The Bratva King’s Pregnant Bride: Forced Marriage Mafia Romance (Sharov Bratva Book 1)

Chapter 1 - Maya

I stared at my amaryllis, its one bright red flower almost glowing in the moonlight by the window. The color of the single blossom’s petals faded toward its center, first to orange, then to a gleaming white in the night. Alone and beautiful it sat amid several buds, and I let myself admire it for a second, wishing my life was as colorful as the bloom; it transcended everything beautiful in my life.

I couldn’t say I’d achieved much. No, not in this brief lifespan of mine, which has been marked with horror and tragedy. My tears have rendered me speechless, and all I really want right now is to revalidate myself—try to find some meaning to my existence.

This explained the frustration of my friends. Not that I was a crybaby; they just couldn’t figure me out. It wasn’t that I didn’t let them in, though I never let them through certain thresholds, as those parts were marked with pain and grief—both which defined who I’d become.

I moved to stand before the mirror, not really knowing what I expected to see; I had an image in my head, but the reflection in the mirror shattered even that.

I’d let my hair down tonight—literally and figuratively—and it fell down my back like a cascade of brown silk. I allowed myself a small smile; I’d put in a lot of effort to achieve its current shine, and I couldn’t say I wasn‘t satisfied with the results. Its shine brought out the glow of my skin and, coupled with the way the red dress that molded against my body, I almost didn’t recognize myself.

This woman staring out of the mirror was an exaggerated version of me, her hazel eyes ringed with black liner, high cheekbones stained with blush, and lips a glaring red. I’d often been told I have striking features, but tonight—with all the product and makeup I rarely wore—they glowed like neon signs, calling to all to notice them.

That was the point of this night, actually: to attract a man into my web. I shook my head, chuckling. Listen to me, sounding like some black widow, looking to trap my next victim! I inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent of my perfume as it caressed me like the hands of an invisible lover. It was a gift from my Jenna, and tonight, it was part of my armor.

The beautiful red gown, also not my choice for tonight—not that I could remember who it was from—did accentuated my curves perfectly, giving me a view of myself which I rarely appreciate.

I shifted from side to side, unsure of this outfit, unsure of myself. Left to me, all my clothes would still be on the floor as I tried to figure out what to wear. I wasn’t sure where the dress had come from—most likely, Jenna sneaked it into my wardrobe. If I asked her, though, I’m sure she would deny it.

How she was so good at picking things that fit me, I’d never understood. Besides, ever since my self-imposed, no-fun timeout, I’ve been so cut off from the world that I’ve cared about little besides school—maybe nothing.

Only this nostalgia, a crazy visit to my past, and my return to the present with this damn desire and zeal for sex which I can’t begin to explain—one I intend to satisfy tonight with Jenna’s help, hopefully with the aid of a stranger who is good in bed.

I leaned over and adjusted my dress, pushing my breasts up to display my cleavage, determined to make men drool. Standing, I checked out my backside, too, and placed both hands on my waist.

Am I doing too much?

No, I decided—I looked good, and it was a great confidence booster. I’d worn ridiculously high heels, which always made me feel power-drunk—despite my short stature—like I ruled the world. That was the feeling I needed tonight.

I needed to feel special. To feel wanted. I was beautiful, I knew that much, but it had been a long time since I’d paid any attention to the fact.

My mind has been solely focused on earning my Criminal Justice degree, and law degrees were time consuming, bloodsucking. Parties, get-togethers— they‘d become a thing of the past. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d truly indulged myself.

Oh, there are better things to life, alright. At least, I’ve always felt that. But tonight, I wanted more than a little distraction, and I was hoping tonight would be more than worth the effort I’d put into my appearance.

My toe started tapping. I wanted to dance. Like, really dance. I wanted my body to sway to the beat like part of the rhythm. I wanted to feel the reverb deep within my soul as it echoed off the walls of my past, shaking everything. I wanted electric. I wanted a night to remember—I didn’t car what it took. I cared not if it was just for a heartbeat, or if would stretch through time.

I wanted it.

Normally, I wouldn’t have even considered going… but ever since Jenna made the suggestion, accompanied by the fact that I felt I was getting too old to keep dragging the ‘virgin’ ball and chain around my ankle everywhere I went, I decided to take the opportunity. All my girlfriends had lost theirs years ago, and the stories of their nightly escapades intrigued me. I wanted to know what it felt like to have sex. Great sex. Perfect, mind-blowing sex.

So I was just going to have to find out for myself.

I put on a plush leather jacket to conceal the upper part of the gown, and just then, I heard a familiar car honk outside—Jenna’s Audi A8; luxurious though it is, it’s more of a legacy now. Oh, it was still in perfect condition, and I loved to rub myself all over the leather seats from time to time, but its history was something I loved to tease my friend about.

Jenna spotted my head peering out of the window, and she rolled down the passenger window, waving.

“Come on—we’re going to be late!” she called, raising both hands in the air.

I pulled my head back inside and wondered if anyone could really be ‘late’ for an all-night party. Unless, of course, she doesn’t want me to miss the best parts; if so, that would be fair.

I looked around my room for my essentials and found my phone and purse seated together by the edge of the bed.

Snatching both, I walked out of my one-bedroom apartment and locked the door behind me. Mrs. Baker, the caretaker, would most definitely be in bed by now, so there was no need to wake her up just to tell her I’d be out all night.

I took the stairs to the ground floor, shoving my phone into the purse, then stepped into the moonlight.

Suddenly unsure, I walked in the dress like it didn’t belong to me. My legs struggled like strangers to high heels.

“My God!” Jenna was encased in a sexy black dress that seemed all but painted on her skin, her exposed cleavage glinting in the inner light of the car. “Have you seen a Belle tonight?”

“I’m staring at one,” I said, gesturing towards her.

Jenna shook her head, laughing. “No. Not me—at least, not tonight. That crown would belong to you. You look hot in that dress. You’re going to slay a lot of men tonight.”

I walked up to the car, wondering how she was still seeing me.

She winked. “I like what you did with your—” She lifted her hands, cupping her breasts and waggling her eyebrows.

Dismayed, I put my hands to my chest.“Oh no—it’s that obvious?”

“Maya! No. That’s effort. They won’t know—but you and I know.” She winked again. “Nothing wrong with displaying the goods to grab a husband.”

I leaned into the passenger-side window to look her in the eye. “I am not looking for a man to marry me. I’m looking for a man to bed me. I just want to get it over with, you know?”

“If you’re already going in with that mindset, you’ll suck the fun out of it—or him.”

Ugh, Jenna could be such a smartass. Now, she was making stupid sex jokes. I rolled my eyes and pinned her with my best glare.

Not that it helped; she just smirked at me. “Don’t worry. That red will have so many heads turning.” She turned to the side briefly, pressing a button. “Get in.”

Hearing a click as the door unlocked, I tugged the handle, pulling it open, and promptly slid into the front seat. Again, I wanted to rub myself all over the leather seat—the feel of it against my skin, now sheathed in this black dress, was its own kind of high.

Jenna was watching me, obviously anticipating my reaction with how many times I’ve gone crazy in her car. “Such a horndog. Or is it ‘hornbitch’?” She howled like a wolf, and I slapped her arm. Grinning, she said, “You make that face tonight in bed, and you’ll be crawling by tomorrow morning.”

When I gave her a slow side eye, Jenna laughed.

“Pssh, look at you, shaking in your shoes.” She grinned as I buckled in. “There’s no way you don’t know that look is sexy. You always make it when you get in my car, you pervert! And, let me tell you right now, it’s hot enough to drive even a cold-blooded man crazy.”

I cleared my throat. “Hello—virgin?”

Jenna waved my weak defense off. “That’s all going to change tonight, right? That dress will definitely do the trick.”

I turned to Jenna with a wary expression. “Did you—?”

“Don’t ask me crazy questions which you would soon turn to accusations,” Jenna said archly. “I had nothing to do with the dress.”

“Liar. How did you know I was talking about the dress?”

“Because it’s the only piece in your list of puzzles for tonight which you have yet to figure out.”

I rolled my eyes at her overly-formal language. “List of puzzles?”

Jenna rolled up the window and set the car into motion, ignoring me.

“List of puzzles?” I pressed. “I didn’t know I had a list.”

Jenna shrugged and kept her eyes on the road.

I couldn’t help a smile. “Thank you,” I said quietly.

“No need to thank me just yet.” She glanced at me, grinning when she caught my expression. “I just want tonight to be the best you’ve had yet. You can thank me after we’ve accomplished that mission.”

“Still, thank you. You always look out for me, and that’s not something I take for granted.”

Jenna’s eyes twinkled. “You’re welcome.” She returned her gaze to the road.

A few minutes later, we parked in front of a club and stepped out. A valet wearing a red jacked hurried over, and she handed him the keys. Then, ignoring the line of would-be clubgoers waiting to enter, we approached the bouncers at the door.

One of the burly men gave Jenna a knowing smile as we approached, like she was a regular or something, and with a nod to his colleagues, they parted and let us through.

The music inside the club was pumping out, loud and pulsing, the tune filled with beat and energy, making me feel alive in this moment, this place. Bright lights flashed in time with the beat, painting the dance floor with vibrant colors. It was all so different, so breathtakingly beautiful, and I squeezed Jenna’s arm, grateful to have her at my side.

Grabbing hold of my hand, she led me through the crowd. We made our way, dodging through and past people, till we reached our friends. They greeted us with cheers, their volume increasing when they saw me, obviously surprised I’d come out.

Judith jumped up, throwing her arms around me. “You came!”

“Makes me wonder how Jenna convinced her,” Henry added, nudging me with his elbow.

“Likewise,” giggled an overly-cheerful Ruth. She staggered like she‘d had one too many.

“Wooah, easy there.” Jenna rushed to hold her. “How much did you drink?”

Ruth’s grin broadened.

“Should I call you a cab?” Jenna asked.

“Don’t you dare!” Ruth was going through a breakup, so it was a relief to see her happy, even if alcohol was the culprit; it was a nice change from the inconsolable mess she’d been the past couple weeks.

“Who else is here?” Jenna looked around the sea of dancers as she scanned for familiar faces.

“Don’t worry,” Henry said. “You won’t see anyone else.”

I glanced toward the crowd, too, and my eyes fell on a few guys I recognized from campus. I understood why Henry’d made the comment; though these guys were from our school, they’d never once approached us or tried to make conversation.

Probably think they’re too good for us.

Now, however, they looked like they were seeing us for the first time; they tried to wave us over, but we weren’t about to give them the satisfaction. Jenna tossed her head haughtily, and I snickered as I caught the look of disappointment on their faces.

Serves you right, I thought, feeling smug as I watched surreptitiously.

Despite their desperate need to garner attention, the night didn’t seem to be going well for them. I suddenly realized that they were reaching out for a maturity that eluded them; they were still boys draped in the appeal of men, only lacking the substance.

No matter; tonight, I yearned for someone different. Someone mature, yet fun. Someone clever, who could keep up with me in an intelligent conversation—there’s nothing sexier than a smart man. I didn’t want a showoff, though; that was an instant turn off.

Basically, I longed for a man—not a boy in man’s clothing.

As my eyes drifted over this overly-cheerful crowd, taking in the intoxicating spirit of the nightclub, I was left waiting. I kept searching, looking for someone who would stand out from the sea of blurry faces. Even though I’d told Jenna I just wanted to get laid, my heart hoped for an extraordinary encounter, a meeting that would spark a connection deeper and more significant than the trivial flirtation paraded around in this whirl of excitement.

Tonight wasn’t just about the party, what I was drinking, or how I moved my body. I wanted the night to bring something far more profound. Something I was still in search of, that I couldn’t quite explain, but I was certain I’d know when I found it.

Jenna bounced over, breathing heavily. Her smile faded as she saw the look on my face. “You okay, Maya? Why aren’t you dancing?”

Shrugging, I ran my finger over the rim of my glass. “I’m fine.”

She gulped down the last of her drink, then stared at me. On her features, concern warred with an obvious desire to return to the party.

I forced a smile. “Go on. I told you—I’m fine.”

Her eyes flicked back to the mass of bodies moving to the pumping beat. “Well, if you’re sure…”

Nodding, I gave her a small shove. “Don’t worry about me. Go have fun.”

“Okay.” She lifted her empty glass. “Could you order me another?” At my nod, she grinned and scampered off.

I sighed, leaning my elbow on the table as Jenna hit the dance floor again. I could explore this vibrant crowd and get lost to the beat, but it wouldn’t be enough to satisfy my anxious heart. I was waiting for a flare, like I was a teenager. I needed the jubilant energy of youth back. I needed pieces of myself back.

Maybe I’m the puzzle Jenna was talking about.