Chapter 8
Eight
Maxim
Over a week has passed since the night Aria and I were at the bar. I'm certain she still hates me, but I feel as though she's starting to soften up around me.
Our engagement party is in a couple of hours, at some lavish ballroom in an upscale hotel.
I need to get ready. The anticipation fills the air as I step into my opulent dressing room, adorned with gilded mirrors and shimmering chandeliers.
The room exudes an aura of grandeur, a perfect reflection of the magnificence that awaits us tonight.
As I approach the mirrored vanity, its glass surface gleams like the mirrors have just been added. I've yet to hear back from my real estate agent about the offer I put in, so I shoot her a quick text message while I look over my suit options for this evening.
I scroll through the messages on my phone just in case I've missed one. I haven't.
Waiting for a response from my real estate agent feels like it's taking forever, as I've received no reply. I can't let it bother me too much, though. Tonight is not about properties or investments. Tonight is about celebrating the upcoming union between mine and Aria's family.
Turning my attention to the array of designer tuxedos hanging elegantly in my hotel room closet, I run each of my fingers along the smooth fabric, savoring the touch of luxury.
I've never known anything else. Over my entire life, I've always been able to get whatever I've wanted.
Each tuxedo is a work of art, meticulously crafted to the ultimate levels of sophistication.
The first one that catches my eye is a midnight blue suit with delicate silver embroidery. Its shimmering threads dance across the dark fabric like stars in a moonlit sky. It speaks of mystery and allure, a perfect choice to captivate Aria's attention.
But then, another catches my gaze. It's a charcoal gray tuxedo with razor-sharp lapels that would make any man look authoritative. Its meticulously tailored silhouette reflects power and control, qualities that would surely tell the guests at our party that I am my father's son.
As the future leader of the Bratva, I want them to respect and fear me.
Yet, as I continue looking through the collection of new suits, I stumble upon a tuxedo that I forgot I purchased. It's a bold crimson red suit with black satin lapels. Its vibrant color commands attention and surely reminds me of the blood the Bratva has shed.
This tuxedo is a statement piece, representing my passion for life and how ruthless I plan to be.
Suddenly torn between these three choices, I step back and take them all in once more.
I settle on the crimson red suit, sure to not only impress my bride-to-be, but also send a message. I might not be happy about our union, but she's the woman I have to deal with.
All I can do now is make the best of it. Sure, I would've much rather preferred someone of pure blood, but she's been chosen for me.
I pick my suit off the rack and as my fingers run along the smooth material, my thoughts drift back to the other night when I fucked her in the alley.
I can remember the way her walls felt tightening around me, and how blissful she looked as I was fucking her brains out.
But, more than anything, I remember the protectiveness that swarmed through my body when I heard that man's voice. I didn't want anyone witnessing what I did to her, and I surely didn't want anyone seeing her in an exposed light either.
I slip into the crimson red suit and feel the weight of its power on my body. With its bold color and sharp tailoring, it's a statement piece that I know will send a message to my guests tonight, including my father.
I need him to know while I respect most of his decisions, I'm not the kind of man he can fuck around with.
As I fasten the buttons and adjust the lapels, I take a moment to admire myself in the mirror.
I see the embodiment of everything I've worked for—wealth, status, and power. This is what I've been raised to aspire for, and this is what I expect from Aria. However, I know I shouldn't expect too much.
She barely had a relationship with her father and grew up outside of his home. She's his bastard daughter, and the way she was raised is so different than how I was raised.
I realize in this moment I'm going to have to teach her what it means to be associated with the mafia, much like I would have to explain it to a child.
I carefully button up my tailored suit, making sure every crease and fold is perfect. I know better than to show up without ensuring everything is in the right places. If even a stray hair is out of place, I'd be spoken to by my father. Excellence is the only thing that's accepted by him.
I make my way downstairs and exit the hotel through the lobby. My car is waiting outside in front of the hotel.
My driver, Andrei, awaits me and the moment he sees me, he comes outside and opens the door. I told him before the event I wanted to go get a couple of drinks, so that's where we're off to.
I slide into the back seat and scroll my phone. Andrei returns to his seat behind the wheel, ready to take me deeper into the city toward a nearby bar.
He drives for about ten minutes when he pulls up to a cigar and bar combination. "I think this place would be nice. What do you think, sir?"
I take one glance at the exterior of the bar, easily seeing through the oversized glass windows. It seems decent enough, so he parks the SUV.
The sounds of chatter and glasses clinking fill the air as I enter the dimly lit establishment. I head up to the bar and order a drink, taking in the rich flavors and aromas before I'm forced to head to the grand ballroom where my engagement party will take place.
Andrei takes a seat beside me. "You seem like you're starting to come around, about this whole thing."
I take a swallow of my vodka, "I am. There are two options. I can either put up a fight and have a horrible experience, or I can accept my future will be with Aria and make it a little easier on myself."
Andrei chuckles lightly, "I'm glad you're not being your typical stubborn self." He sips on the lemon water that's just been placed in front of him.
I snicker, "Believe me, I wanted to. Aria is a bit different. She's as stubborn as I am, maybe even a little more."
Andrei cocks a brow, "I think you're telling me you've met your match."
I meet my eyes with his and give him a knowing look, "I wouldn't go that far."
The woman behind the bar offers us a couple of cigar options, and I choose the most expensive one for the two of us. After all, today is a day I should be overindulging in the things I like, should it not?
I take another sip of my drink, swirling the clear liquid around in my glass before taking a long pull.
The burn of the alcohol works its way down my throat, settling in my chest like a ton of bricks.
I've always used alcohol to help me calm down, to collect my thoughts and figure out what I'm going to do in the most dire of situations.
Andrei knows me well—he's been with me for years now, and we've shared countless late-night conversations and jokes while he navigated numerous cities winding streets. He's seen me at my lowest and my highest, and has even given me some good advice along the way.
As we sit here in the dimly lit bar, the hazy glow of the cigars and the muted chatter of customers, I realize that maybe this isn't so bad after all.
I need to stop looking at things like I'm trapped with her. Aria is an asset, even if she doesn't believe she is. Even if she doesn't want to be in this so-called life. She was born into it, and unfortunately she doesn't get a choice.
With a nod to Andrei, I finish my drink and set the glass down with a dull thud. There's no use denying it any longer: I'm in this for the long haul, and I might as well make the best of it.
Upon exiting the bar, I'm greeted by the sound of laughter and joyous chatter. Andrei and I make our way back to his SUV, and as soon as he's buckled up he begins driving us to the hotel.
It takes about ten minutes, but we finally arrive. From the outside, it oozes money and power. Aria's father rented out the hotel for not only the party, but secured all of the hotel rooms for guests flying in too.
Andrei parks the car and we both head inside. I enter the grand hotel, the luxurious décor and opulent chandeliers bleed money. The scent of exotic flowers and freshly baked pastries fills the air.
Andrei leans over to me a tad and whispers, "The hotel staff has outdone themselves with the arrangements. Her father must really want to make sure this thing goes off without a hitch."
I look around in surprise as we make our way into the ballroom. With one quick glance, I can see guests from all around the world are in attendance, dressed in elegant gowns and suits, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
The room is adorned with floral centerpieces and twinkling candles, casting a soft glow over the elaborate tables holding delectable dishes and wine glasses.
The band begins to play a lively tune, and there's already a few couples on the dance floor. I spot my father, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and promise, surrounded by familiar faces and old friends.
He knows what this engagement means for our family, and I'm certain he believes arranging a marriage between Aria and me will appease some of the lower level generals. Aria is nowhere to be seen, but I know she'll pop up eventually.
As I take a moment to survey the scene, I realize the magnitude of this event.
This isn't just my engagement party, but the coming together of two influential families, each with its own vibrant history and traditions.
Aria and I, despite our differences and initial hatred, are the bridge that will connect these two worlds.