Semua Bab Kings Of The Bratva: Bab 131 - Bab 140

Hey my loves!I’m beyond grateful for each of you who came along for this ride with Roman and Aria! But don’t get too comfortable, because Book Four is coming up fast and it’s going to be amazing! I can’t wait for you to dive back in!Please let me know what you think so far–I’m always excited to hear your thoughts!💕

- MariaThe bitter cold moved past me like a specter, trying to chill me through my wool coat and scarf. My breath left in small wisps as I sighed, staring at the headstones of the only family I had left. There was still something unfamiliar about those graves. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to the feeling.Months had passed since the Lanstovs stomped all over us, and it still wasn’t easier to stomach. Each day passed like before, but my life had changed.I had no idea Marco and Dad were going up against the Lanstov brothers. I didn’t know much at all. I never paid attention to the family business—Marco was the eldest, Dad’s only son. He was to inherit everything, not me.Then a few trigger pulls and two bullets changed it all.Now it all belonged to me—the men, the dealings, the money—even if I didn’t know where to begin. My world expanded more than I ever imagined, and the underbelly of the crime world wasn’t something I could run from. My father had been a significant figure, even

I made the last chapter free as a little ‘I’m sorry’ gift for the slow updates. Thank you for being patient with me, my loves—I promise to be more consistent from now on! You deserve the best!(⁠ʃ⁠ƪ⁠＾⁠3⁠＾⁠）

Maria "Mhm," I hummed in return, not interested in becoming buddy-buddy with him. I returned my gaze to Dimitri and put out the remainder of my cigarette on the ashtray. "No brothers tonight?"Dimitri sucked his teeth and dropped into the chair next to mine nonchalantly. His cold blue eyes held mine without wavering. "They couldn't make it. Unfortunately, it's just us and whoever else decides to show up."My stomach turned at the prospect, but I held myself together. "Oh boo. Maybe next time."His brows shot up. "Already planning on next time?""I'm sure you'd love that."Dimitri shrugged as the private room started filling with a handful of others to whom I had extended an invite. While I wasn't exactly interested in befriending them, it didn't hurt to have potential partners, or witnesses at the very least.Before long, the same employee, who would end up being our dealer for the game, returned and he ensured everyone had their drinks before beginning.I greeted the others with as

- MariaA royal flush.Dimitri won, and I lost.He knew that win was his before I even agreed to the marriage pact. I was screwed before we shook on it.The color drained from my skin at once, and panic came rushing in. It wrapped around my throat, constricting any words from passing through. My plan was falling to pieces at my feet, and I felt stranded. It wasn’t supposed to end that way. I was supposed to win and assert myself in this world I was vaguely familiar with.I didn’t know how it was even possible for me to lose. I had spent endless nights watching poker matches on the big screen with Dad throughout the years. It was a cold reminder that I had fumbled it in my father’s name. I knew he would’ve been disappointed in me, and that pain was immeasurable.Urging myself to breathe, I tried to not let it show despite how each pair of eyes was on me in anticipation. Catching Dimitri’s calculated stare was enough to send another rush of panic through my chest. I felt like pinned pre