Chapter 1

IVANA’S POV

PRESENT DAY

Igor Orlov. Dare I say that he is one of the reasons why I came to Russia.

A well-known country, filled with Mafia lords, cartels, clans of all sorts, that even the government doesn't have a say in their activities.

He is the retired Bratva of Vipers Clan. My mother's new husband.

It's funny how things happened so fast that I was barely able to wrap my head around it.

Within a few months of meeting each other at a business meeting, they began to date and then two months later, they were married.

And now, I have to go to Russia with my mom, be a mafia princess which I never for once dreamt of becoming.

I will have to leave my friends, college, hometown to a place I haven't been and a life which doesn't fit someone like me.

As a daughter who is very supportive of every of her mother's decision, I was happy that my mom finally found love after fifteen years of being alone, but the man she married, I wasn't in support of it. I can never be.

“Mom, I can live by myself in New York. I dislike Russia.” I said over the phone, my frustration evident.

“You don't have a choice, Ivana. You will have to come to Russia and settle down as a mafia princess. Your step-father and step-brother are in support of it.” My mother, Ivory said, giving me no space to voice out my decision.

To tell her that I prefer living alone than being under watch for twenty four hours in a castle that could contain more than a hundred people.

“Your flight has been booked and as I soon as you arrive, some men in suits will bring you over to your new home.” This was my mom telling me that it was already decided and my opinion, it doesn't count or matter anymore.

“Fine.” I gave up with a sigh, rubbing my temple.

“Good. See you in twenty hours. I love you.”

With that being said, she hung up.

I fell on my bed with an heavy sigh, my eyes up above the ceiling.

If I was told that my life would change drastically in the space of six months, I would never believe such.

Even if it was a prophecy from a pastor, seer or Buddhist.

But here I was, about to become a mafia princess with a step-father, and obviously a step-brother.

…………

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Russia.” An automated voice said from inside the airport.

“And here I am.” I said in a mocking tone, staring at the unfamiliar faces walking pass me in the airport, minding their businesses.

I took out my phone from my coat and placed a call across my Mom, informing her that I have arrived.

Moment later, three black sleek cars stopped in front of me, and like I was told, four men in suits alighted, bow their heads and open the car for me.

It was awkward with the attention from passerbys, staring at me like I was some important person. I already am. A mafia princess.

I wasn't used to such lifestyle and right now, I was forced to adapt.

Forcing a smile, I got into the car and it drove out of the airport at once with three other black cars as escorts behind us.

Upon arrival, Mom was already waiting for me at the dining room and once I got in, she flashed me a wide smile.

“Welcome to your new home, Ivana.” She took majestical strides towards me, carrying herself with grace and power, like the wife of a retired Bratva that she was.

As she engulfed me in a warm hug, she whispered. “Today is important. Be in your best behaviour.”

As if I have never been in my best behaviour.

Breaking the hug, she flashed me another smile and held my arm, leading me to the dining hall.

The Vipers Clan was nothing short of what I had imagined.

Gigantic, old building, beautiful.

It was everything anyone would wish for, except it wasn’t what I wished for.

“Good afternoon, Mr Igor.” It was awkward calling him that, but I wasn't ready to call him dad, at least, not now.

“Welcome home, Ivana. You can call me dad. We are now family.”

As if.

I nodded with a small smile as I took my seat on the long dining table.

“Where is Ruslan?” Igor asked, his brows dipped and his voice dark.

That's it. A retired Bratva with the blood of a mafia running through him.

“He would be here soon, Father.” A tiny feminine voice said from behind, making me turn to see the most beautiful and elegant lady I have ever seen.

“Why is he taking too long?” Igor gritted, his fists folded.

“You need to be calm, Igor. Don't worry about Ruslan. He is no longer a kid.” Mom intervened and his face softened a bit.

He is a goner for my Mom. I love that.

“We should eat already. I'm famished.” The young lady sat beside me and flashed me a smile.

“I'm Lara, Ruslan's younger sister.” She introduced.

“I'm Ivana, your step-sister.”

There was no other way to introduce myself other than that.

“I know. Your mom told me about you. It's nice to finally meet you. You're such a beauty, like your mother.”

My cheeks turned crimson red at her compliment.

“Thank you.”

Soon enough, we began to eat lunch in silence until the entrance door pushed open with a loud bang.

Heads snapped towards the door, including mine and upon seeing who it was, I choked on my meal.

“Take, have some water.” Lara passed me a glass of water which I drank in one gulp.

“You don't have to scare her like that, Ruslan.” Lara muttered.

He is Ruslan Orlov. The Bratva of Vipers Clan. My step-brother.

I have seen him on TV and internet, but it was almost as if the internet didn't portray his beauty well enough.

He is a greek god.

“Oh, I see. Our step-sister has arrived.”

Why does his statement carry so much sarcasm?

“Ivana, right?” He raised an eyebrow, coming closer like a tower. A cloud of darkness.

“Y….yes.” I stuttered, avoiding his gaze.

He looks so intimidating that every hair on the back of my neck stood at alert.

My eyes suddenly fell on his white sleeve which was covered in blood.

I have no idea if the blood was his or that of his prey.

“You…. you're bleeding…” I stuttered, as a sudden urge to throw up clawed at my throat.

“Oh, this?” He smirked, leaning closer.

“Get yourself clean up already, you're scaring her.” Lara rolled her eyes.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the need to throw up overwhelmed me, so I pushed the chair back and stood up, breathing heavily.

“Are you okay, Ivana?” Lara and Mom asked at the same time.

“I am…. I'm sorry.” I threw my palm across my mouth, to avoid throwing up in the dinning hall.

Heaven knows how much I detest the sight of blood. It reminds me of the death of my father.

“Scared of blood, little sis?” Ruslan turned his head, looking at me over his shoulder with a dangerous smirk, his gaze downright terrifying.

The urge to throw up clawed at my throat even harder, making me gag.