Chapter Six

~ALEKSEI POV~

“ oh! I plan to be” she whispered back to me

I forced my mask to stay in place, hiding the smirk that threatens to surface.

She doesn’t know what she has gotten into yet, If Dmitri hadn’t pulled me aside before the vows after overhearing her little escape plans, I wouldn’t be here playing the cat and mouse games with her.

She didn’t care who she hurt as far as she got her way, just like her father and … unfortunately me.

We all moved to the reception hall filled with so many lilies and peonies .

I need to get out of here soon. I thought

Marco took the first dance from her and she moved like a rigid doll all through, beautiful and expensive but without emotions.

Then, his hands released her and her father pressed her cold palm into mine.

“Careful where you touch me, Mr. Carmene,” she hissed. “I’m very good with a gun.”

Her words almost made me laugh,but I didn’t. Instead, I pulled her flush skin against my chest, feeling the sharp intake of her breath.

“Mi amor,” I said low enough that only she could hear, “I would rather be anywhere else than feeling this skin on my fingers.”

“I’m glad that the feeling is mutual.” She snapped trying to pull back a bit but I held on to her firmly. “And don’t call me that, your charm doesn’t work on me.” She said rolling her eyes and forcing a smile

“Indeed. Would you prefer Princess?” I said.

Her eyes glared at me, showing pride and a fire I wish to see how long she can keep.

“One more thing” I murmured “keep that bratty attitude in check, A marriage certificate doesn't make you bulletproof.” I said with an edge on my voice.

She arched her brow, a mocking challenge in her gaze. “And if I don’t? Will you shoot me and save me from this misery?”

I leaned down, my lips brushing her ear so the guests would think I was whispering sweet words to her.

“If it were that easy, Princess, I would have buried you this morning, but we play pretend until I’ve bled your family’s dynasty dry till then you stay alive, and stay married to me.”

I felt her body went stiff, something she fears, I see.

“ Listen, Aleksei Carmene, you do not dare touch my papa’s company, one stain and I will drag your dead body across New York City.” Her eyes darkened with so much fury

“Should I take that as a threat?,” I asked amused. “Because all you need to do is stay alive long enough to see me make it happen.”

“ Take it as you wish, dear husband, you are just as stuck with me as I am with you but you will wish you didn’t say those vows today.” She said

A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne and she reached out, snagged a glass, and tripped.

The golden liquid splashed across the front of my white suit, soaking into the fabric.

Silence filled the room as everyone watched us with side eyes and interest

“Oh, sorry, husband,” she cooed, her face a mask of mock horror. “It was such a clumsy mistake.”

I stepped closer, pulling her so close our noses brushed, I smiled brushing a strand of hair off her face, the scent of the champagne and her perfume filled my lungs.

“You are going to regret that.” I said and kissed her cheek

“We’ll see about that, Carmene!” She said smiling

Before I could respond…

“Aleksei!” My father’s voice called from the end of the aisle.

I released her, the cold air rushing between us. “I’ll be back to finish this, my lovely wife.” I said

“Oh! My dear husband, I can’t wait!” She tossed her hair, already turning her back on me.

I followed my father toward the private lounge, irritated, my suit jacket heavy and smelling of alcohol but my father looked amused.

“Father, are you satisfied?” I bit out the words. “I gave you the wedding, I took the girl and what did she do? She poured champagne on me.”

“ She is a fierce one I see and a perfect match for you, my beloved son.” Father said

“ Father…” I began to say

“ what do you expect me to say?” Father interrupted

I pulled off my ruin jacket, “ this alliance is a mistake that Leonardo Greco's daughter is just a brat and a liability I can’t deal with yet!” I snapped

“ I spoke with Leonardo before the ceremony started .” Father said

I looked at him waiting for him to explain

“ And what has that got to do with me?” I asked

“ Leonardo underestimates his daughter but I don’t want you to.” Father said “ he calls her dramatic and…

“Reckless, I presume, she is dramatic! Spoilt and at least her father knows that.” I said, interrupting father

“ Son, go back to your bride.” Father said, picking up his glass of scotch and leaving the restroom.

I don’t underestimate, that Greco’s sperm but I will not tolerate any form of disrespect!

Violet pov

The moment Aleksei vanished, my father’s hand was on my arm, dragging me into a corner.

“Remember why you are doing this, Violet,” he hissed.

“I’m doing it because you sold me, Papa, don’t dress it up as anything else.”

His eyes narrowed, a flash of the don he is and not my father.

“Do not dare use that tone with me. You will submit to your husband. You will not jeopardize this affiliation, and you will give us an heir or so help me…”

“I already married him, didn’t I? I said my voice filled with rage

“ Violet, you know I’m doing this for you…” papa said

“ No!…” I yelled then compose myself “ no papa, you are doing it for yourself! not for me, I have done everything for this family , worked twice as hard and how did I get paid papa, tell me? You act like you care about me like you do things for me but you only care about your precious loser heir taking over…”

Kpaa

I held my cheek, this is the second time papa has done this , but humiliating me in front of guest that I wouldn’t take, I turned to walk away from him.

“ What are you looking at? Papa yelled at the guest “Haven’t you seen a father and daughter fight before?

Marco stopped me half way down the hall, holding my hands, digging his nails on my skin

“ Because you are married now, you think you can disrespect papa and walk off? I told you to avoid making a scene, didn't I.” Marco said

“ fuck you, Marco.” I spat on his face “ let’s see how you handle the company when I’m not there anymore.” I said forcing my hands off his grip.

“ Marco Greco!” Aleksei called “you know you have no right to hurt my wife right? She is the Carmene’s now and that stunt your father just pulled should never be repeated.” Mr try to save the daughter in distress, said my beloved husband.

“ And I can fight my own battles.” I said walking off.

Cling cling cling

Marco started clicking on his glasses drawing attention to us.

“ Everyone draw closer, I have a special announcement.”

Dread fill my stomach, because Marco never has anything good to offer if it concerns me.

Aleksei Carmene pulls me closer to him “ What special announcement is this, princess?” He asked through gritted teeth, faking his smile

“ oh! Baby we are both about to find out.” I said