Chapter 11

IVANA'S POV

If Ruslan Fucking Orlov thinks he could make me bend to every of his damn rules, he is so wrong.

When it comes to what I wear, I have preference and not even God can change my mind from wearing flower dresses.

Hell, I have come to love flowers designer gowns that it has become a part of me now.

Out of anger. The anger that lasted for a minute before it wore off, only for me to realise the mistake I created myself.

‘You can go to hell. I would rather look like a fucking plant than to look like an elegant lady, which infact, I'm not.’

I already pressed the ‘send button’ before realising what I've done.

Ruslan would surely come for me tonight.

“Whatever!” I heaved a sigh with an eye roll before shoving my phone back into my backpack.

Staring out of the window, we were already at the gate of the college.

Once the car got into the college's parking lots, I alighted and made my way into the school.

I have no friends other than Aria.

Being an introvert, making friends was the hardest of all, but Aria was the one who came to me first, and we became friends afterwards.

As I made my way down the hallway, the eyes of other students followed me, causing me to hold my breath and the hold on my backpack strap tightened.

I wasn't used to so much attention, so it was rather uncomfortable than entertaining.

My legs were quivering on their own, but I was able to enter the class room, seat down before it gave up.

I guess my legs couldn't hold up the weight of my whole body, so it gave up once I was seated.

Inhaling deeply, I grabbed my backpack, placing it on the desk in front of me.

“There you are,” the voice of Aria reverberated inside the class, causing all eyes to fall on her.

“Come here.” I whispered, directing her with my hand and she rushed towards my seat.

“How are you doing?” I asked and she rolled her eyes, taking a seat beside me.

“Do I look fine to you? After the fear your step-brother instilled in me?” She snorted, rolling her eyes once more while I chuckled, amazed by how perfectly she can roll her eyes numerous times.

“To me,” I clicked my tongue, checking her out, from her perfect face to her cute chubby cheeks and her small lips. “You look perfectly fine.”

“Stop taunting me, Ivana! I was scared when I saw him. I broke out in cold sweat.” Aria said, bringing out her book as lecture was about to begin.

“So how did he become your brother? You never told me you had a brother.” Aria paused and turn to look at me. “He is so fucking hot and sexy but that doesn't mean I'm not afraid of him.”

“We became family somehow.” The word ‘family’ left a bitter taste lingering on the tip of my tongue. “He is my step-brother and also the Bratva of Vipers Clan.”

“Shit! Vipers Clan? The ruling clan in Russia?” Her eyes widened like that of a saucepan and her jaw dropped to the ground that I bet she wouldn't be able to pick it up for the next thirty minutes.

“Yes. Ruslan Orlov.” I sighed, adrenaline coursing through my body at the mention of his name. The devil’s name.

“God! I don't know if I should be happy or sad for you. You're a mafia princess,” she paused and swallowed. “That explains why you have two hefty hot bodyguards with you always.”

“Yeah. To them, I would be in danger if I'm left alone.” I rolled my eyes and snarled. “I wish I can leave Russia.”

“Don't even dare!” Aria snapped, making me flinch in fear. It was so sudden that the whole class glared at us. “Your step-brother would find you even if you run to hell. I can feel it in my bones. He is just not an ordinary Bratva.” Aria said, scrolling through her phone.

“He’s giving the vibes of a dark Mafia lord just like the male lead in the book I'm reading.” Aria was so focused on the ebook on her phone that she had no idea the lecturer was already in class.

“Aria, the lecturer is here.” I whispered, nudging her by the shoulder.

“Omg! I'm dead.” She immediately shoved the phone into her backpack and looked up, only to find the male lecturer’s gaze on her.

“You!” He pointed out, glaring at Aria.

“Me? Sir?” She asked in an innocent voice that one would think she was really innocent of the accusation pointed at her.

“Yes, you. Step out.” He ordered and I looked at Aria, my eyes filled with concern.

“You’ll be fine.” I squeezed her hand softly, flashing her a short smile.

“Thank you.” She muttered and stepped forward in front of the class.

“What is so interesting in your phone that you had no idea that I was in the class?” The lecturer, turned towards Aria, his gaze burning into hers.

“I…I was just checking a message.” Aria stuttered, the grip on her gown tightened.

The lecturer’s gaze was so intimidating that I even felt it from where I was sitting.

Aria was indeed in big trouble.

And come to think of it, the lecturer wasn't someone we know. I guess he is a new lecturer and Aria turned out to be his first prey.

“If so, bring your phone here and let's check if you were really checking a message.” With his hands in his pocket, the lecturer stepped closer to Aria, who also took a step backwards.

Shit! My best friend has been thrown into a deep sea by the lecturer.

“I don't think that would be possible, sir,” Aria blinked, her fists folded beside her. “I don't think I disrespected you or disregarded you by checking my phone when you entered. I had no idea you were in the class.”

What was she saying?

She was adding more flames to the already burning fire!

I sank my lower lips into my teeth, my breath held, waiting for the lecturer’s next action.

The lecturer is a young man of about thirty years and with the way his eyes turned red in anger, Aria would be in hot seat for messing with him.

“Ooh… is that so?” He chuckled, clicking his tongue.

“Yes.” Aria affirmed.

“I guess, you won't be taking my class for the rest of the semester,” he let out a lopsided smile.

The kind of smile Ruslan would throw my way when he is angry at me for disobeying his orders.

“Leave right now,” he paused, his gaze searing into Aria’s. “Prove stubborn by coming to my class tomorrow, then you will have to kiss college goodbye. I will make sure of that.”