Page 21 of A Bride for the Mafia King

Fabio steps forward, nodding to Tolya then turns to smile at me. That smile touches his eyes but not in a jovial way. No, this is the smile of a man who knows too many secrets.

“You are looking well, Eva.” he says to me, not bothering to acknowledge Tolya further.

An amused smirk rises at the edge of Tolya’s mouth, so subtle I doubt anyone but me sees it. He tilts his head at me, silently offering me the floor.

“I’m fine,” I answer carefully, tone pleasant but not sweet. “Thank you, Fabio.”

Still, Giovanni says nothing. His gaze doesn’t move. He makes no move to greet us or acknowledge us. Just hovers, staring me down with that cold, superior, sharp gaze of his. Making no attempt to feign civility.

“Giovanni,” Tolya says, voice cool but strong. “You seem to have forgotten your manners.”

That finally gets his attention and he looks at Tolya with a piercing gaze, “She would have been better off dead than married to you. Whatever you think you stand to gain from this alliance, you’re wasting your time. All you’ve done is end up with our seconds.”

His words slice through the noise in the room. Bile rises in my throat as my breath hitches. Before I can speak Nico is already scolding him.

“Vaffanculo!” he snaps in Italian, stepping between us and facing Giovanni squarely. “First of all, that is my sister you are speaking of. Second off, you do not speak for the family.”

Tolya doesn’t say a word – but his body shifts forward and he is suddenly beside Nico. I can feel the fury rolling off of him in cold, wild bursts.

“Easy,” Nico growls at him. Dropping his voice lower and turning to place a steadying hand on his shoulder, “He is just trying to get a rise out of you. If you throw the first punch then this entire alliance burns and that’s exactly what he is counting on. It’s not worth it.”

Fabio places a hand on Giovanni’s shoulder, faking politeness.

“Come,” he tells him, steering him away, “there are people here who actually want to talk to you. Let’s not waste our time.”

Giovanni lets him pull him away. All the while continuing to smirk at me over his shoulder.

Nico lets out a long breath, pats Tolya on the shoulder and follows. I can’t help but notice how my brother’s eyes linger on me before he turns, though – sad and hollow.

So that’s how this is going to go. I’ve got no family to return to if things go south with Tolya. I’m as good as dead.

The realization that my sacrifice has not gone over well, and has not been seen as heroic by my family is harsh and painful. To go back at this point would be to lead a life of humiliation and open disrespect.

I feel the sting of tears forming in my eyes and blink rapidly to whisk them away. Steeling my features. It wouldn't do to show weakness at a time like this, not here.

“Are you alright?” Tolya asks under his breath.

I give the tiniest of nods. Clearing my throat before responding further, “I’m getting used to being treated like nothing and no one.”

His jaw flexes. “Then I think it’s time we fix that. It’s time that they all learn that you’re far more dangerous than that.”

I laugh lightly, “Dangerous? I’m not dangerous and they all know it. That’s exactly the problem.”

“But I am.”

A bell rings, signaling that dinner is ready to be served. Everyone files into the large, lavishly decorated and formally set dining room and takes their seats. As the silverware begins to clink, so do the politics.

At first voices rise in polite disagreement, with Nico bringing up avenues of potential collaboration. His voice is careful and measured as he speaks. Phrasing things as diplomatically as possible. For the most part, Tolya holds his tongue and listens.

“How’s business, Dimitri?” Tolya asks one of his counterparts, a well-dressed man sitting two chairs away from him. Directing the conversation to a point of relevance. “Perhaps that is one of the many channels through which we could benefit from this alliance with the Italians?”

“Well,” Dimitri began, “the Armenians seem to have an ever growing demand for weapons and ammunition. If they can facilitate more influx of inventory I don’t see why we couldn’t move it.”

Tolya folded his hands thoughtfully on the table, arms forming an A as he turned his piercing gaze on Nico.

“Well?” he demands. “Can you? ARs, 308 Specials, standard 9 mils and the ammunition to accompany it.”

Nico exchanges a look with Fabio, who nods subtly, not bothering to check with Giovanni before answering confidently, “I do believe we can. After all, who doesn’t like a little extra influx of cash? It’s far less risky than other ventures.”