Possession of the Bratva (Morozov Bratva #15)

Chapter 2 - Mila

Where had the week gone? Glancing at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. The white dress felt like it was part of me, a second skin. The bodice hugged my chest. But I was sure the squeezing clamp around it wasn’t caused by the dress but by the angst building up inside.

It pushed my breasts up, exposing quite a bit of cleavage. Smoothing my hands over my breasts down my stomach, my hands moved sideways as they reached the skirt. The skirt flared out widely and stopped halfway down my calf.

The mother of pearl white and purple sparkled as the sun’s rays kissed the material. I bought a new pair of pure white booths. I had to wear something unique to me. I refused the make-up artist as I could paint my own face. I had never been one for plastering on makeup Mine was naturally beautiful.

My hair was tied in half a bun with strands framing my face. I liked the woman looking back at me. Yet, I had never dreamed of getting married. Let alone to a stranger. But it looked like that was the case today.

I knew for the sake of the family, for my sister-in-law. We have gotten very close and the way she reacted during our meeting. I knew her heart was bleeding; I wanted everyone to be happy and safe. “I’m doing this for my family!” I pronounced to the girl looking back at me in the mirror. “Everything will work out fine.”

The doors opened behind me. Turning, I was relieved to see Dahlia, Alyssa, and Cindy entering. They were all smiling. But Dahlia, oh, the smile on her face lit up the room.

“I’m so happy,” Dahlia mumbled as she hugged me. “I’m sure once you get to know Aleksandr, you will see he is a good man.”

I nodded, swallowing the growing hurricane pushing up inside. It’s a marriage of convenience, I told myself. Aleksandr surely wants nothing to do with me. He only wants the title.

Cindy stepped closer and also hugged me. “You look amazing,” she said, stepping back.

Holding my stomach, I turned in a circle as I spoke. “Thank you, I feel a bit tight, though.”

“It’s nerves and quite normal,” she replied.

“Are you ready?” Alyssa asked after hugging me.

“I guess so,” I said. I stood a moment longer, watching the three of them walk to the door. Exiting the dressing room, we walked down the short passage to the chapel door. The chapel wasn’t as large as some I’ve seen before, but it wasn’t small either.

The three sisters walked ahead of me in their sparkling light purple dresses. As we got to the door, Piotr stood waiting for me. My heart was pounding in my chest. Taking his hand, my legs suddenly felt like jello.

The chapel door opened, and the three started down the aisle. I heard the music playing, but it seemed distant. Everything appeared to be unreal. Walking down the aisle, I saw Aleksandr standing proudly in front. It all felt like a dream.

On my left sat my family and a handful of friends. To the right was the Dubow family and their friends. Their family looked a lot happier than mine. Glancing at Leon and Konstantin, I felt my throat closing.

It all happened so quickly; I couldn’t believe even the chapel was decorated. I didn’t know how his family pulled it off. I wouldn’t have been able to get it all done in less than a week. Maybe I could, if it was something I wanted, but it wasn’t.

Flowers and bows were lining the sides of the aisle. In front where he stood was a simple white arch with purple ribbons as décor and a couple of roses.

Piotr stopped as we reached Aleksandr. He smiled softly at me before kissing my cheek and extending my hand to Aleksandr. I felt flustered and hot. Aleksandr’s hand was much colder, sending a shiver through me.

He looked handsome in his dark purple suit with his hair slicked back. His face was clean and smooth, and his golden eyes sparkled. Even though he had a muscular build and broad shoulders, which I always admired in a man, he wasn’t my type.

Something about him just lit up all my danger signals. We stood facing each other as the priest started the ceremony. Most of it was a blur, as my mind couldn’t focus on what was happening. I knew I had agreed, but it felt like I was living in a nightmare. I heard myself saying ‘I do’ as Aleksandr slipped the diamond ring onto my finger.

Shaking my head to clear the fog, I glanced at the people gathered in the room. I repeated after the priest and slipped the silver and black titanium ring on Aleksandr’s finger. I didn’t even know where it came from, but it was there.

Once the priests announced to us that we were husband and wife, Aleksandr leaned in to kiss me. Instinctively, I pulled back before realizing I had no choice. Closing my eyes, I allowed him to kiss me. His lips were much warmer than his hands. It felt like my lips caught fire as he softly kissed me.

Turning to the people as they cheered and stood, I tried my best to smile. My lips felt stiff. I knew the smile didn’t look much like one. We walked hand in hand back through the crowd into the reception area.

The reception area also held a purple-and-white color scheme. However, gold and silver were also worked into the decor. Two oversized high-back chairs and a double table were at the back of the room. The other tables were round and set to the sides of the room, leaving the center open for a dance floor.

On one side was a bar, and on the other side was a stage with a band playing. Each table had a lovely flower grouping in the middle. There were candles and small gifts scattered on them as well. The guests peeled in and took their places at the tables as we walked to the back.

There were a lot of speeches. Piotr and Leon both spoke, wishing us the best for the future. Only one of his brothers spoke, and someone I didn’t know. Aleksandr took my hand and led me to the dance floor for the opening dance.

My movements felt mechanical as was my smile by then. Now and then, someone came up and congratulated us. As I took turns dancing with my siblings, I noticed Aleksandr watching us intently. He didn’t seem very pleased. Konstantin was the last one to dance with me. The song wasn’t even done when Aleksandr interrupted.

“May I take over?” he asked as he took my hand from Konstantin.

I saw a flicker of anger in my brother's eyes, but he stepped back. “That wasn’t nice,” I whispered as Aleksandr turned me on the dance floor.

“Sorry, dear,” Aleksandr whispered back. “But I couldn’t wait any more. My heart was heavy, and I felt sad as his words sank in.

We had some champagne and were served a three-course meal. After that, the rest of the day was foggy. I knew he introduced me to his other siblings. As the early evening rolled in, I felt drained. My mouth and facial muscles were sore from trying to smile. The dress felt like it was now strangling my chest, and I needed to get out of it.

“Aleksandr,” I said, leaning closer to him. I didn’t want to scream, but I knew I had to be heard over the music.

He looked at me, grinning. “Yes, dear,” he said, taking my hand.

“I am tired,” I replied.

Aleksandr looked me up and down before replying. “Okay, in a minute.”

I rose from my chair and headed to where my family stood at the bar. “I think we’re almost ready to leave,” I said.

They took turns hugging me and saying good night. “Are you okay?” Alyssa asked as she embraced me. “You looked slightly distant all day.”

Nodding, I gave her a slight smile. “Yes, I’m fine, thanks,” I replied softly. “I’m just tired, I think.”

Walking back to Aleksandr, I felt defeated but swore to myself, that he wouldn’t touch me even if he begged. Aleksandr thanked everyone for coming before we headed out to his car. I grabbed my bags from Leon’s truck and placed them in the trunk of his car. I had only packed the bare necessities.

Aleksandr held the door open and waited for me to get in before getting in himself. As we pulled off, I glanced back, wishing I could take it all back.