Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Her eyes cloud, but I don’t push the issue.
She shows me around the kitchen while everyone performs their final preparations. “Now, husband, out to the dinner table. We will serve you momentarily. And I’d like to get ready for dinner.”
“I’ll go back to our room with you and we’ll both get ready.”
She gives me a teasing look. “Tomas, if I go with you back to the room, we’ll never make it out in time for dinner.”
She has a point.
So, I join Nicolai and Yakov at the table and have a cold beer before she comes. It feels good to sit here with my brothers, preparing to eat dinner served by my wife, and I know the plans I have for the evening ahead.
“You let her in the kitchen?” Yakov asks curiously. “Are you sure that’s wise?’
“Of course,” I tell him. “It’s something she’s passionate about, and I want her to feel at home. And what harm could befall her there?” We’re so heavily guarded, I know she’s safe.
Yakov scorns. “It’s servant’s work.”
I nod and take another pull of my beer before I respond. “We’ve all done our part in hard labor, Yakov. Have we not?” Nicolai was in the military and served as bodyguard for his Atlanta brotherhood for years. Yakov has a history as a bricklayer in Russia before he became Brava.
“But she’s a woman.”
“It doesn’t matter. There’s no shame in honest, hard work.” I shrug. “And it matters to me that she can pursue her passions.”
Yakov’s lips thin before he takes another drink.
“What is it?” I press. “What concerns you?”
“You grow too soft with her, too easily,” he says. “A spoiled woman will not learn to respect her husband. And as leader of our brotherhood, many look up to you.”
“He has a point, brother,” Nicolai chimes in.
Unbelievable. These two fell so hard for their women it’s become a running joke among the brotherhood.
I snort. “And who was the one who bought a puppy for his woman not a week ago?” I ask Yakov.
“Of course I did,” Yakov says. “He’s a pitbull. He’ll protect her in my absence.”
“She bought him a raincoat, Yakov.”
He shrugs. “That doesn’t mean he won’t protect her. And it definitely doesn’t mean she doesn’t obey me when I demand it.”
I turn to Nicolai. “And who was the one literally massaging his pregnant wife’s feet? Hmm? And I’m the one who’s grown too soft?”
Nicolai rolls his eyes. “I’ve known Marissa longer than I’ve known any of you. And believe me, she knows what I expect of her whether I’m giving her a foot rub or drawing her a bath. In fact, one of the reasons she’s so devoted is because I take such good care of her.”
“Precisely.” They quiet when I speak. “And this is no different. In her home, Caroline was not allowed in the kitchen. She was mistreated and abused. She shall not be here. She will do her duty to me as my wife, and I’ll expect no less.” I harden my voice. Though these two are my brothers and fellow Bratva, I’m still their pakhan. “But I’ll allow her in the kitchen if she wishes. There will be a time and place to ensure her loyalty and obedience. Just as there’s a time and place for you to show your loyalty and obedience to me.”
They nod and both of them grow sober. “And I won’t hear another word about how soft I’ve grown with my wife.”
“You need to take time to get to know her,” Yakov says.
I’ve had enough of their admonition.
“We have the rest of our lives to get to know one another. We’re wedded to each other.”
“Tomas,” Nicolai says warningly. “You’re infatuated with her. Don’t forget who her brother is. It’s in her best interest to earn your approval. She’s on her best behavior now, but it won’t always be that way.”
In the far corner of the room, I see Caroline in the doorway. She’s changed into a clean dress, brushed her hair, and waits for me to beckon her to come.
I smile at her and beckon for her to come to me and speak to Yakov and Nicolai in a low whisper she can’t hear. “This conversation is over. I don’t want to hear another word from you two about how I treat her.”
But I can’t shake their warnings. Am I infatuated with the newness of us? I can’t forget where Caroline came from, and I know that. But sometimes, sincerity and integrity overcome abuse. Sometimes, those who are repressed and hurt rise above the cruelty they’ve suffered, and beauty rises from the ashes. My gut says she isn’t playing me, she hasn’t merely put on a show.
I’m tempted to tell them to leave us. I don’t want to be reminded of what they’ve said to me while I dine with my new wife. I want to enjoy her alone. But I decide instead to compromise. They can stay with me for now, but we’ll eat dessert alone.