Page 11 of Cruel Russian Pakhan (Safin Bratva #1)

After Lev introduced me to his siblings, the cook brought out more breakfast, and we all gathered around the table to eat.

All the siblings had black hair, except Marten, who was bald.

Mariya and Lev shared the same intense, midnight-black eyes.

Avit, Marten, and Pyotr had piercing blue ones, while Jaroslav, who was watching me with a cold stare, had eyes like tempered steel.

But it was Ninel’s eyes that held me captive, the most stunning shade of silver, almost vampiric in their gleam.

Ninel's eyes twinkled as they darted from Lev to me. “Lev, have you told her about the birthday party of one of the founding leaders, happening tonight? She should totally come.”

“Are you asking her to come because you want her there,” Pyotr asked with a smirk, “or are you looking for another excuse to go shopping?”

Ninel pointed her fork at him. “You and I both know I don't need an excuse to shop. But I do think a shopping spree sponsored by Lev would be the perfect welcome to the family, don’t you think?”

“I don't know, I…” My voice trailed off.

Did I really want to spend time with his siblings after he not only kidnapped me but forced me to marry him? Why build a relationship with them when, according to him, I was just a convenience?

“Please don't say no,” Ninel said quickly, eyes wide with anticipation. “I promise we’ll have fun.”

I sighed. Ninel did sound sincere, though.

I’d never been to a party, unless you counted Daisy and Arnold’s anniversary bash, where they invited all their friends and some family. I was always too busy with school, work…or just trying to survive. I never had time or energy for a social life.

Lev squeezed my hand, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him.

“Do you want to go?” he asked.

I’d been sitting around here doing nothing. I may as well take the opportunity to go out and have a little fun…

“Yes, I’d like that,” I smiled.

“Good. Then it’s settled,” Ninel said gleefully. “After breakfast, you, Mariya and I will…”

Mariya cut her off. “Nins, did you even ask her if she has plans after breakfast? It’s like a switch flips in your brain the second shopping comes up.”

“Vera, I’m sorry,” Ninel said, turning to me. “Mariya’s right. It was rude of me to assume you’re free without asking. Are you free after breakfast so we can go shopping? Please say yes.”

Hesitantly, I looked at Lev. “Will you be coming?”

“No. I have a few things to take care of at the office.”

I bit my lower lip. I really wanted to go…but would it be safe? Going out with Lev, I knew I was safe. With his sisters? I wasn’t so sure.

“I’d really like to go,” I admitted, shifting uncomfortably in my seat, “but the last time I stepped out of this house, Lev and I ended up in a shootout. He was there to protect me…if he's not going…” I let my voice trail off. I lowered my eyes and pushed the pancakes aimlessly around my plate.

Since when did I need a man to feel safe just to go outside?

Since you were in a bloody shootout, Katya. These people are the Russian mafia, for Christ's sake! Of course someone’s always out there trying to put them six feet under.

Lev took my hand gently in his, lifting it to his lips, drawing my eyes to his face.

“I’ll make sure you girls are protected. You’ll be safe, Vera.” He turned to Marten. “I’d like you to go with them. I’ll send some of the guards with you. I’ll push back our meeting this morning by a few hours.”

“Good luck, Marten,” Avit chuckled. “The last time I had shopping duty with Ninel, my blisters had blisters.”

“Vera, don’t let Avit scare you,” Ninel grinned. “We'll have a great time.”

Mariya changed the subject, asking how I was adjusting to life away from my younger sister, Kira. She admitted that little sisters could be annoying, but added with a smile that she'd go crazy if she didn’t talk to Ninel at least once a day.

I didn’t answer, just laughed when Ninel tossed a piece of bacon at Mariya’s head, earning a shriek and a mock glare.

“You should let Lev bring you down to the club one night,” Avit chimed in. “Then you’ll see, we’ve got better alcohol than your brothers’ place. Better music, too.”

I kept smiling, but inside, something nagged me.

Based on the questions they asked and the casual mentions of my ‘family,’ it hit me.

Lev had kidnapped the wrong person. It wasn't just about me being the right person, but he mixed up my name. He kidnapped the wrong woman. My family wasn’t the one who owed him.

But I wasn’t about to bring it up. Not here, in front of all of them. I’d wait until I was alone with Lev.

Did they even know what Lev had done?

And if they did, Katya, would they even dare do anything about it? He’s their leader, the head of the pack. They’re not going to start a mutiny against their own brother.

During breakfast, I listened and watched the dynamics between Lev’s family. I saw the love between them and how protective the men were of their sisters.

Everyone seemed to warm up to me. Everyone except Jaroslav, whose eyes never left me as he ate silently.

Despite how uncomfortable I felt under his gaze, it was the first time since my adoptive parents that I felt included. And it felt…nice.

By the time breakfast was over, I was looking forward to some fresh air, a few pretty dresses, and getting to know Lev's sisters a bit more, despite what he did.

About an hour later, Mariya, Ninel, and I stepped into the boutique, with Marten and six intimidating-looking guards. One of the uniformed staff greeted us at the entrance, offering champagne on a silver tray. We declined politely and continued inside.

My breath caught as I took it all in. The boutique was huge and impossibly elegant.

Glossy marble floors reflected the soft glow of crystal chandeliers overhead.

Glass cases lined the walls, showcasing designer handbags and shoes.

To the left, more displays held jewelry and bottled perfumes that sparkled under the warm lighting.

The air was a far cry from the musty thrift shops I’d known.

It carried the faint, graceful scent of fresh roses.

I glanced ahead as Marten made his way to the main counter where the register was, while two men stationed themselves at the entrance and the others spread themselves through the store.

The young woman behind the register disappeared into the back, and moments later, an older woman emerged and headed straight for him.

“What’s he doing?” I whispered to Mariya, watching him speak quietly with her.

“He’s getting them to clear the store. We’ll have it to ourselves.”

“What? That’s not necessary. We don't need the entire store to ourselves.”

I started to move toward Marten to stop him, but Ninel caught my hand, gently halting me.

“In case you haven’t noticed during breakfast, our brothers are a little over-the-top when it comes to protecting us,” she smiled. “Lev just wants you to feel safe. Let him do this for you. I’ve learned it’s easier to let them do what they need for their peace of mind.”

I watched as the sales clerks politely ushered the confused, and mildly irritated customers outside. Once it was only us, Marten, the sales clerks and the guards in the store, the doors were locked.

Ninel beamed. “Come on. It’s time to start shopping!”

She steered me toward a row of evening dresses and immediately began flipping through the racks, tossing gowns over her arms.

I glanced at a few price tags and nearly choked. At these prices, I could probably buy a small island, or at least put a down payment on one.

“What’s wrong?” Mariya asked, appearing beside me. “Not seeing anything you like?”

I shook my head. “It’s not that. These prices are insane.”

Ninel returned just in time to overhear. “Today, we are not looking at prices,” she said breezily. “Your husband is footing the bill, and I fully intend to take advantage of that. And you, my lovely sister-in-law, should too.”

Everything I had at the house had been bought for me.

It would be nice to finally pick out a few things for myself.

So, for once in my life, I decided to just let go.

One of the reasons I wanted that new job in the first place was so I could purchase new clothes, shoes and accessories.

Since Lev did kidnap me and ruin my job opportunity, I’d say it’s time for reparations.

Over the next three hours, Ninel, Mariya, and I laughed, sipped champagne, and tried on clothes. We started with casual pieces: jeans, tops, and rompers, before moving on to what Ninel called the main event: finding the perfect dress for the party.

I’d never really had girlfriends before, so this felt like a whole new world. They weren’t controlling or possessive like Lev; they were sweet, funny, and easy to be around.

When, according to Ninel, I had found the perfect dress, the one that would stop her brother’s heart, I blushed at her teasing, and we decided it was time to leave.

But as we headed to the register, with more clothes than I had ever purchased in my life, my heart sank. I must have gone quiet, because Ninel gently pulled me aside.

“Vera, is something wrong?”

How could I explain that spending time with them made me want more of this? More connection, more laughter, without sounding utterly desperate?

“It’s just…” I hesitated. “Making friends has always been hard for me. But I really enjoyed today. And I was wondering…”

“...when we could hang out again?” she finished for me, smiling.

I nodded, a little shy.

“I get it,” she said softly. “Being a Bratva ‘princess’ means you’re always wondering who’s genuine and who just wants something from you.

Real friends are rare. I enjoyed today as well.

Mariya and I have to get some work done at the organization today, but I promise you that before we part ways tonight at the party, we'll have plans for our next girls’ day, okay? ”

“I’d like that.” It was my turn to smile.

After leaving the store, they dropped me off first. I hugged Mariya and Ninel goodbye, grabbed my bags, and headed inside.

As I unpacked everything I’d bought, I couldn’t stop smiling. The day had been amazing, and now I was even more excited for the party tonight.

Once everything was put away, I slipped into the dress, the one Ninel swore would stop Lev’s heart, and turned to admire myself in the full-length mirror.

The dress was a deep, midnight blue with a single fitted sleeve.

The neckline started at the sleeved shoulder, sweeping diagonally under my bare arm, then curving elegantly across my back to meet the opposite shoulder.

Inside the floor-length gown, a structured lining hugged my waist, clinging to it just enough to give me an effortlessly striking hourglass figure.

Two high slits ran up either side of the skirt, just enough to be sexy without crossing into inappropriate, which Ninel stated was fitting for the wife of a Bratva leader.

I heard the door open and close behind me and spun around.

Lev stood there, his eyes locked on me. The desire in his eyes was unmistakable, and my body responded before I could stop it.

Heat rushed through me, and I pressed my thighs together, trying to compose myself as my pulse quickened.

But how could I, when he looked at me like I was a steak and he was a starved lion who hadn’t eaten in weeks?

Slowly, Lev made his way to me. With each step, my heart strummed faster. He stopped in front of me, and I held my breath as he reached out and stroked my cheek tenderly.

“Vera, you look stunning.”

Not trusting myself to talk, I nodded, for fear that a moan might slip out.

“You’ll be the most beautiful woman there.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, breathless.

He slipped one hand into his jacket and pulled out a long, rectangular box. Gently, he placed his other hand on my hip and turned me to face the mirror. He opened the box, then tucked it away.

His fingers brushed along my collarbone, sending a shiver through me. “I got something for you. Ninel sent me a picture of your dress.”

He lifted the necklace and placed it at the base of my neck. It was a round piece, with deep blue stones, the exact color of my dress, surrounded by small sparkling diamonds.

He met my eyes in the mirror, his hands hugging my hips, and said softly, “It’s perfect.”

I touched the necklace with trembling fingers. “Lev, it’s beautiful…but I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”

“You’re my wife. Nothing is too much for you.”

He stepped closer behind me, and I leaned into him. His erection pressed into my lower back as his hands slowly caressed my sides. The longer he touched me, the deeper the ache grew between my thighs.

I closed my eyes, allowing his touch to carry me somewhere far away, a place where it was just the two of us, where the world faded and nothing else mattered except the moment we were sharing.

“Lev…” I moaned softly.

His hands froze at my sides.

My eyes flew open, panic rising.

What the hell had I just done?