The Mafia’s Temporary Bride: Chapter 1

Deep breaths. Inhale and exhale.

Camilla May McKenna could do it. 

She could handle the simple task of taking pictures of a cheating lover and prove to her best friend that Vanya, her boyfriend, was a scum. KJ, her youngest brother, always told her evidence was key. He was the same one who told her men hated shopping and never went on that adventure without a woman unless sex was involved. 

So, the second Vanya walked into the boutique, she had rushed to the bathroom to call her best friend Faye. If Vanya was at the boutique, then he was with someone else. Faye was in class. All she had to do was get evidence, so Faye would leave the cheat.

Retrieving a tube of pink lipstick from her purse, she reapplied it and fluffed her hair. From the mirror, her hair was flat on the sides from her consistent touching. Wasting no more time in the bathroom, she smacked her lips and walked out. Vanya hadn’t met her. He wouldn’t recognise her, so there was no need for her to use a disguise. 

Cold air rushed into the empty hallway from the large, open window on the other side of the wall, and Camilla drew her coat close. January was her favourite time of the year because it allowed her to explore and expand her different fur collections. It was also the best excuse for another shopping.

New year. New clothes. New Camilla.

The boutique was supposed to be empty until Vanya came. The place was always closed while Camilla shopped to avoid the paparazzi or random people taking pictures of her. Her life had changed drastically since she starred as the lead actress of a popular series last year. She loved the attention but loathed the lack of privacy.

Now, where was that cheating bastard?

The rug quietened Camilla’s footsteps as she descended the stairs. Her phone was in one hand, the back camera on. She was certain Vanya wasn’t alone. His presence had disrupted her shopping plans. She needed to know why he was here, who his companion was, and how he got access to her favourite spot when she wasn’t done shopping.

Camilla’s phone buzzed in her hand. Faye was calling. She hit the end call button and stopped on a stair as a door flew open on the floor below hers. Vanya entered the large space with the store assistant, and Camilla held back a snort. How dare they let that man in here on her shopping day?

None of them noticed her as she pretended to inspect the trinkets hanging from the wall and railings. Most companies still had their Christmas decorations and Allure Boutique was no different. Her phone vibrated again. She had to answer the call or Faye would keep disturbing her, but that would call attention to her position.

Turning her back to the duo downstairs, she ended the call again and sent a short, apologetic text. Thankfully, Faye replied.

Faye: Vanya wants to meet. Are you free?

Cam: Where is he?

Faye: At home with his mama

Faye: But he wants to meet my best friend. You keep complaining you two haven’t met.

Camilla almost laughed out loud. At home? What a liar. She knew that man couldn’t be trusted.

Cam: I’m free. Text me the address.

Without waiting for her friend’s reply, she turned back to the couple, who had paused in front of a rack. Vanya leaned on the long table while the assistant showed him a range of fabric on the clothes rack. She switched her phone camera back on and tapped on video. She would love to hear him lie his way out of this situation. This might not be enough to cause a breakup now, but it would raise enough suspicions in Faye’s mind. Time would do the rest.

Camilla had only been recording for thirty seconds when Vanya raised his head. A lock of ink black hair fell over his forehead and dipped to his lashes, but he ignored it. Being an actress came with its perks. She kept her cool, still holding out the phone like she wasn’t recording a stranger. He rose to his full height, and the lady stopped talking. Vanya hadn’t looked away yet.

“Sir,” the assistant began, finally noticing Camilla on the stairs. She should have stayed somewhere more concealable.

“Ubiraysya,” Vanya replied, his voice loud and powerful.

Camilla didn’t know what he sounded like, except the few times she overheard her best friend on a call with him. But the panicked look the lady sent her way made shivers rush down her back. Placing a foot on the step behind her, she tried to stay composed as she planned her escape. The camera was still on, recording everything as Vanya stalked towards her like a hunter who had watched his prey for too long and knew its motives.

Vanya stopped on the last step, his lips a thin line as his gaze raked over Camilla from top to bottom. She moved up, but with each step she took, Vanya covered it with two of his. That continued until she was at the top of the stairs while he remained in the middle, her previous spot. She didn’t know how her best friend could look at this menacing face and think him capable of love. But that was the least of her worry now. She had to find an escape..

Satisfied with what she had recorded, she tucked her phone into her purse. Both ends of the hallway had a set of stairs that led to unknown places. She had never explored those areas and couldn’t risk it with Vanya glaring at her like he would slit her throat.

The frowning man stretched his hand to her. “The phone,” he said. “Toss it to me.”

“Excuse you?” Camilla replied. Her eyes ping ponged between the man and potential escape routes. She had to leave. He climbed the steps, and she screamed, “Stop! Do not come any closer. Stop.”

Vanya looked back as the assistant came to a stop behind him. Her mouth opened like she wanted to speak, and Camilla relaxed at the added presence. Vanya wouldn’t do anything silly to her if there was a witness.

But that thought fled her mind the second Vanya muttered, “Get out.” It was said with such authority that made her question if he was an ordinary shopper or someone more. The assistant nodded and fled to the door, and Camilla’s heart thudded so hard she was surprised it didn’t shoot out of her chest. Turning back to her, he said, “Toss.”

No. There was no way she would do that. It had evidence she could use against him. He must have read her expression because he smirked. He adjusted his lapels and tie and smoothed the front of his tailored jacket.

“We will do it your way then, podlyy kot.”

Camilla didn’t wait to find out what those words meant. Only one word echoed in her head. Run. The moment Vanya lifted his foot, she was sprinting down the hallway. 

                   * * *GLOSSARY* * *

     Ubiraysya: Get out

     Podlyy kot: Sneaky cat