Home / Mafia / A Bride For A Truce / An Unwelcome Guest

Share

An Unwelcome Guest

Author: Veetoria
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-24 21:43:43

ADRIKO’S POV

The presence of Viktor set off warning bells in my head.

The air felt thick like a volcano was teetering beneath the surface.

My hand twitched, itching for the familiar weight of my gun in my pocket but I can't make a scene…at least not yet.

His lips curves into a slow cunny smile as he strides forward, his gait too casual, too confident for a man walking into the lion's den.

I know it is a strategy.

Viktor never acted without a plan.

“Adrik, hope i’m not late? ,I couldn't miss the history-making occasion”, he said with a mocking smile spreading across his face.

Seeing that look on his face took me back to memories I’d rather not dwell on, deals gone wrong, bonds broken.

He had always challenged my authority and questioned my decisions.

We hadn't crossed paths since I left Russia but this..him here, now was a veiled threat

“You weren't invited,” I snapped, my tone sharp enough to slice through butter.

Serafina’s gaze moved between Viktor and me. Her eyes were sharp with curiosity. I could see the wheels turning in her head.

“Oh but I was” he retorted, his mocking smile widening “Irina dear asked that I be her plus one”

“Irina?” I frowned, giving my sister a questioning look.

She looked at me, her expression one of innocence. “I ran into him at the airport brother” she mumbled with a shrug. “I didn't realize you two were still…at odds”

I raised a brow at her carefree tone, a flare of irritation shooting through me.

At odds? That was a light way to put it. “And you thought it was best not to seek my permission first?” I ground out, my voice laced with warning.

Irina sighed,” It's a celebration Adrik. Can we not do this now? The guests are waiting for you and Serafina inside,” she pleaded.

“Yes Adrik, it is a happy day after all. Loosen up a bit”. Viktor chuckled glancing at Serafina beside me.

I took a step towards now “Leave. Now”

He didn't make a move,his eyes glittering with amusement.

When his gaze returned to Serafina, she straightened, the smallest flicker of discomfort crossing her face but it was gone as quickly as it appeared which made me question if I had imagined it.

“Congratulations on the wedding Mrs Ivanov,” he sneered “I look forward to seeing how long this….truce lasts”.

His smile lingered as he turned on his heel and retreated into the shadows disappearing into the darkness beyond the courtyard.

As the silence settled over us, I turned back to Irina who glanced away guiltily.

“Let this be the first and last, this happens,” I warned.

Her gaze fell, her hands toying with the hem of her dress “I didn't think it would be a big deal brother.” she grumbled defensively but I caught the edge of guilt in it. “I’m sorry”.

My jaw tightened as I watched her turn and stride into the reception hall, leaving me standing there with Serafina at my side.

“Who was that?” Serafina asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

“None of your concern” I replied curtly, not wanting to divulge information to her.

“Two shall become one”, “Wasn't that what the priest said” she teased “We are married now so it is my concern”

I turned to her, stepping closer,my height forcing her to tilt her head to meet my gaze

“Do you always stick your nose where it doesn't belong, Mrs Ivanova?”

Her glare didn't waver “Do you always evade questions when you are cornered, Mr Ivanov?”

For a moment, I was torn between irritation and an unwilling flicker of amusement.

She had fire and a smart mouth.

A loud hum of voices and laughter from the reception spilled out into the courtyard, interrupting my line of thought.

It was a reminder of the happy facade we were supposed to be presenting.

“Let’s go” I respond, ignoring her jab “We’ve wasted enough time out here.”

*************

Conversations flowed smoothly among the guests.

Champagne glasses are being refilled and passed around by the waiters.

The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the tiles, while shadows lingered in the corners, watching and waiting.

Serafina is seated beside me observing the guests with a guarded look as she fiddles with her hands on her lap, the lone wedding band glittering.

I am reminded of her earlier comment which prompts me to lean toward her, my breath brushing against her ear.

“Where is it?” I ask in genuine curiosity.

She looks up at me startled “Where’s what?” her brows furrowed in confusion.

“The engagement ring,” I demanded, my head tilting to her fingers .”Did you leave it behind on purpose?”

“It's gone,” she hissed,her chin tilting up in defiance.

“Gone?” I say with an arched brow. “A ring doesn't just disappear”, Mrs Ivanova”

She rolls her eyes “A ring isn’t a chain Mr Ivanov. I didn't see the need to keep it”

My jaw clenched in annoyance “It Isn't Just a ring Serafina, it was custom-made and a symbol of an alliance. One I suggest you wear”.

She glares at me “Why would I do that? I didn't ask for the alliance”

“You may not have, but you went along with it like a good little pawn,” I counter,my voice sharp and cutting, with the intent to hurt.

For a moment we stared each other down, none of us ready to back down. With a scoff, she looked away from my intimidating gaze.

The music shifts to a soft romantic melody and the guests move around subtly to create room for what appears to be the first dance.

I look to Serafina with a smirk “Shall we?”

“Do I have a choice?” she muttered.

“Not tonight” I chuckled ,taking her outstretched arm and leading her onto the dancefloor, her resistance evident in the reluctant sway of her hips.

Her dress hugged her figure in all the right places, the lush fabric shimmering under the chandelier.

She was exquisite, radiant even.

I pull her closer than necessary, my hand resting on the small of her back that feels soft to my touch and I wondered briefly if the rest of her would feel as soft.

She squirms lightly in my hold snapping me out of my roaming thoughts.

I glance down at her.

“Relax”, I said, my tone filled with authority. “It's a dance, not a battlefield”

Her grey eyes locked onto mine “But it feels like one” she mumbled.

A small smile crept upon my face “Only because you insist on defying me at every turn, Mrs Ivanova”

Her face scrunched into a frown, she made to say something but at the last minute refrained.

I twirled her slowly savoring the fleeting vulnerability in her expression before she looked away.

I followed her gaze and saw her father.

He stood at the far corner of the ballroom, nursing a glass of champagne while in deep conversation with Don Marco.

I observed them, they are both skilled manipulators and expert liars each not knowing how dangerous the other might be.

I knew it was time to make an exit, I had indulged in enough charade for one day.

I looked down at Serafina who was now looking in the direction of her friend and housekeeper.

I squeeze her hips lightly to grab her attention. She returned her gaze to me.

“It's time to go. You can say your goodbyes to your family.” She nods, disengaging herself from me as she moves in their direction.

I walk towards the exit, signaling to Sergei that it is time to leave.

I had dismissed some of my men and chauffeur earlier, wanting to drive myself tonight.

Serafina joins me at the exit and we walk outside and make our way towards the Rolls Royce Phantom.

The shrill ringing of my phone cuts through the night air.

I bring it out of my pocket and see an incoming call from an unknown number.

I pick and a distorted and unrecognizable voice rasps from the other end.

“Watch your steps, Ivanov. This truce will bury you and your bride.”

The line goes dead before I can say a word.

A chill snakes down my spine as i stared at my phone.

A faint tick, tick, tick floated into my ears and my head snapped up, my whole body suddenly at alert.

I dive towards Serafina in the same instant that a deafening BOOM shatters the night.

The Rolls Royce explodes in a violent eruption of fire and metal leaving chaos in its wake.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Patricia Cooper
So they get attacked after the wedding is over I would think someone would attack before the wedding
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Latest chapter

  • A Bride For A Truce   Told me sooner

    Sera (A week later)The sky was still a deep gray when I slipped out of bed, my heart pounding like a warning bell in my chest.Adrik’s arm was draped over my waist, his breathing even and steady beside me. Safe. Solid. Warm. And yet the guilt that gnawed at my insides didn’t care about warmth or comfort. It chewed through everything, relentless and cold. It had been a little over a week since I spoke to Diana and with each passing day, I felt like I was digging myself into a hole I might not be able to crawl out from.I tiptoed out of bed and padded toward the kitchen, wrapping my robe tighter around myself. The penthouse was silent—except for the soft hum of the espresso machine as I prepared his coffee, the way he liked it. Strong, no sugar, splash of cream.My fingers trembled as I carried the mug back upstairs. He was still lying on his side, bare chest half-buried beneath the comforter, his dark hair tousled from sleep.He looked peaceful.I hated that I was about to ruin t

  • A Bride For A Truce   Actions have consequences

    ADRIKThe scent of toasted brioche and cinnamon wafted through the air as I stepped into the kitchen, fastening the last button on my cuffs.She stood by the stove in nothing but one of my shirts, sleeves rolled up, bare legs brushing the cool tiles. The morning light spilled across her highlighting her Auburn hair.I leaned against the doorway, my arms crossed. “You’re really trying to keep me home, aren’t you?”She glanced back with a smirk. “You think this is enough to keep you from the Bratva world?”I walked up behind her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and nuzzled the side of her neck.“No,” I said against her skin. “But it makes me wish I could leave it behind.”She stilled for a second. Then she flipped the egg in the pan and exhaled. “Then come back in one piece. That’s all I ask.”I kissed her shoulder, letting my lips linger on her waist. “Always.”And in that moment I felt peace. The kind only she could give me. The kind that felt like home.

  • A Bride For A Truce   Sweetest Feeling 🔞

    Viktor Morocco was such a beautiful country, the locals were warm and friendly, the food was a bit too spicy for me, and the women? They had the best bodies and warmest pussies I had ever fucked. I had been laying low in Morocco for about three months and honestly I didn't feel the need to go back to New York yet. My burner phone buzzed on the stool beside the pool. I answered on the first ring. “Talk.” Matteo’s voice floated into my ears. Low and cautious. “Diana called me.” That made me sit forward. “And?” “She asked me to dig into Vincenzo’s inner circle. She showed me old letters that her friend Sera found. Apparently, Emilia and Yelena were friends. Emilia mentioned someone in one of the letters, a man she couldn't trust.” I paused. My fingers tightening around the neck of the woman that was currently riding my cock. “Does she suspect anything?” Matteo exhaled. “No, she trusts me. She thinks I’m trying to help her.” “Good,” I murmured. “Keep her close. Feed her b

  • A Bride For A Truce   We‘re Sisters, Sera

    Sera The café was tucked away in Little Italy, off a quiet side street, all dark wood and soft lights and cinnamon in the air. 
 I sat near the back, a scarf wrapped tightly around my shoulders, even though it wasn’t that cold. My nerves were doing enough of a job freezing me from the inside out. I hadn’t slept much. The letters were all I could think about. Diana arrived ten minutes later, hair piled into a messy bun, sunglasses perched on her head, and a curious frown on her lips. “Okay, you’re officially freaking me out,” she said as she slid into the seat across from me. “What’s going on?” I looked down into my untouched espresso, then back up at her. “I went to see my father.” Her brows lifted. “Seriously?” I nodded. “He called while I was still in Russia and I promised I'd visit once I returned.” Diana leaned in. “And?” “The dinner was awkward. He tried to play nice. Apologized, even.” I shrugged. “I didn’t buy it. But that’s not the problem.” “The

  • A Bride For A Truce   The time and place

    Adrik I got to Ivanov Holdings bright and early. Sergei had sent a text at dawn, saying he had information on Yegor Petrov. Some shipments were also due today, and I needed to be on the ground when they docked. Sergei stepped into my office a little after 10am, tossing a file on my desk. “You were right to be suspicious,” he said. “There’s more to Yegor Petrov than we thought.” I flipped open the folder—and froze. Matteo Greco. I looked up slowly. “What the hell is this?” Sergei folded his arms. “Petrov was an alias. A damn good one. His real name was Matteo Greco. Ex-Camorra enforcer, went off the radar years ago after a job went sideways in Naples.” My jaw clenched. “So he faked his identity?” Sergei nodded. “And someone helped him do it. The name ‘Petrov’ only started appearing in official records two months before your mother was killed. Before that? Nothing. No immigration records, no work history. Just… air.” “And you’re telling me no one noticed thi

  • A Bride For A Truce   Secrets tied in ribbons

    SeraAfter practice with Adrik, I decided to go visit my father.He had texted me the previous evening and asked that I please stop by for dinner.The family estate still looked the same as the last time I'd been here and I haven’t been here in almost six months. Not since my wedding.On arriving at the estate, I stepped out of Adrik’s Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and made my way up the staircase.The guards stationed around the estate caught sight of me and smiles of recognition graced their faces. Carlo, the longtime family butler, opened the door with a warm smile and led me inside. “Hello signoria. So good to see you strong on your feet.” My lips curved into a warm smile as I patted his arm “Thank you, Carlo.”“Is he in his study?” I asked.“No, Signor Vitale said to join him in the garden.”I blinked. “The garden?”He nodded. “Yes, Signora. He’s waiting with dinner.”Color me surprised.As I made my way to the garden, I heard someone call out my name. “Sera? Cara mia I’m so happ

More Chapters
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status