Unwanted Sacrifices (Russkaya Mafiya Book 3) (3 page)

I’ve kept my distance, sticking next to Blondie’s side in hopes they’d realize—in time—I wasn’t any type of threat to either of them. Both of their guards even viewed me as a pariah at first. Over group dinners these past few months, Elaina has become friendlier and opened up to me and inviting me into her life. Even though we’re opposite in many ways, we seem to have much in common also.

I can’t remember a time I’ve been so happy and relaxed before. Maybe when I was a teenager, but even then my life was a constant struggle, fighting against my family. My mother was always griping at me to not eat, to look my absolute best, and do what I must to learn to be the finest wife possible.

She wanted her girls to marry someone powerful and with influence. She drove it deep and she wouldn’t accept anything less. It was my duty to seek out the most prime candidate and marry him as quickly as possible. I’ve always believed her to be nuts.

Once my family had met Tate and Viktor, Kendall and my father had their sights set. Viktor was heir to the Bratva title and it would have benefitted my papa the most for her to marry the head of the organization.

Papa soon found out after Tate had become a Russian Boss, that he would eventually be running the Mafiya. It was perfect to keep both organizations in the families, to continue having brothers run each side as they’ve done for generations, and in the end working together to rule the Russian crime life. Viktor Ginzenburg-Masterson and Tatkiv “Knees” Ginzenburg-Masterson were a goddamn gold mine and powerhouse together that my father became obsessed with.

You would have thought my father had hit the lottery. He was so strung up on Gizya having two sons and him having two daughters that he believed it was fate. He decided that even if it didn’t work as planned, at least one daughter was surely going to marry a Boss and give his trashy businesses the one up they needed to get ahead.

He became practically desperate, dressing us up like dolls and parading us to any function of theirs he could get an invite to. He eventually stooped to offering us both to Gizya himself, to do with whatever he pleased. My stupid mother stood right at his side through everything, claiming to do what was best for the family. It didn’t matter that she was ruining the lives of her own children. My sister sucked up all the attention she received, being ‘destined’ to be with Viktor and played their games—sometimes better than my own parents—crying to Viktor and pretending to want to be his friend. Nothing matters to any of them except making more money and becoming as powerful as they can. Thankfully, neither of the men succumbed to their schemes.

When my father told me he had traded me to the Bratva King and that I now belonged to Viktor to pay off Kendall’s debt for trying to kill him, I can’t say I was even a little bit surprised. Inside I had been expecting as much or something similar; he always did whatever he could to clean up her messes.

Papa had announced not too long ago—before trading me—how he’d found a suitable man for me to marry and he was setting it up. I didn’t have any say in it whatsoever. Learning I was the payment to Viktor instead, at least I would be going to someone I knew.

I wasn’t sure what he would do with me exactly, but everyone’s heard the rumor that he’s out of the sex trade business. We’ve also heard how he’s been quietly torturing and killing any of the bosses he finds selling women. It could just be talk, but it’s hard to say in this lifestyle.

That alone had made my stomach flip with joy. I didn’t care if I would be scrubbing his floors with a toothbrush if it would get me out of my parents’ house and away from my betrothed. That was payment enough for my eternal gratitude; throw in the death of my sister and it may as well have been Christmas.

I knew I would probably get to see my longtime friend Nikoli as well. My parents despised Nikoli. They wanted me to chase Tate, but I couldn’t. I saw Blondie when I was a young girl, and I couldn’t picture another man for me. He was so beautiful and smart. He had no trouble ever making me laugh or smile, and he was always kind to me and made me feel safe, like he wouldn’t ever let anyone make me uncomfortable, especially Kendall.

I’ve seen him around with a few women at functions, but he never touched them—never like he did with me anyway. Under my papa’s watchful eye, I didn’t get much alone time with him, but he would still manage to sneak a soft graze against my palm as he stood by me or tenderly squeeze my hip as he’d pass by. It was always just enough to quicken my breath and cause my heart to flutter excitedly. Never once, however, did he approach my father to ask to take me out.

Over the years I tried to understand why he wouldn’t come for me and shed many tears over it. Eventually, I realized he’s just a sweet guy and wanted only to be my friend. In my mind, those small touches were no longer from his interest in me, but just as a silent hello. Too bad my heart never got the message, because it still skipped a beat every single time.

I gave up on hopes that one day he would be mine and just concentrated on being his friend. Since then, we’ve always managed to find each other and we’ve gotten along great. Imagine my surprise when I arrived here and Viktor fills me in that not only will I live with Nikoli, but that I will belong to him and not Viktor. It was like being fed sweet torture with a spoon, knowing I would be around him all the time. After all, that’s what I had dreamed about for many years while growing up. The kicker was, I knew I’d be following him around like a love-sick puppy and would never receive the same affections from him.

This may all sound completely crazy to some people—the buying, selling, and trading of human beings—but it’s more normal than one would think. I’d much rather belong to a man I love inside, than to be sold to a man in the sex trade or wedded to a man I’ve barely met before.

I surprised everyone by being so grateful, but they had no idea of the fate they’d saved me from. I belong to the Russian Bratva and Mafiya now; my father will
never
go against that. I was thrown straight into the hands of the man he hated—straight into the arms of the man I love.

Elaina speaks up, pulling me from my thoughts, “What do you think of this?” she asks, pointing out a simple, elegant gown in one of the five bridal magazines she lugged down to the beach with us. Her private guard sits not far from her, quietly reading a paperback book.

The dress she shows me is understated elegance. You’d never guess Elaina grew up poor and was bounced around foster care. She has the taste of a seasoned rich woman.

“The simple cream gown with lace overlay is stunning; you would command everyone’s attention.”

She laughs a little nervously. “I don’t want everyone’s attention, just Viktor’s.”

“Then I’d say it’s perfect.” I smile and she turns to her guard.

“Spar? What do you think of this dress?”

He cocks his eyebrow, clearly not wanting to be in the conversation, but leans over anyhow. His eyes go a little wide for a second and he clears his throat, “Yep, he will love it.” He nods his approval and Elaina beams a bright smile.

She’s been complaining about the dresses all costing too much and her wedding is fast approaching. Elaina wanted simple, and the one she has finally found is simple yet gorgeous. I bet it will cost a small fortune and she has no idea. I don’t know why I find it amusing, but I do. Not maliciously, and I just bet Viktor will be very pleased thinking she’s embracing his wealth when she hasn’t a clue just how deep his pockets really are. His family is way more influential in Russia than most people know about. I’m privy to that tidbit from my father constantly attempting to dig up something on their family to use against them.

“Do you think I can wear my flip-flops?” She glances at me a little unsure, needing some guidance.

“Elaina, love, it’s
your
wedding. You can wear shorts and it won’t matter. Viktor will just be happy to see you at the altar,” I respond automatically and her guard looks over at me with—I don’t know—a little respect, maybe? He nods briefly and goes back to reading.

She’s clearly surrounded by people who love her, and I’m lucky enough to be brought into this tight group.

ACCUSATIONS AND MARRIAGE

You don’t marry someone you can live with-

You marry the person who you cannot live without

-Unknown

We’ve been here for
months now, and when Viktor comes down the beach to find us, it’s the first time his expression makes me uneasy inside. With him it could be absolutely anything. My first thoughts go directly to Sabrina and Tate; they’re my two priorities and the people I care about the most.

I had just finished swimming and gotten out of the lake, so I dry myself off quickly while he heads to Elaina. I call out in greeting, “Viktor!”

He nods, kissing Elaina as they gather up the wedding books and extra towel.

“Niko, I need to speak to you after you’ve gotten changed.”

“You got it,” I reply and he shoots me a look over Elaina and Sabrina’s heads, that has my interest piqued. Clearly something’s up, and if it were Tate I wouldn’t even wait to change my clothes. Viktor’s much more formal, however, and likes to schedule meetings for practically everything.

I head back to the loft alone, get showered and changed, then meet everyone back up at Viktor’s cabin.

The girls decide to prepare lunch, so while Bina’s preoccupied with Elaina, I follow Viktor and Alexei into the living area.

We all sit on his comfortable couches and the anticipation builds. I know if it had anything to do with Tate I would have gotten a phone call immediately, so this tells me that whatever Viktor has to say, it’s probably about Sabrina’s family.

He sits forward, fiddling with one of his cufflinks. He’s a very commanding man, always sure of himself and has extremely high expectations of his men. I hold a great deal of respect for him, taking control of the Bratva and getting out of the sex trade that his uncle was into knee-deep. 

When he stares at his cuff link for a few more beats, I get restless and clear my throat. His gaze meets mine and instead of the friendliness I’m used to, I see pity.

“You wanted to speak, Viktor?”

Alexei sits back, running his hands over his face as Viktor takes a deep breath and nods. He glances towards the kitchen, but Sabrina and Elaina can’t hear us.

“Yes. Christ, this is hard. I found out some information that you need to hear. There are rumors floating around that someone is looking for Sabrina.”

“Yes, but that is what I am for. I will protect her from such rumors.”

“Right, look brat,” he glances away and my hackles rise when he calls me ‘brother.’ He has never called me that before. We aren’t that close; I’m only close to his real brother. “This person is supposed to be her husband.” He finishes quietly and I swallow down the sudden rush of feelings making me want to vomit.

“Nyet, Viktor. I know Bina, I would know if she had gotten married, if she has this husband. I have known her nearly as long as Tatkiv,” I grumble, using Tate’s full name, the seriousness of the situation coming out to play.

“Look, Niko, I’m just passing on the information I was given. I hope you’re right about her. Because
if
she’s really someone else’s wife, then we can’t keep her from him. You know how this works; her father wouldn’t be allowed to trade her, only her husband.”

“There is no husband!” I end on a growl, my anger flaring inside.

Viktor nods quietly and Alexei doesn’t meet my gaze. I don’t care, there’s no way what they say is true. I know Sabrina; we’ve lived together for months now. I would know if there was a fucking husband.

We’re interrupted by Elaina’s smiling face, “Hey guys, lunch is done, come eat.” The smile falls as she takes stock in our expressions. “Vik? Everything okay?”

“Yes, Printyessa, relax. Let’s eat my love.” He stands, going to her and taking her hand. She leads him away as Alexei stands.

“I mean it Lexi, there is no husband.”

He shrugs, his eyes shining with empathy. “None of my business.”

I stay silent, huffing out a sigh and head into the kitchen myself with him trailing.

I’ll figure this nonsense out. I’ll have to confront Sabrina myself. I hate to get her upset with this news, but she deserves to know what’s being said. Fucking wannabe Russian Bosses, can’t keep their damn mouths closed when something doesn’t go their way. I may be Russian and proud, but that’s one thing I don’t do. I restrain myself from killing everyone that pisses me off or try to ruin their happiness.

Sabrina’s tender gaze meets mine as we all sit and eat a nice lunch. She watches me closely as I eat slowly, her expression curious. Food doesn’t last around me; I scarf it down as soon as the plate hits the table like any good soldier is taught to do early on.

Not now.

I can’t stop the thoughts crawling over my skin, attacking my mind with questions from every direction. Who would say this about her? I can’t imagine her father having the guts to make such accusations if they were false. He knows I would kill him for that sort of thing; he’s been privy to my feelings for Sabrina for years now.