Arranged Mafia Marriage

Chapter 7Kiril

7

Kiril

O ver the next few days, I watch Felicity closely as she tries to adjust to her new life. Her movements are tense as she constantly looks around the penthouse. She jumps at unexpected noises and flinches when anyone approaches her too quickly. It’s clear she’s struggling with the sudden change in her circumstances.

One morning, I find her in the kitchen, staring out the window with a wistful expression. She doesn’t notice me at first, lost in her thoughts.

“Good morning, darling,” I say, moving to pour myself a cup of coffee.

She startles, spinning around. “Oh. Good morning. I didn’t hear you come in.”

I gesture to the coffee pot. “Would you like some?”

She nods, and I pour her a cup, sliding it across the counter. She wraps her hands around it, inhaling deeply. “Thank you.”

I slouch against the counter, the smooth marble cooling my palm as I study her. “How are you settling in?”

Felicity shifts uncomfortably. “It’s been difficult for me, I’m not going to lie. I keep thinking about how crazy all this is and how I’m never going to get my old life back. It’s freaking me out a little bit.”

I purse my lips, but I understand. “Is there anything you need? Anything that would make you more comfortable?”

She hesitates, then says, “Actually, I was wondering if I could go out today. Maybe explore the neighborhood a bit?”

I frown. “That’s not advisable. It’s not safe for you to be out alone, and I can’t come with you. That would only draw more attention to you.”

“I won’t be alone,” she chirps. “Viktor can come with me.”

I shake my head. “Viktor has other duties. He can’t be your personal bodyguard.”

Her face tightens with frustration. “So, I’m just supposed to stay cooped up in here all the time?”

“For now, yes,” I say firmly. “Until we’re certain the threat has passed.”

She sets down her coffee cup with more force than necessary. “And when will that be? A week? A month? A year? It’s only been a few days and I’m already losing my mind.”

I narrow my eyes. “You’ll be here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety.”

“This isn’t a life. It’s a prison sentence, and I didn’t sign up for it.”

Her words sting more than I care to admit. “It’s necessary,” I grumble. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“By keeping me locked up like some fairy tale princess in a tower?” She laughs bitterly. “I didn’t agree to this.”

I step closer, keeping my tone firm. “You agreed to marry me. That comes with certain expectations and responsibilities.”

“I agreed to marry you to save my life.” She rolls her eyes. “Not to become your prisoner.”

We glare at each other, the tension thick between us. Elena chooses that moment to bustle into the kitchen, humming softly. She pauses, sensing the atmosphere. “Is everything all right?” she asks, looking between us.

I force a neutral expression. “Everything’s fine, Elena. Felicity and I were just discussing her schedule for the day.”

Felicity opens her mouth, likely to argue, but I give her a warning look. She presses her lips together, clearly fuming.

The housekeeper looks unconvinced but doesn’t press the issue. “I was thinking of making blini for breakfast. How does that sound?”

“That sounds lovely, Elena, but I’m not very hungry,” says Felicity through gritted teeth. “I’ll be in my room.”

She stalks out of the kitchen, leaving me to deal with Elena’s concerned look.

“Mr. Pimaslov,” she says, her tone gentle but reproachful, “Perhaps the young lady needs some time to adjust. A little freedom might do her good, and some fresh air. It’s a bit stuffy in here, actually.”

I sigh, running a hand through my sweaty hair. “It’s not that simple. Her safety is paramount.”

Elena nods, but her expression remains skeptical. “Of course, but there must be a way to balance safety and happiness. Being indoors all day is terrible for your health.”

Her words linger in my mind as I retreat to my office. I spend the morning buried in paperwork, of which there is a surprising amount considering my profession, trying to ignore the nagging feeling that I’m handling this situation all wrong.

I could get someone else to do it, but the endless forms and documents manage to capture my attention until around noon, when a commotion in the hallway draws my attention.

I open my office door to find Felicity arguing heatedly with Viktor.

“I’m just going for a walk. You don’t need to follow me like a shadow.”

Viktor’s expression remains impassive. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Pimaslov, but I have my orders.”

“They’re ridiculous orders.” She turns, seeing me in the doorway. “Kiril, tell him to back off. I’m not a child who needs constant supervision.”

I cross my arms, leaning against the door frame. “Viktor is doing his job. If you want to go out, he goes with you. That’s non-negotiable.”

Her eyes flash with anger. “This is insane. I can’t live like this.”

“You’ll learn to,” I say with a lack of compassion that must grate, because she glares at me even more. “It’s for your own good.”

“My own good?” She scoffs. “How is being treated like a prisoner for my own good?”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “Because there are people out there who want you dead. Do you understand that? This isn’t a game, Felicity. Your life is in danger.”

She meets my gaze, still defiant. “And what kind of life is this? Trapped in a gilded cage, unable to even take a walk without an armed escort?”

I clench my jaw, frustration building. “It’s the life you agreed to when you married me.”

“I agreed to be your wife, not your captive, and you sure as hell didn’t tell me what kind of life I’d be accepting. I would have taken my chances on my own.” Her chest heaves in her anger, and I try not to notice the way her body moves. She’s so incredibly attractive that it hurts.

We stare at each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, I turn to Viktor. “Take her for a walk. Stay within two blocks of the building. Pay attention and report back to me in an hour.”

Viktor nods, his expression neutral.

Felicity looks surprised, then wary. “Really?” she asks. “Just like that?”

I give her a hard look. “Don’t make me regret this decision. Follow Viktor’s instructions to the letter. If you try to lose him or disobey his orders, you’ll lose all outdoor privileges. Understood?”

She nods, relief mixed with lingering frustration in her expression. “Understood.”

As they leave, I return to my office, my mind churning. I’m being harsh, but her safety is my top priority. Still, Elena’s words nag at me. There has to be a way to keep her safe without making her feel like a prisoner.

I spend the next hour alternating between work and glancing at the clock. When Viktor returns with Felicity, a knot of tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying releases.

She looks calmer and gives me a small nod as she passes my office, though she doesn’t linger to talk.

It’s a small step, but perhaps it’s a start toward finding balance. I’ll need to think of other ways to give Felicity some freedom while still keeping her protected. It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary.

This arrangement between us is far from ideal, but we both have to make it work. For now, I’ll take this small victory and hope it leads to more understanding between us in the future.