by K. D Clark
High ranking members of the Bratva come periodically to wish me congratulations. I tell them ‘thank you.’ but I refuse to put on the fake smile I’m expected to. I can hear voices downstairs, so I assume all the guests are here waiting for me. Once my hair and makeup are done, I ask for the room so I can put on my wedding dress in private. My mom tries to argue, but there must be something in my voice that tells her I need this minute, and I do.
I take off the silk robe that I’d been instructed to wear before grabbing the dress. The fabric is too stiff against my now sensitive skin. I manage to zip it halfway up before taking a deep breath and turning to look at myself in the full-length mirror. The makeup artist, hairdresser, and esthetician did an amazing job. They almost hid the sadness I feel inside.
The door behind me closes. I don’t need to turn around because Alek is reflected in the mirror. He looks handsome in the black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows so I can see his tattoos. He stuffs his hands in the pockets of his slacks and leans against the door.
The hand clock on the wall seems to tick louder as the silence between us stretches on. What do I say to a person who is letting me go? For some reason, I’ve pretended like this day wouldn’t come. I’d wished that something would happen at the last minute, and I’d find out this was all a joke.
“I shouldn’t be in here,” he rasps.
A single tear glides down my cheek, and I look to the floor, hoping he didn’t see it.
“Bunny-”
“You should go.” I don’t want him to leave, but every moment he lingers makes it that much harder. I want him to tell me that this is all a dream and we can go back to his house and stay in bed for the rest of the day. Another tear slides down my cheek, ruining the makeup that took an hour for the artist to put on. My heart feels like it’s breaking in two. Like an elephant is stomping all over my chest. I never knew a person could feel as empty as I do right now. My wedding day feels more like a funeral.
His footsteps come closer before a cool hand touches my waist. I flinch away from his touch.
“Look at me,” he whispers.
I take a deep breath and turn to face him. Reflected in his eyes is the same pain I’m experiencing. He brushes a thumb across my cheek, wiping away the teardrops.
“I love you.”
“Alek, don’t-” I beg.
“I know you don’t want to hear that right now.” He’s right. The words are like an extra stab in the heart because it’s a reminder that he can’t change the situation no matter how much he loves me.
“But, it’s the truth,” he continues. “I don’t want to see you cry or hurt like this. Just know I’ll make sure you’re happy.”
“You can’t promise that.”
He dips his head and softly presses his lips to mine. Everything about this is wrong, but I kiss him back anyway. For a few seconds, I relish in the taste of his lips. Too soon, he pulls away and wipes another loose tear from my cheek. We stare at each other for a minute, and then without another word, he turns his back on me and walks out of the room.
As the door shuts, I get the overwhelming urge to curl into a ball and let the sadness take me. I don’t have it in me to smile and act like I’m okay in front of all those people when my heart has just been ripped from my chest by the only man I’ll ever love.
A knock sounds at the door. I look at myself in the mirror. My eyeliner has smudged a bit, but besides that, I don’t look like I’m dying inside.
“Come in.”
Jessica peaks her head inside. “They’re ready for you.”
With a deep breath and a shattered heart, I grab my bouquet and leave the room.
I don’t fake a smile or give my audience any indication that I’m happy about today. No, I keep my face blank, dead, as I walk towards Ivan. The clergy tells me the words to repeat, and I do it. They burn on my tongue because they’re lies. I won’t love Ivan in sickness and in health, rich or poor. I won’t love him at all. He stands in front of me with a look of annoyance. It’s probably because of my bored tone, but if he thought I would pretend like this is the happiest day of my life, we have a long, difficult marriage ahead of us.
“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant says. Ivan lifts the vein, and I feel like I might throw up as he presses his lips against mine. His kiss is all wrong. It’s sloppy and uncomfortable—nothing like Alek’s soft kisses. I don’t kiss him back. When he pulls away, a mischievous smile coats his lips.
He leans forward to whisper in my ear. “I hope you’re more responsive in the bedroom.”
My stomach rolls and I do think I’m going to throw up this time.
“I now pronounce you, man and wife!” the officiant says. Our guests stand to their feet and clap. Ivan grabs my hand a little too rough and leads me back down the aisle. I search for Alek in the crowd, but I’m not able to find him before I’m pulled through the doors of the house.
Alek
“Another,” I grunt out to the bartender. Instead of sitting through that bullshit ceremony, I went straight to the bar, set up for the reception, and ordered a drink. The bartender wasn’t even done unloading everything before I’d barked at him to pour me a Vodka. I should be keeping a clear head since I know what’s coming in only a matter of hours, but I need a drink after the look Delaney gave me in the room upstairs. Seeing her like that was a punch to the gut. She thinks I abandoned her, that I gave up on us. She’s so wrong. I will never give up on us. I made sure the marriage certificate isn’t scheduled to be signed until tomorrow morning. Just enough time for me to...
“Hey! I didn’t see you out there,” Mikhail says, slapping me on the back as he comes around the bar. He takes a seat next to me and taps the counter twice to get the bartender’s attention.
“Three-fingers whiskey. Neat,” he says. The bartender gives him a tight nod and begins to make the drink. “Went straight to reception?” Mikhail asks, eyeing me with suspicion.
“Yep.” I down the rest of the drink. It doesn’t even burn going down anymore. It’s like water at this point. Growing up in a Russian household, you get used to the taste of Vodka pretty quickly.
“Ivan is one lucky guy.”
I narrow my eyes at Mikhail as his drink is set in front of him. I can’t tell if he’s trying to test my patience or what.
He takes a sip of his drink. “I mean, who would have thought-”
I slam my fist down on the bar and lean close to him. “Are you trying to piss me off?” I growl.
His face doesn’t change, probably because he knew I’d react this way. More people usher into the reception area, so I lean away from Mikhail, but he leans closer to me.
“I know you have a plan, so what is it?” he whispers.
I shake my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah fucking right. You claimed this woman a long time ago, and I know you, Alek. You’re not a person who gives up. Control is basically your middle name, and you aren’t in control right now. That’s how I know something is up.”
A chuckle escapes my lips. “Maybe this time is different. I’m loyal to the Bratva, and Gavril has made his decision.”
“Ha!” Mikhail gulps down the rest of his drink. “We’ll see about that.”
He gets up from the stool, leaving me to look like the drunken asshole as everyone else takes their seat and prepares to be served food. I’m fine staying here while everyone else celebrates this fake wedding. It takes a while before Ivan & Delaney join the rest of the guests. I assume they had to pose for pictures and take care of whatever else happens after a wedding. I don’t take my eyes off her as she goes through the motions. She eats and dances. Luckily only a couple of people stand up to make a short speech. What can you say about two people who barely know each other and, in Delaney’s case...hate each other. The bar is located behind her, so she can’t see me, but I see her eyes searching. I’m here, Bunny. I’ll always be here. Once the torture is over, and I’ve filled
my empty stomach with Vodka, they exit the room.
I sneak out through a side door and keep far enough away so they can’t see me. The bedroom they’re staying in tonight is on the top floor of the mansion overlooking the large manicured lawn. I stay at the bottom of the staircase until I hear the door to the bedroom shut. Then, I make my way up the steps. Since everyone is still in the reception area, there’s not a chance I’ll run into anyone. Adrenaline pumps through my veins as I get closer. I stand next to the door listening for any sounds of concern. If he puts a hand on her, I’ll kill him myself. The only sound on the other side of the door is shuffling feet.
My phone vibrates, and I see a text from an unknown number. It’s one of the members of the Miami brotherhood.
Three minutes.
I immediately delete the message. Three minutes. I can wait that long. Voices sound on the other side of the door. I look around the hallway making sure no one is around before pressing my ear closer.
“That’s not happening,” I hear Delaney say. I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. That’s my girl. Ivan responds, but I’m not able to make out his words.
She scoffs. “I’m going to change.” A door closes, and it’s silent again. I check my watch—one more minute. Stay in the bathroom, Bunny. I slow my breathing and countdown the seconds in my head. Everything seems to get quiet right before the two loud gunshots go off. Delaney screams, but I force myself to wait ten more seconds before barging in.
The first thing I see is Ivan sprawled across the carpeted floor. Blood gushes around his body and seeps through the carpet, staining the floor underneath. His eyes are open, and I almost feel guilty...almost. Shouting and commotion erupt from the lower levels of the house. The men will think we’re under attack. It won’t take them long to figure out what happened. The door handle to the bathroom moves, and I rush to it. I press against the door, so she can’t open it.
“Bunny.”
“Alek,” I can hear the fear in her voice.
“I need you to close your eyes for me.”
“Alek, what happened?” she sobs.
“I don’t have time. Close your eyes and let go of the door handle.”
The handle twists back in place as she lets go.
“Are your eyes closed?” I ask.
“Yes.”
I open the door, and she stands there in a white bra and underwear set. Her eyes are slammed shut, and her small frame shakes. I run a hand down her arm, and she flinches away.
“It’s just me.”
“Alek, tell me what happened?! Is...is...”
The commotion from downstairs is getting closer. I don’t have any more time.
“No matter what happens, keep your eyes closed until I say you can open them, understand?”
She nods. I lift her into my arms before stepping over Ivan’s body. I’m careful not to get blood anywhere on me. Footsteps pound on the main staircase. They’ll find Ivan’s body soon. I turn away from the main staircase and head towards another room. I was able to pull up the mansion’s blueprint as soon as Delaney told me where Ivan wanted the wedding to be. I use my shoulder to push open the door to a small piano room, and right beyond, there is another set of stairs. The house was built a long time ago, and Ivan’s grandpa was also in the Bratva, meaning he knew he might need escape routes at some point in his life. I’m not sure if he ever used them, but they’re serving me now. I jog down the steps with Delaney cradled in my arms. It isn’t until we get outside that I set her down on her feet.
“You can open your eyes now.”
We’re standing at the top of the driveway. The SUV next to us is running. Delaney looks at me with unshed tears.
“Alex what’s going on?”
I place both hands at the side of her face. “I can’t tell you right now.” I open the door to the SUV. “Get in.”
She only hesitates for a minute before sliding into the car.
I look at Vladimir in the driver’s seat. “Take her to the house. I’ll meet you over there as soon as I can.”
He nods but doesn’t say anything. Delaney grabs my arm as I’m about to shut the door.
“Be careful...please.”
I dip my head back inside and place a kiss on her plump lips before closing the door. I watch as they drive off. I make sure they get on to the road before I head back inside.
“Where is my daughter?” I hear Monica, Delaney’s mother, sob as I round the corner. Denis is holding on to his wife as they stare into what was supposed to be the married couple’s bedroom for the night. Almost everyone from the wedding party is circled around the hallway in front of the open door.
Mikhail’s jaw ticks as he peers into the room.
“She’s safe. I put her in a car to take back to my place,” I say. Everyone turns to me.
Monica lets out a sound, which is a mix between a whine and a sigh of relief. “Thank god.”
“What the fuck happened?” Gavril says, standing up from his squatted position next to Ivan’s dead body. The crowd parts so he can walk up to me.
“I came up here to talk to Ivan. When I was halfway up the stairs, I heard the gunshots, by the time I opened the door, it was too late. No one was inside.”
“They clipped him through the window. Whoever it was, they were fast because we haven’t found them.” His eyes stay focused on me as he speaks as if he knows I’m holding something back. He’s giving me a chance to add something to the story, but I won’t.
“I’ll get a Voy at every entrance,” I offer.
“Do that and then get on the phone with the Miami brotherhood. We need to speak to them.” He snaps his fingers at the crowd. “Everyone is staying here tonight. No one comes or goes unless you are told otherwise. Mikhail, get a cleaning crew up here.” He lowers his voice. “Tomorrow we’ll mourn the death of one of our own.” His eyes flicker to me on that last part before the crowd quickly disburses.
Delaney
“Can you tell me something, please?” I beg the man that’s driving me back to Alex’s house. A moment ago, I told Ivan that he could fuck off, and then the next thing I know... he’s dead. He has to be. That’s why Alex told me to close my eyes. But who would kill him? Especially on his wedding day in a house full of Bratva men.
The man glances at me in the rearview mirror before focusing back on the road. I don’t recognize him, but he has to be a Bratva member if he’s driving me to safety. I think he’s going to ignore my question, but then he speaks, “I know as much as you.”
“That can’t be true. What did Alek tell you? Who are you?”
He shakes his head. “I see why he calls you a handful.”
I scoff.
“You can call me, V. I came because Alek called. I was told we were under attack by the Miami brotherhood, and I needed to stand up at his wedding. That’s all I know. No more than you do, so you can stop asking questions.”
My mouth falls open. V looks at me in the mirror again and lets out a string of curses.
“If you didn’t notice, my wedding was back there!” What the actual fuck is going on? V doesn’t say anything. In the silence of the car, my gears start to turn. Under attack by the Miami brotherhood? Is that who killed Ivan? But we weren’t under attack before, not until we went to Miami. No, there’s no way. Alek is loyal; he wouldn’t have betrayed them like that. But didn’t the Bratva betray him first? By giving me away to Ivan? I remember waking up in the hotel room in Miami. Alek was gone, but I never asked him where he went. Now I know. The Miami brotherhood killed Ivan. No, no, no.
We pull up to Alek’s house, and I get out before the vehicle fully stops.
“Hey!” V shouts, trying to get out to catch up to me. I’m suddenly very aware of the fact that I’m still in just my bra and panties. I take the steps two at a time before bursting into the front door. An older man standing in the foyer jumps at the sudden intrusion.
“Oh hello, Mrs.Vasiliev?”
“What did you just call me?” I ask
again to make sure I heard him right. He adjusts the cufflinks of his suite before clearing his throat.
V steps around me and into the house.
“Father,” he says, slightly bowing to the man. I stare at V with wide eyes. Someone needs to tell me what’s going on and right fucking now! I’m going to lose my mind.
“Can you give us a minute?” V asks the priest. The man nods and steps out of the room.
“Alek will be here soon. Until that happens, can you just sit and wait?”
I let out a short laugh. “Are you going to tell me what the hell I’m waiting for? Is Alek...are we...”
V runs a hand through his short dark hair. He’s attractive and looks to be about Alek’s age. I wonder why I’ve never seen him before.
“You’re not from here,” I say.
“Seattle.”
“But you belong to the Boston brotherhood?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“It’s complicated.”
I cross my arms over my chest. V is a complete gentleman; he doesn’t even glance at my half-naked body. That’s when I notice the small ring on his finger.
“I should change,” I say quietly. I don’t wait for his response before going upstairs to the bedroom that used to be mine. When I open the door, the entire room is bare as if someone has already thrown away all traces of my presence. Ouch. I close that door and head down the hall to Alek’s room. I’ll have to borrow one of his shirts. When I open the closet door that’s attached to the master bedroom, I’m surprised to see all the clothes that he bought me hanging neatly next to his. I snatch a sundress off the hanger and slide it on. It’s way too cold for this, but I don’t care. It’s not like I’m going anywhere. Am I?
