Page 8

Mia

Engagement party.

I pull down my sexy new black dress and look into the mirror, adjusting the material over my curves. I check to see if the love bites on my breast are noticeable; that won’t be good.

I’m so happy that Czar is staying with me at my home. We talk, watch movies, take turns watching our favorite, and order out. The best part is when we make love.

I’m glad that I’m staying at home because I hope that Don Elio will forget about me. Out of sight, out of mind.

Right?

It will buy me time with Czar.

I grab my purse and coat. I walk out of the house; Czar pulls up in his Range Rover. He stops, jumps out of the SUV, and walks over to me.

“Baby girl, you look so beautiful,” He hums, pulling me into his arms.

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. He kisses me deeply, with the same wild hunger as the first day. He pulls back and smiles, running his thumb over my lips.

“Let’s go before anyone notices us arriving together; that wouldn’t be good. We can say that Valentina asked me to pick you up,” Czar says.

“Yes, that’s what we’ve been saying.”

“Da.

We get into the SUV, and it takes almost an hour to get to Don Elio’s house. The traffic is crazy. We get out of the Range Rover and walk up the steps to the front door. I open it, and we walk in. The house is full of Mafia and Bratva men, some of them with their girlfriends, leaving the wife at home with the kids. That’s how it works with these Mafia men, and I pray that Czar and his brothers are not that way.

“Mia, darling,” Mama says, walking over to me. She kisses my cheek and looks at Czar with a flirty twinkle in her eyes.

“Hi, Mama. I’m glad that you're back. Mama, this is Czar, Valentina’s future brother-in-law,” I say, looking at Czar.

Fuck!

Now he can’t stay with me.

I try to smile, but I can’t. I’m not happy seeing my Mama home. She’s just here to see what’s going on.

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Mama says, smiling at him.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you. Mia is such a lovely young lady that it gives me pleasure to meet her mother,” Czar says, smiling.

I notice that his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. He looks at Mama with cold eyes, and I can see that he dislikes her.

Now, that’s awesome. Most men fall all over Mama.

“Yes, Mia is awesome,” Mama says, smiling a fake, forced smile.

“If you could excuse me, I need to talk to my brother,” Czar says.

“No worries,” Mama utters in a low voice.

Czar walks away from us, and I look at Mama.

“Mama, I’m going to look for Valentina,” I say, walking away from her.

I go up the stairs to Valentina’s room. I knock and open the door.

“Vee, are you ready? Do you need help dressing?” I ask as I walk into the room.

“Oh, Mia, I’m so happy that you’re here. The house is full of Mafia and Bratva. I’m so nervous,” Valentina hums, pulling at her dress.

“You look beautiful, don’t worry. Lev is here and will be at your side all night,” I say, smiling.

“Okay, you’re right. Let’s go down,” Valentina says, nodding.

We leave the room and walk down the hall to the stairs. We walk down the stairs, and then Lev takes her hand. I walk into the party and grab a glass of wine. I sip it, walking around the party, looking at Czar talking to my brother and my cousins.

My Mama is flirting with all of the Bratva men, and I know that she’s hoping to get one in her claws. That’s why she’s here, right?

I drink my wine, standing near the door, ready to run. Maybe I can sneak out with Czar. I swirl the wine, smiling. I watch Don Elio walk to the center of the room and start his speech.

“I want to announce the engagement of my niece Valentina Conti to Lev Kravtsov! Let’s toast to the happy couple,” Don Elio says, waving his arm high and holding the champagne glass.

“Congratulations!”

Everyone yells, clapping and whistling.

I set the empty glass down and grab another one, taking a sip. I’m feeling a little tipsy, not so damn stressed out.

Czar walks up to me, gazing into my eyes, and lifts up his glass.

“To us,” He whispers, taking a drink of his Vodka.

“Yes, to us,” I whisper, nodding.

“Baby girl, we need to get out of here,” Czar says in a low tone.

“Yes, let’s leave, but we can’t go to my home.”

“Da, we can go to my place. But we have to stay here a little longer until the guests get a little drunk.”

“Okay, I’m going to my room. Text me when you’re ready to leave.”

“Da.”

Czar walks away and goes to talk to his twin.