2: The Family decided

**Evelyn**

I've spent the every waking moment since I was 12 learning the ins and the fucking outs of this business. I had to go to Mafia training school and had the scars to show for it and this is what I get for all my hard work?

“What do you mean I'll have to get married to inherit this business? Do you not trust me, Father?" I said, trying my best to keep my voice at a respectful tone. We were in the midst of The Family. The Family were Father's most trusted men and advisors. Disrespecting him in front of them would bring punishment upon me. I had far more to focus on than that.

“Keep your voice down, Zhizn moya,” Father ordered, gently. I pursed my lips and waited for him to offer an explanation. "I do not have much longer to stay and I need to ensure the family business is in good hands. You are a woman. Men will want to take advantage of you. I have to ensure you are married before I step down."

“So you believe I cannot handle the business because I am a woman? Father, have I not been the one doing the dirty work around here for the past 5 years? Who collects dues? Who plans the missions? Me, all me! And you think I need a man to rule? What next? Have a baby?” I all but yell. I can feel my right eye twitching and I know dad can see it too. He knows I'm about to lose it.

"You cannot take over until you are married, Zhizn moya. That is final. There is nothing you can do to change that,” Father sighed. I look over at The Family and notice them eyeing me with disregard. Yes, I might be the one who gets her hands dirty. Yes, I might also be the brains behind this whole thing but without a reputable man by my side, I would never get their respect. All because I was a woman.

“Fine," I muttered, looking back at Father. “Who do you have in mind?"

Father looks at me with surprise before a grin spreads across his face. “Thank you, Zhizn moya. I'm glad you see reason. You have dinner with your fiance by 7pm and then there will be an engagement ball tomorrow night. Your wedding is arranged to take place in five days.”

My eye twitches harder. This has all been planned. I feel the butt of my gun poking into my stomach. Like an invitation to spill blood. I nod at my father before standing up.

“Goodbye, Father. I will tell you how it goes,” I said as I left the room. My guards and my right hand woman, Sasha, were waiting for me outside the door.

“So? What happened?" Sasha asked as we move down the hall. Looking back at my guards I dismissed them with a wave of my hand and pulled Sasha along with me.

“I'll tell you but not here, not now." Sasha nodded, following my lead. I entered my room and grabbed my phone and car keys. Sasha and I go down the stairs to the garage where we get into my car. I slowly reversed out of the garage and then barrel down the driveway. The guards hastily opened the gates.

“So? We're out now, what is it?" Sasha asked, waiting impatiently. Her hand tapped on her handgun as she waited for me to talk.

"I'm getting married.”

"What?”

"Or at least I'm supposed to.”

"How? When? Why? What?”

"Dad and The Family decided that since I'm a woman I'm going to have to marry someone from a powerful family to inherit the business. It's in five days. I don't know who he is yet but I'm meeting up with him for dinner.”

“But you've done so much for them already? You've made a name for yourself in this world, hell, you're the most feared woman around. All I have to say is your name and grown ass men are shitting their pants. What's this bullshit all about now?” Sasha raved.

"Same thing I thought but turns out my name isn't enough. I need someone else's too,” I chuckled dryly. I ease the car into the parking space of the shooting range and step out.

“I want to burn some steam before meeting the man. Don't want to blow his brains out.” Sasha sniggered at that then we walked into the shooting range.

“Miss Karamazov, welcome. You didn't tell us you would be coming,” Zayn, the owner of the shooting range said, coming to greet me.

"I don't need to inform you of my comings and goings, Zayn,” I replied him, smiling sweetly. I rolled my eyes and picked up a gun and loaded it. Closing my eyes and targeting, I shot and hit the mark perfectly.

I was one of the best in combat and aim in the Mafia. I was even better than Father. I'd proved myself countless times. At age 15, I beat up one of the guard's sons just because he spoke to me bad so why the hell do they think I can't handle the business. The Karamazov name was the most powerful in Russia and we were one of the most powerful outside. The name Evelyn Karamazov made grown men shiver so why the fuck do they think I need to get married?

By now, I'd obliterated at least 20 targets. I was seething. I didn't want marriage. That was the one thing I didn't want. I wasn't a romantic person. The last thing I'd ever believe in would be love but neither did I want an arranged marriage. I felt hands slip around my shoulders and massage them.

“Calm down, Evie. Calm the fuck down. You're literally boiling,” Sasha's voice drifted into my ears. I clutched my gun tighter and inhaled deep breaths. Slowly, I regained my cool. Dropping the gun, I look at my watch. I had about an hour to get ready and then head to my date.

"Let's go back. I need to get ready," I whispered. Sasha and I got into the car and we drove speedily to the house. Immediately I stepped out of the car, a member of The Family came up to me.

"Where have you been? We've been waiting for you. Now you're going to be late. Hurry and get dressed. You've already wasted enough time,” She tattled. Pushing her away, I walk upstairs and into my room. On my bed, a yellow dress lies waiting for me. The dress had a spaghetti strap and cinched around my waist before loosening slightly and falling to my ankles. It had a slit running down mid thigh to the end. A pair of black shoes came along with the dress and a note.

“For my future wife," I read aloud. Snorting, I dress up quickly, not even bothering to shower. My purple dyed hair was cut in a wolf cut so I didn't style it and walked out like that. Sasha followed behind me as we got into the waiting car that would take us to the restaurant.

About 45 minutes later, we were pulling up in front of the restaurant. I stopped out of the car with Sasha in tow and walked into the restaurant.

“Miss Karamazov, let me take you to your table," A waitress said, smiling and pointing for me to follow her. I nodded and followed. Immediately I reached my table, I stopped short and it felt like the world became still.

“Evelyn! Good to see you again," Maxim Orlov greeted, flashing me a sly smile. Maxim Orlov, my first and last boyfriend. The one person who'd managed to get into my heart and made sure they left it shattered.

“Are you the one I'm supposed to marry?" I asked. Maxim nodded. I groan. Father really did shit on me.