Chapter 6

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA(THE BRATVA'S EMPIRE)

The Pakhan's office

The following day, Ivan, Ronan, and Barino stood before the Pakhan's desk, where the contract lay with a pen.

The Pakhan's voice was strict. "Are you ready for the alliance, or do you want to walk away?"

Ivan's response was firm. "We're born ready. We'll do anything for this alliance. After much thought, we're willing to offer one of our daughters in marriage."

He continued, "My first daughter, Valerie, is 23 years old, finishing college. She's a good fit."

The Pakhan's face showed displeasure. "What about the second daughter?"

Ivan hesitated. "Donatella's 19, almost 20. She's still young, doesn't know much about life."

The Pakhan's gaze didn't waver. "And the youngest?"

Ivan's voice was cautious. "She's 18. Too innocent, too naive."

The Pakhan's expression turned calculating. "I don't like Valerie. I want your second daughter. She seems quite fiery, doesn't she? I see a spark in her eyes that suggests she's got a lot of potential and a strong personality. What's her name again?"

Ivan's face fell. "Donatella...yes, that's who you want."

The Pakhan's voice was firm. "She'll be 20 soon. Eight years' difference isn't too much. Are you interested or not?"

Ivan's head shook slightly, a look of resignation on his face.

The Pakhan pointed to the contract. "Go through it, sign it."

The contract's terms were listed:

- The Bratva would offer protection and resources to the La Famiglia De Luca.

- Mikhail and ______________would produce an heir within a year.

- The La Famiglia De Luca would provide financial and military support to the Bratva.

- The couple would reside in the Bratva's territory.

- The La Famiglia De Luca would have limited involvement in the Bratva's internal affairs.

- The alliance would last for at least 10 years.

The Pakhan's eyes locked on Ivan. "If you're ready to sign, fill in her name."

Ivan's hand hesitated for a moment before writing "Donatella" in the blank space.

He signed the contract, followed by Ronan and Barino.

The Pakhan's face showed satisfaction. "The deal is sealed."

NATALIA'S APARTMENT(THE BRATVA'S EMPIRE)

Natalia lay asleep, wrapped in the duvet. Adrian gazed at her, his eyes filled with love. He caressed her face, smoothing out her features. Natalia smiled in her sleep.

"I know you're awake," Adrian said, his deep voice low and husky.

Natalia giggled, wrapping her hands around his body, pulling herself closer. Her face rested on his chest, and she caressed him, her hands moving up and down.

"Ah," Adrian sighed, relief evident in his voice.

"What a long night," Natalia whispered, her voice muffled against his chest.

They shared a gentle smack, followed by bursts of laughter.

"Yesterday's birthday was exhausting," Natalia said, still chuckling.

Adrian's mood shifted, his expression turning serious. Natalia noticed the change.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice softening.

Adrian stared at her, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and confusion. "I'm scared," he whispered, his hands moving through her hair.

Natalia groaned, rolling away from him. She sat up, her back to Adrian. "We're not discussing this again, are we?”

"Natalia, we can't keep this a secret forever," Adrian said, his voice laced with concern. "What if Mikhail finds out about us? What if your grandfather finds out? Our relationship is forbidden, Natalia. The Pakhan's granddaughter and a guard...it's not acceptable."

Natalia shook her head, her voice stern. "No, no. We're not going over this again. Our relationship is our business, and we'll deal with it our way."

Adrian's eyes locked onto hers, filled with love and fear. "I love you, Natalia. I love you so much. I care about you, and I want us to be together forever. But I'm scared of how everything is going to turn out if we're caught."

Natalia's expression softened, and she crawled onto Adrian's lap, straddling him. She crossed her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. When she finally broke away, she whispered, "When that time comes, we'll face it together. But for now, let's worry about now."

Adrian's eyes searched hers. "You're not worried, are you?"

Natalia smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Of course, I am. But I cherish you, and I'll stop at nothing to be with you."

They smiled at each other, and their lips met again in a tender kiss. As they fell onto the bed, Adrian eventually pulled away, his voice husky. "I have to go. I don't need to be caught."

Natalia stared at him as he stood up, putting on his trousers and shirt. "You look hot," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

Adrian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anyways, I enjoyed last night," he said, his voice low and teasing.

They smacked at each other, laughing. "Bye, I love you," Adrian said, his voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too," Natalia replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

**********

As Adrian came out of the door, he saw Igor coming his way. He tried to change direction, but Igor's voice stopped him. "No need, I saw you," Igor said with a sarcastic tone.

Adrian paused and turned to him, nonchalantly asking, "So what?"

Igor walked towards him, their eyes locked in a tense stare. "You think I don't know about you and Natalia?" Igor said, his voice low and menacing.

Adrian's expression turned cold. "Just fuck off. You're just jealous that I'm the one she loves, and she doesn't love you."

Igor's face twisted in a smirk. "You know I could just tell Nikolai or Mikhail about this, and you'd be in trouble."

Adrian laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "What proof do you have?"

Igor's smirk grew wider. "Don't worry, I'll catch you guys red-handed soon enough."

Adrian shook his head and walked away, leaving Igor standing alone.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA(MIKHAIL'S PENTHOUSE)

Mikhail and Alexei sat at the bar area, sipping their drinks.

"How was your time in America?" Mikhail asked, his voice detached.

"It was fun," Alexei replied. "I had a blast with lots of girls. We went to the night clubs, and they were wild. America is more vibrant than Russia. I feel like going back there again, but unfortunately, I can't. We have a lot going on now in the Bratva."

Mikhail sipped his drink, his eyes fixed on Alexei. "Can you believe Dedushka wants me to get married?"

Alexei's eyes widened, and he burst out laughing. "What the fuck?"

Mikhail's gaze remained cold as he sipped his drink. "You don't expect me to get married, do you?"

Alexei chuckled. "Yeah, but I mean, it's not bad."

Mikhail's voice turned icy. "I don't need any woman by my side - they're nothing but pawns to be used and discarded."

His phone rang, interrupting him. He picked up without hesitation.

The Pakhan's voice was cold and steady on the other end. "Come to the empire, right now. I have something to discuss with you."

Mikhail's expression remained impassive as he listened to the Pakhan's words. He ended the call and turned to Alexei. "Dedushka wants me at the empire now."

Alexei nodded. "Alright, we'll talk later."