Chapter 4

RUSLAN'S POV

Even before I became the Bratva, after my father's retirement, showing off or flashy parties has unfortunately not been my thing.

I hate so much attention. It gives way for jealousy, hatred and the need to kill.

But, Igor, my father, never listened to any of my warnings against flashy parties, because at that very moment, he was throwing a month wedding anniversary with Ivory.

Who the hell celebrates a month's wedding anniversary?

Well, Igor did.

He went against my warnings which needed to be heed, even if he was the one in control before me.

He was no longer in control, I am.

“Don't tell me Dad is throwing a month's wedding anniversary?” Lara whispered into my ear, her arm locked in mine as we made our way down the hall inside the clan, where the so-called wedding anniversary was taking place.

“What do you think? Of course, he is throwing a fucking party.” I was mad, and at the verge of bursting.

It was taking the last willpower in me to keep my emotions at bay until the end of the party.

‘Emotions makes us weaker, son. Face it head on.’

I could vividly remember father's word fifteen years ago, replaying in my head.

“I wonder why Ivana isn't here yet.” Lara's soft worried voice, snapped me out of my thoughts.

“She's breaking one too many rules for me to overlook.” I swiped my tongue across my lips, looking around for any sight of my our step-sister.

“You should let her be. She's been here barely two weeks and you are already forcing your so-called rules down her throat.” Lara stopped walking, faced me and continued from where she stopped, barely a second ago. “If I were in her shoes, after seeing your display at the dinner, I would have ran away from Russia.”

“She dare not.” I spat, leaving a venomous taste in my tongue. “If she try such, she would be as good as dead. I won't have mercy on her, Lara. She is now part of the Orlovs and should behave like one.”

Lara heaved a sigh, probably tired of my overbearing attitude and just when she wanted to add more lectures to the ones she already said, her eyes snapped behind me.

“There she is. She didn't run away like I expected.” A wide grin spread across Lara's face as she slowly slipped her arm out of mine and walked towards Ivana.

Turning around, our eyes met for a second until she looked away, smiling at Lara who gave her a warm hug.

“Don't they look like real sisters?” Jeremy, the Don of Devine Clan asked, joining me at the sideline with a glass of wine in his hand.

I remained quiet, my eyes on both ladies who were so engrossed in their conversation to even notice me.

“Your new step-sister is so hot. I would love to have her in my bed.”

My head snapped towards Jeremy and the thought that ran through my mind at that very moment, was a dangerous one.

A one which could end up causing clan wars. One I must avoid.

“You shouldn't say such about my sister, Jeremy.” I pushed back the evil thoughts.

“But she's due for marriage. She's twenty-one years old.” His gaze was fixated on Ivana and with the way he swiped his tongue across his lips, sucking on it like a mad man on drugs, irritated the irk out of me, but I did my best to keep my emotions at bay. Before they explode.

“Follow the right process, Jeremy. If you're interested in her.”

Like he said, Ivana was due for marriage and if I could get her married to someone like Jeremy, it could strengthen the clan's power even more, and it would help in enlarging my territory.

“Now we are talking, Ruslan. I will talk to your father about it.” He smiled and nudged at my shoulder.

My eyes met with that of Ivana once more and I motioned for her to come closer, but she straight out ignored me.

Interesting…

“Lara, both of you should come over.” I called and Lara came to me with Ivana beside her.

Taking a step forward, I moved closer to my step-sister, dropping my hand at her mid back.

“Is that how you treat your step-brother, Ivana Orlov?” I gritted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I'm not an Orlov. I'm Ivana Alex.” she argued, trying to get my hand off her small back.

“I kill men for less, Ivana,” my warning came out more terrifying than expected.

She was provoking me and I needed to put her where she rightfully belongs.

No one disrespected or disobeyed the Bratva and still remained alive. Well, except for the rude little lamb beside me.

“I don't care if you kill men for more. I don't bloody care, Ruslan. So let me be.” She gritted, speaking through her clenched teeth.

A chuckle rippled out of my chest. An annoyed chuckle.

The chuckle I usually release when someone is about to meet their end.

“You will obey every of my fucking rules, Ivana. Every single one of them,” I moved my hand to the back of her neck, holding it tight, enough to hurt her. “Understood?”

To everyone at the party and around us, we were just having a normal conversation like siblings.

“Let me go, Ruslan.” She tried to wriggle her way out of my hold, but I made sure to hold her in place.

“You're hurting me.” She winced softly.

“You will obey every of my rules, yeah?” I raised a brow, flashing her a lopsided smile, waiting for her to agree and succumb.

“Yes, I will abide to your rules, so let me go.” She glared and I took my hand off her neck, patting her softly on her mid back.

“Be a good girl, little sis. I don't like playing the role of a bad guy to any member of my family.” I grabbed two glasses of wine from a passing waiter and handed one over to her.

“As if.” Rolling her eyes, she muttered those words under her breath as she took the glass of wine from me.

“Were you referring to me by any chance?” With a cocked brows, I asked.

“No. It wasn't in any way related to you.” Came her reply.

“Good.”