A Bride For A Truce

 ADRIKO’S POV

   I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Manhattan penthouse, the city sprawling below in its chaotic rhythm. 

   Horns blared, headlights blinked like fireflies in the endless traffic, and faceless figures hurried along the sidewalks.

   Manhattan never sleeps, and tonight, its energy matched my restless thoughts.

    I sipped my vodka and watched. The view never got old. 

   It however lacked the allure of Moscow in summer,its golden evenings and soft, warm breezes. Still, Manhattan had its rugged charm, though it was a poor substitute for home.

   I pushed the thought aside. Nostalgia had no place in my life here. Not with this wedding tightening around my neck like a noose.

    Sergei’s voice pulled me out of my reprieve. He’s seated on the other side of my desk,tablet in hand, rattling off updates about shipments. 

   I stride to my chair and sink in.

    “The shipment to the South Boston waterfront is set to leave at midnight,” he said, scrolling through the details.”The port authorities have been handled.”

   He looked up at me, as though to ensure I was listening.

   “The next batch for Utrecht ,seven containers marked as textile imports ships in four days. Our men are ready to receive it.”

    I set my glass down on the table beside me and looked him straight in the eyes.

    “And Cannes? Has Dinma confirmed the route? “

    Sergei tapped the top of the tablet, holding my gaze while he nodded briskly. “All handled, no foul business this time”

    “Good”. I lean back and closed my eyes briefly.” I don’t want any surprises. We can’t afford another slip-up,not after what happened in Tokyo”

    Sergei smirked, “That was a one-time issue. I’m pretty sure Aoki and his pawns learned their lesson”

    I kept quiet. The Yakuza syndicate headed by Aoki was a ruthless bunch.

   Yes, they had learned but at the cost of the lives of four of my best trained men and a shipment filled with drugs and weaponry that cost me millions. 

   I glanced at the city below and see a familiar figure step out of a blue Cadillac.

   My brow furrowed.I don’t remember setting a meeting for today.

    There’s a pause and I sensed a change in the tone of the conversation. Sergei’s tone is lighter now, more casual.

    “So he drawled, lowering the tablet and taking a sip from his glass. Have you met her yet?”

    I looked back at him “Met who?”

    “Your bride-to-be.The Italian girl.Serafina right? Don’t tell me you’re not a little curious to see if she’s as entrancing as they say?” he laughed with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

    I scoffed and shook my head leaning forward slightly.

    “What does it matter?” I asked,waving off his curiosity. “She could be beautiful or plain, clever or a half-wit.It changes nothing. This union isn’t about love or attraction. It's to broker peace and form new alliances.”

    Sergei chuckled, leaning back against his chair. “You always haven’t been one for romance boss”

    I smirked though there’s no humor associated with it.

    “Well forgive me if I’m not swooning over the thought of being shackled with some half-witted girl. I know what needs to be done to ensure my authority and the safety of my bratva isn't questioned”

    For a moment he doesn't say anything, his smile fading as he studied me.He’s trying to figure out if there’s more to it but there isn’t. 

   At least, not that I’d admit. 

   I had learned a long time ago to keep my cards to myself and not show all my moves even to my shadow. Finally, he shrugged.

    “I guess sending the ring to her father already took care of any curiosity that might arise”.

    Ah, the ring.Sergei had insisted we send one over but I honestly had not seen the point. I wondered briefly what type of ring he had gotten. 

   Sergei noticed the contemplative look on my face but before he could question me on it, there was a knock at the door.

   We both glanced up as Nadia my housekeeper, stepped in, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked nervous as she always does when interrupting me.

    “What is it, Nadia”? I questioned, irritation evident in my tone.

    “Sorry to interrupt Mr. Ivanov,” she replied, her voice soft with the familiar Russian lilt “She is here”.

    I frowned. “she?”

    “Your guest” she clarified, lowering her gaze. “Ms.Zlata”.

    I huffed, barely suppressing a groan of annoyance. I knew that figure looked familiar. We weren’t supposed to meet today, I wonder why she was here.

    Sergei smirks “Ah, Zlata. Always punctual, isn’t she?”

    Ignoring him, I stood and adjusted my jacket. “Let her in”.

    Nadia nodded and disappeared. 

   A moment later Zlata strides into the room like she owns it. Her black silk dress clings to her like a second skin, her platinum blonde hair was pulled back into a low bun, sleek and perfect. 

   She always exuded the confidence of someone who knows she is desirable,and the cockiness of someone who thinks she is indispensable but unfortunately no one is.

    ”Adrik,” she drawls, giving me a sultry smile as she steps closer. 

    “Zlata,” I responded with a curious stare “Wasn’t expecting you today”.

    She tilts her head, her blue eyes locked on mine “I was in the area so I decided to drop by and surprise you” she pouted as her tongue darted out and swiped across her lips.

    I lift an eyebrow, a clear sign of my displeasure. Zlata and I don’t do surprises.

    Noticing my displeasure, she smiles and bats her lashes “Would you rather I left?” 

    I hesitated for a second. It’s been a long week, I could do with some distraction. “Fine,” I conceded gesturing for her to sit.

   Behind me, I hear Sergei clear his throat loudly, his grin evident even without me looking.

    “I’ll leave you two to… catch up,” Sergei smirked, as he straightened. “I’ll update you on the shipments tomorrow”.

    “Don’t keep me waiting” I warned without looking at him.

    When the door closed behind him, I pour Zlata a glass of Vodka and hand it to her. She takes it with a slight smile settling onto the couch. 

   Her movements are practiced, timed and seductive.

   Everything about her is calculated, just like the arrangement between us.

    ”You seem distracted tonight,” She commented,watching me carefully as she sipped her drink. ”Trouble with business?” 

    “No” I replied with a curt tone “nothing I can’t handle”

    She placed her glass down and makes her way towards me. Sitting beside me on the couch,she runs her fingers down my neck…She leaned closer, her breath brushing against my ear. 

    “Would you like me to take your mind off it?” She whispered. 

    Whatever distraction she planned would have to wait as the vibration of my phone on the table caught my attention. 

   The screen flashed with a name I hadn’t seen in years. 

   My blood turned cold.