AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He nods. “Only in private. Thank you, Paige.”
Oleg helps me out of the vehicle, which seems three feet off the ground. And it’s only then I notice the three other Rovers parked around us. I feel stupid dressed in jeans and a hoodie. Oleg places his finger under my chin and lifts it up like a parent does a child.
“Remember who you are now and what you represent.” He stares hard into my eyes.
“The queen on the chessboard,” I reply. “No need to remind me.”
The River Grill is one of the trendiest restaurants in Twin Rivers. In the past, I couldn’t afford a glass of water here, much less a whole meal. I keep my chin up and my eyes straight ahead as I’m escorted past the hostess by Oleg to a choice table in the back. Sonya is already here.
She smiles when she sees me, and I can’t help but smile back. In a way, she reminds me of Emma. They both have a natural sweetness that the world can’t steal away from them. My gaze travels over her luxe outfit. A nice silk dress and expensive leather shoes in shades of blue that highlight her eyes. I try hard to keep my shoulders back, but I feel completely out of place.
“Paige.” She air-kisses both my cheeks. “Thank you for coming.”
Be nice, Paige. Don’t tell her you didn’t have a choice.
“Thank you for inviting me, Sonya.”
“Something to drink?” she asks.
“Just water.” I have no intention of getting drunk and telling her everything about me, from the day I was born to my cheating ex-boyfriend.
Sonya is not put off and orders a bottle of wine for the table. She eyes Oleg, who stands watch by the bar.
“He looks so serious. Doesn’t he?” she whispers. “A Russian yum-yum from central casting with that square jaw and blond buzz cut. I used to have a huge crush on him. Well, still do. But I used to as well. Do you know he has a tattoo on his dick?”
I spit my water across the table. “What? No.”
“I’ve never seen it. Andrei would have a fit if I did. But I hear people talk about it.” She giggles. “Apparently it grows into a cobra.”
I wipe my chin, avoiding eye contact with everyone. “He seems like he can be a very sweet person if he wants to be.”
“He is nothing like my brother,” she sighs. “How did you two meet?”
I stare into her blue eyes and wonder if it’s a trick question. “We met at a wedding.”
She sighs sweetly and sips her wine. “How romantic. Did Andrei sweep you off your feet?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Thankfully, the waiter returns to the table to take our orders. He barely looks at us while Oleg glares at him.
Sonya leans in close, moving the arrangement of votives in crystal holders off to the side. “Andrei says you’re an outsider. I can tell.” Her voice is subdued, and I fidget in my seat. She grasps my wrists and squeezes gently. “It’s a good thing, Paige. Maybe Andrei will loosen up and work will not dominate his life every day he breathes.”
“I don’t know.” I give in and take a sip of the wine that was poured for me. “We’re married, but I just don’t know what to do.”
Sonya tosses her hair over her shoulder. “You do what we’re doing now. Bratva women socialize together. They keep the peace, so petty disagreements don’t end in a bloodbath. Wives are the power behind the throne. Some are benevolent, and others are power mad. You must help out the Bratva wives and children, especially those who have lost their men.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” I have also wondered if thesocial workerever saw my family.
“Unfortunately, it happens more than people would like. There are dangers along with the rewards.”
The plates are placed on the table, cutting the conversation short. I glance around the restaurant, which has a nautical theme. Metal sculptures of fish swim overhead and blue and green glass balls are wrapped in fishing nets and hung like curtains. No one is paying attention to us except Oleg. And I begin to relax and enjoy my day out of the compound.
“I’ve never seen you before at the compound,” I pry a little. “Why is that?”
“Andrei’s father was Eva’s first and only husband, but definitely not my father.”
I place my fork down. “I’m sorry, Sonya. I didn’t want to pry, but I was curious.”
“You should know since we’re sisters by marriage.” Her countenance changes and her warmth fades momentarily. “Vasily was cruel to my mother … beyond cruel. Their marriage was miserable. She had no say, no respect, no freedom. He didn’t treat her like a wife or a partner. He treated her like an animal.” Anger burns in her eyes at the mention of Vasily. “Hewas the animal. She had a lover, which Vasily never knew about until she became pregnant with me.”
