Page 6

Valentina

The door to Don Elio's office is open, and I walk inside since I was summoned.

“Close the door, Valentina, and have a seat,” Don Elio says, waving his hand.

He doesn’t even look up at me and continues to read the paper in his hand.

I take a seat in the chair in front of his desk and look around the room. I stare at the family photo. It’s the photo that we took on Christmas, it’s nice. It looks like a happy family.

“Valentina, I have several issues to review with you. I have signed the contract with a very strong Bratva man. That means that you will be marrying in three weeks.”

“What? Who is he?”

“He’s the Kravtsov Bratva Pakhan and a very powerful, wealthy man. Obviously, you will be busy for the next few weeks. I need you to select your wedding dress tomorrow morning. You have an appointment at Bianchi Bridal House.

I’ve arranged for the best wedding planner in New York. She will review everything, so select what you want.

The engagement party will be this Friday, you will then meet your fiancé. But you might meet him tomorrow since he requested that you attend the grand opening of the new club, Hellion. Do you have any questions? Capisci?”

I stare at Don Elio, speechless. That’s a lot to do in a few weeks. I’m getting married, and it doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t matter what I feel or think; it’s happening.

“Is Mia going with me to select my wedding dress? Can she be my maid of honor? Is Mia going with me to the club? Please let me know when the wedding planner will be here. The engagement party is this Friday. I think that I got it all, right?”

Don Elio looks at me over his eyeglasses and then nods.

“That’s correct. I have it all on this paper. I need you to be on time for your appointments.”

“No worries, Don Elio.”

“Bene.”

I take the paper, nod, and push off the chair. I walk out of my room and down the hall to Mia’s room. I can’t believe that Don Elio has permitted us to go to the club, Hellion.

I knock on the door and walk in. I feel like a zombie; my brain is mush. I stare at Mia, painting her toenails.

“Yeah, Vee, what’s wrong,” She says, placing the polish on the nightstand.

“I’m getting married in three weeks,” I say, wide-eyed.

“Oh my god! I can’t believe that it’s starting. I don’t like it because I’m next. I’m not happy about it,” Mia says, hugging me.

“Here’s the schedule, and I need you to go with me and be my maid of honor,” I say, pulling away from her.

Mia takes the paper and reads the schedule and then she sits on the bed.

“It’s happening,” Mia hums, looking out the window.

“Yes, it is. We need to go shopping after I select a wedding dress.”

“Yes, we do need to buy dresses for the club, engagement party, and anything else that comes up.”

“Yeah! Did you see that we’re going to the club tomorrow night? Maybe we can have fun, sort of a bachelorette party.”

“Yes, we will have fun. We deserve a little fun,” Mia says, smiling.

“Yes, we will have fun. But best of all, we have each other.”

I lean back into the seat, closing my eyes. I’m so tired; it’s been a long day. I selected a beautiful wedding gown and several dresses for all of the events. It was fun shopping for the wedding, even if I don’t know the man I’m going to marry. But that’s not a surprise; I knew it was going to happen.

I close my eyes, inhale, and exhale, trying to release the tension. I open my eyes and adjust the black dress that crosses down my back. I chew my lower lip, thinking of meeting my fiancé. It’s a possibility, Don Elio said. I think that I will meet him because he requested that I attend. I look out the window at the bright lights.

“Mia, did you see that we have two additional Soldiers,” I say, looking out the window.

“Yeah, look at the line at the club,” Mia squeals.

“Wow, will we even get in?”

“I hope so,” Mia says, nodding.

The SUV stops at the door to the Hellion Club. The Soldiers stand around the SUV, and Faro opens the door.

We slide out, and I stare at the line, chewing my lip.

“This way, Ms. Conti,” Faro says, walking ahead of us.

We follow him, walking up to the door. I’m so embarrassed that the people in line glare at us. The guards at the door allow us in, and a guard escorts us to the top floor. We’re being treated like Principessa.

The place is busy, the people swaying to the loud music, and it’s exciting since we’ve never been to a club before. The table is reserved for us, and the barmaid waits for us.

“Oh my god! Look at this place,” Mia says, looking around.

“Yes, it is nice. Don Elio said that the Bratva owns it,” I say, sitting on the chair.

“Hello, I’m Kitty. I will be your barmaid. Is there anything you would like to drink or eat?”

“Yes, we will have top-shelf wine,” I say, smiling.

“Vee, we need to eat. I want some boneless wings and nachos,” Mia says.

“Yes, that sounds good,” I say, nodding.

“It will take a few minutes,” Kitty says.

I look out on the dance floor, and I can’t help but smile. This is so much fun, and I want to enjoy this night.

Kitty returns with the wine, glasses, and the food. That was quick. I take a sip of wine, moaning, and close my eyes.

“This wine is so good,” I say, taking another drink.

Mia takes her glass and takes a sip, closing her eyes.

“Vee, it’s the best.”

I grab a chicken wing, chew it, and then try a few nachos. They taste so good. We don’t eat out because the cook makes our food at home. I drink some water to clear my palate, and then I drink more wine. I love wine, and soon, it’s gone. I look at Kitty. She nods and returns with another bottle of wine. Wow, she’s good.

“Vee, don’t you think that we should dance?”

“No, because I’m having fun drinking this wine and watching the people dance.”

“Okay, you do have a point.”

It doesn’t take us long to finish the bottle of wine, and Kitty has the new one ready.

Mia and I sing along to the songs we like and drink wine. We’re happy and enjoying the night out.

Then, all of a sudden, I have a gorgeous businessman standing in front of me. He’s also the one that I bumped into at the store. He makes me all tingling and weak. That’s not good since I’m going to get married.

“Hi,” he says, smiling.

I blink up at him and smile.

“Hi,” I say, staring at him.

“Are you enjoying the club,” He asks.

“Yes, we are. We love the wine,” I say, taking another sip.

“Valentina, I’m Lev Kravtsov,” Lev says.

I blink; that last name sounds familiar.

“Kravtsov?”

“Vee, that’s the same last name as your fiancé.”

“Ah, right. Thanks, Mia.”

I look at Lev and think about it for a few since my brain is slow. I believe that I had too much wine.

“You’re the guy that I keep seeing.”

“Yes, I am. May I sit,” Lev asks, smiling.

“Ah, Lev, your last name is the same as my fiancé. But that doesn’t mean that he would be okay with you sitting here at our table,” I say, waving my finger.

“Valentina, that’s sweet. I am your fiancé.”

I blink several times and stare at him while I process what he said. It doesn’t sound right.

Is it?

“Could I be so lucky to have you as my fiancé?”

“Yes,” Lev says, smiling.

I blink, I said that out loud.

“Vee, you’re silly,” Mia hums, shaking her head.

“No, I think that the wine hit me,” I say, leaning back in my chair.

I look at Lev because he makes me happy.

My body loves him.

“Would you like some coffee,” Lev asks.

“I do want coffee. I want you. I want a kiss.”

Lev smiles and takes my hand.

“Valentina, you want me,” Lev asks, rubbing his finger over my wrist.

“Yes, I do.”

“That sounds good, and I want you,” He says, gazing into my eyes.

“Hey, I’m right here,” Mia says, waving.

“Mia, hush, you’re ruining my first kiss,” I sigh, looking at his lips.

“Mia, would you like to meet my brothers,” Lev asks, looking at her.

“Oh, you have brothers? Are they as gorgeous as you?”

Lev laughs and shakes his head.

“Why don’t you meet them, and you decide,” Lev says.

“Ah, that sounds good,” Mia says, nodding.

She looks around the club as if they’re going to appear instantly.

Lev pulls out his cell, sliding his fingers over the screen.

“Done, they’re on their way.”

“Awesome,” Mia says, dancing in her chair.

“Okay, now it’s my turn. You promised me a kiss,” I say, grabbing his tie.

I pull him closer, gazing into his blue cobalt eyes. This man is going to be my husband, and I really like him.

“I did,” Lev says, wrapping his hand around my neck.

He pulls me closer, and I close my eyes. He presses his soft lips on mine, and it feels so good. Then he runs his tongue over my lips, and I open my mouth. I move my hand, sinking my fingers into his dark, soft hair.

Lev invades my mouth, sliding his tongue over mine, making my panties wet.

He runs his hand up my back, making me moan. He pulls back and smiles at me.

“Valentina, I’m so glad you came to the club.”

“So am I,” I whisper, pulling him.

He kisses me again, deeper, blowing my mind. I’m melting into him, and I want more, but we should wait until we’re married. He pulls back and smiles at me, running his fingers through my hair.

“Lev,” a tall, handsome man says.

“Hey. Czar, Anatoly, this is Valentina and Mia,” Lev says, smiling.

He holds my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. That gesture makes me feel wanted, cherished, and hopeful. This marriage could be good; maybe we can find love.

“Hi,” Mia says, smiling.

I look at her, and I know that she’s embarrassed.

“Let’s get Kitty to bring more wine,” I say, smiling.

“Yeah, the bottle is empty,” Mia hums.

Kitty walks over and looks at Lev and his brothers.

“Is there something I could get for you,” Kitty asks, smiling at them.

“Please, bring some Vodka, more wine and food,” Czar says.

“It will be a moment,” Kitty says, nodding.

“Lev, could you tell me about you,” I ask, staring at our hands.

“I’m the eldest. I’m Russian. I’m going to turn thirty-one next month.

I’m looking forward to our wedding and our life together. I want babies, like right away,” Lev says, cupping my cheek.

“Babies?”

“Yes, is that a problem?”

“No, I just wasn’t expecting that you would want babies. I do want babies,” I say, nodding.

“Excellent, so when can we start making them?”

“I’m ready,” I whisper, falling into his blue eyes and connecting with him on a much deeper level.

“Tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m going to marry you, right?”

“Yes, you’re going to be officially mine in three weeks.”

“Then, let’s go before it gets later. I don’t want Don Elio to find out.”

“It doesn’t matter if he finds out; he knows that you’re mine.”

“He does?”

“Yes, he does.”

“Oh, but I can’t leave Mia,” I say, looking at her.

“She will be okay, I promise. My brothers will not hurt her or allow anyone to hurt her.”

“But I want some wine and food.”

“Okay, then we can leave.”

“Yes.”

Lev pours more wine into my glass, and we eat the food. The conversation flows, and the twins make us laugh.