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A look of understanding settles in Rosalie’s eyes. “It can be a little intimidating at first, but there’s nowhere you’ll be safer. I promise.” She gives me a hopeful look. “We’re having a BBQ on Saturday to welcome you to the fold. I think it will be a good opportunity to meet everyone.”
Crap.
I glance at Vincent again as I think about the invite. The bratva is an integral part of Alek’s life. There’s no avoiding them.
And I really like Rosalie.
Turning my gaze back to my friend, I nod. “We’ll be there.”
She lets out another shriek. “You won’t regret it. I promise.”
“Who will I meet?” I ask, wanting to be prepared.
“Alexei and Isabella. My in-laws. I’m pretty sure Mariya and Luca will also be there. And their twins, of course.”
“Who are Maryia and Luca?”
“Maryia is Alexei’s daughter, and Luca is the head of the Italian mafia.”
My eyebrows fly up. “Just great. The bratva and the mafia.”
“You’ll see, we’re all normal people like you.”
Yeah, I don’t think so.
When Alek steers the G-Wagon through the iron gates of the estate, I’m once again struck by how huge and extravagant the grounds and mansions are.
There’s a stretch of lawn between two mansions, a fountain in the middle. Everyone’s already sitting on lawn chairs, and I see Viktor is busy setting up a grill.
“You okay?” Alek asks.
“Yeah.”
Not really, but I’ll fake it until I make it.
He brings the vehicle to a stop, and we all climb out.
Before I can take Vincent’s hand, he runs toward Roman, who’s standing on wobbly legs next to Rosalie’s chair.
My gaze touches on a beautiful woman who looks more like a queen than anything else. Next to her sits a man who, I guess, is Luca. He lets out a bark of laughter when Alexei says something to him.
One of the older women spots me, and getting up, she walks toward us.
Holy crap.
She moves with so much grace I feel a little intimidated.
“This must be Everleigh. I’ve heard so much about you.” She gives me a comforting smile, and surprisingly it sets me at ease. “I’m Isabella. Alexei’s wife.”
We shake hands. “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”
If I remember correctly, she rescues sex slaves.
“I’ve heard amazing things about you,” I add.
“Come, let me introduce you to everyone.” As we walk toward the group, she calls out, “Everleigh is here.”
Everyone’s attention turns to me, and I feel like a bug under a microscope.
