do. “I’m getting that impression.”

Ivan chuckles low, but there’s a knowing look in his eyes, directed at his son, that I don’t fully understand. Ben doesn’t break eye contact with him, and whatever passes between them feels layered.

Like they’re talking about something without saying it aloud.

“So when are you getting married?”

Geezus.

There’s literally no cushion room or working up to questions with this guy. It’s straight to business with small tidbits of politeness.

“Sienna hasn’t given me a date yet,” Ben replies casually. “She won’t make up her mind between fall and spring.”

Ivan looks at me as if that decision is trifle as crap, but he still plasters on a fake smile. “I’d say the sooner the better.”

I bet you would.

“Funny,” I vouch simply, keeping thatfirehe mentioned earlier that I have. “Your son was saying the same thing to me the other day. You can’t rush these things. I want the wedding to be perfect.”

“Perfect,” his father mutters. “You women put so much pressure on these things.”

“It’s a big day. I don’t expect to get another one.”

Ivan perks a brow. “Of course. ‘Till death do us part and all that.”

“When you married Benedikt’s mother, how long did you wait?”

I see his expression soften a bit when he reaches for his wine. “Nine months. She had similar tribulations with dates like you are.”

“They may seem silly to you, sir. But every girl dreams of their wedding.”

He bows his head. “Well, we wouldn’t want to take that away from you. If you need help with venues or the like, let me know.”

I don’t.

He won’t be included in anything as long as I have something to do with it. However, if I do solicit his help, he might buy into how committed I am to this marriage and that Ben and I are serious.

“Flowers,” I blurt out, stopping Ivan from taking a sip of his wine. “They’re a rip off and I need someone who’s going to give me a fair price.”

Ivan steals a look at Ben, as if I’m asking him the stupidest thing imaginable when he lays on another smile. “I can do that. I’ll send you a few options by the beginning of the week.” Hetakes a small drink from his glass before asking, “Where’s your engagement ring?”