๋ก๊ทธ์ธ๊ณต์
1: A Plan Set In Motion
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2025-03-17 19:37:32
๊ด๋ จ ์ฑํฐ
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 2: Taken
AriaThe pizza place was practically empty by the time I got there, dressed in my uniform with a bag slung over my shoulder.I found Teresa behind the counter, chin propped on her fist with the most severe look of boredom I had ever seen.She sighed dramatically with relief, pulling the tie of her apron undone. She chucked it to the side and retrieved a top from inside her ridiculously large purse."Thank god," Teresa muttered as I walked over, turning around and yanking the red polo top over her head.My eyes bulged at her bare back facing me, but I shouldn't have been surprised. She wasn't very shy when it came to her body, Iโd come to realize. "Hello to you too.""It was busier than usual," she said, pulling a light pink top on. "I actually had to serve customers today."By the time I punched in and went over to the counter, she was dressed and applying powder to her face.Teresa was an interesting character. She wasn't one to enjoy work, and she certainly made that abundantly clea
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-18Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 3: Taken II
AriaI suddenly couldn't hear the radio over my racing heart.My throat went dry at the sight of them, frozen and completely unaware of what to do.Power and strength emanated from the men with their guns and dark clothes, and it was nothing short of intimidating.I couldn't move, not when I was nearly surrounded."Put your hands up," one of them barked at me, long black hair curling just above his eyes. It was then that I noticed the pistol in his grasp, along with the man standing next to him that looked like a bigger, meaner version of him.Doing as I was told, I put my hands up.I assumed it was a robbery, even if I couldn't imagine what they would possibly want to steal from a pizza place that averaged two customers in a week. Once again, I wasn't paid enough to defend the place with my life.Whatever they needed me to do, I meant to do it so long as I was left unharmed.While I was dedicated to my work, I wasn't dedicated enough to get hurt over it."Now walk out from behind the
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-18Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 4: Royally Screwed
RomanThe girl didn't put up much of a fight on the way back to my place.She didn't kick, scream, or struggle in any way, to my surprise. There weren't any 'who are you?'s, or 'what do you want with me?'s, nothing. She simply complied and let herself be guided into the SUV. It made me wonder if her father had ever trained her in what to do if she were to be taken. It wasn't an uncommon thing in our world. Maybe she even thought her dad would bust in and save her from us eventually. That wouldn't happen on my watch.The drive home was quiet and somewhat awkward as Teresa sat back there with the blinder over her head. I said nothing as Dimitri drove us back, mulling over the information I needed to get from her.The Espositos were able to hit Nikolai and the other boss before we even knew of them. They had to learn their location somehow, and that meant we likely had a rat that needed to be taken care of.If it took questioning Teresa until she cracked, then so be it. I had a duty to
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-19Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 5: Royally Screwed II
Roman Pinching the bridge of my nose, I felt irritation prick at the surface of my skin. She was playing dumb. She had to be.One couldn't be the child of a mob boss and not know a thing about it. She was withholding, and that needed to change."I have a hard time believing you are this ignorant of your family's scheming. The meetings we conduct are kept between us, and there is no chance your father could find out about it without there being a rat in the middle. You are going to tell me who that is."Teresa glanced between the two of us nervously, still with a look of constant confusion. "I don't know anything, I swear."Tilting my head at her, I narrowed my eyes. "You're lying.""I'm not!" she said, raising her voice slightly. It was the most emotion I had seen from her. "I don't have a clue what you're talking about.""I think I've made myself abundantly clear, but if you need a reminder, then so be it."Motioning toward the bag we grabbed on the way out of the pizza place, I sil
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-19Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 6: Wrong Girl
AriaThe heat lingered in my cheeks, burning at the fact that the intimidating men in front of me had rifled through my things and read my notes. Hearing him mention any of it made me wish a hole would open up beneath me and swallow me whole.But while it was mortifying, I was more lost than anything else.The two huge men exchanged a look through the deafening silence, and a grave expression consumed the one questioning me. The quiet one swallowed hard."You're not Teresa Esposito?" the one asked, brows stitched together.Teresa. They thought I was Teresa.I shook my head, eager to get it all behind me. "No, I'm Aria Carlisle. I just graduated from university, and I work two jobs: at a cafe and the pizza place...""...you're telling me you don't know anything about the Espositos? You have no other association with them?" he asked, pressing further into his questions with disbelief."No, I just work for them," I reiterated, hoping they wouldn't think I was lying.He said Teresa's fat
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-20Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 7: She'll Stay With Meย
RomanIโd messed up beyond anything I could've imagined.The task was so simple. Hit the pizzeria, get the girl, and question her. I couldn't even make it past step two.I could already hear Nikolai in my mind, screaming at me for fumbling something that simple.My only defense was how similar they looked. The pictures we had of the real Teresa made her hair look short and dark like the girl in front of us, but upon further inspection, it seemed the photos were so poor that it was a missed detail. Her hair wasn't short at all. They looked enough alike to use it as an excuse, but I knew my brother wouldn't be quiet long enough to hear it.It was my head on the chopping block next. Valentin's days of scrutiny were behind him, yet it seemed mine were only just beginning."We have to get rid of her," Dimitri said, only sparing the girl a glance.I looked at her from the short distance between us, not afraid to truly look at her. She was captivating even with her wrists bound and fear visi
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-21Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 8: Follow My Rulesย
AriaRomanโthat was his name. The one leading the operation that apparently didn't go according to plan.We were alone, left to sit in silence within the ridiculously nice house. My wrists were still bound, yet the chair was more comfortable than I had expected. It seemed Roman had good taste.There was no escaping the intensity of his eyes. I felt under pressure beneath his gaze, fully aware I was left with the heavily muscled man before me. His voice was laced with a faint Russian accentโthe very thing I found irresistible.He was a walking wet dream and the exact type of guy I had been writing about. From his strong jaw to those stormy eyes and his somewhat longer black curls, he wasโฆgorgeous.I would give anything for a night with someone like him, but with Roman standing in front of me in all his domineering glory, that didn't feel like an option at all.My spine stiffened the moment those fantastical thoughts dissolved and I came back down to reality. Fear sent a shiver down my
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-22Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 9: Follow My Rules II
AriaHis heavy tone grated down my spine, and I nodded. I understood. I didnโt want to die, and I certainly didnโt want to because of not following his rules.I could be careless and dysfunctional at times, but not enough to question his sincerity.He didnโt strike me as someone who said things without meaning them.Shifting uncomfortably under his gaze, I tried to remind myself of the severity of the situation I found myself in. For whatever reason, I couldnโt find it within me to be as terrified as I should be for becoming a prisoner in a strangerโs home. Perhaps I was too desensitized. Perhaps I was too trusting.But he couldโve done as his brother initially suggested. He couldโve gotten rid of me. He couldโve killed me. Instead, he vouched for me and chose to keep me in his home.That was a risk he was taking as well, it seemed.โMy men will grab your things and you can take the guest bedroom.โ Roman turned his back to me and vaguely gestured in the direction he faced. โFollow me.
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-03-23
์ต์ ์ฑํฐ
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย ~Book 4: The Bratva's Wildcard~
When a ruthless Bratva king wins a poker game with more than just money on the table, he walks away with a living, breathing trophyโa girl too young, too defiant, and far too tempting to let go.She wanted revenge. He gave her captivity.Now, locked in his estate with no escape and no allies, sheโs forced to play a new kind of game, one where the stakes are her freedom, her body, and the very heart she swore sheโd never give away.He says sheโs unripe. Untouched. That heโll mold her into the perfect Bratva wife. She hates his arrogance, his icy control, his ability to make her tremble with just a look.But hate is a dangerous game to play...especially when desire blurs the lines.He owns her now. The question isโwill she break free, or beg to stay?
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย A/N
Hey my loves!Iโm beyond grateful for each of you who came along for this ride with Roman and Aria! But donโt get too comfortable, because Book Four is coming up fast and itโs going to be amazing! I canโt wait for you to dive back in!Please let me know what you think so farโIโm always excited to hear your thoughts!๐
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย Epilogueย
- AriaThe bookstore was bustling with people the moment it opened for the evening, and a long line went out the door.The cozy store on the corner lit up the dark street with its warm light, and that fuzzy feeling in my chest was something I had looked forward to since I was a child.Nestled toward the back of the store in bookcases and boxes upon boxes of my own work, I sat, Sharpie in hand while I smiled for my readers.At one point in my life, I never thought Iโd be able to say thatโmy readers. Never thought Iโd have the chance to follow my dreams and just write.But stacks of my novel sat next to me while each person approached my pop-up table with their copies.Roman had put Lyra and Enora in charge of organizing the signing and launch party, but it was no secret that Valentin had his input taken into consideration too.String lights twinkled above my head to make the evening feel even more special. Paired with the free hot drinks and food, the rush of energy in the air, and the
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 41: Congratulations
- RomanMy leg wouldnโt stop shaking from my place in the waiting room chair, nerves completely frayed.I intended on being in the delivery room with Aria, but after seeing her in pain without being able to do anything about it, slicked it sweat and wincing, Iโd flushed.The doctorโs attention shifted to me not far into it, and she told me to take a walk. Not wanting to disobey a good docโs orders, I complied and walked out.I didnโt want to admit to anyone that the thought of witnessing the bloody scene that was to come made me feel woozy, but once the chance to take a break from it arose, I took it.Yet it didnโt make me feel any better about it.I should be in there with her, I thought to myself, fighting a silent battle.I was no stranger to blood or gore. In fact, I had seen the worst of the worst while working, yet it seemed completely brand new to me today.Head in my hands, I closed my eyes and tried to pull myself together.โCouldnโt handle it?โLifting my head, I found Valen
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 40: Safe In His Arms
AriaA pleasant haze consumed me as Roman continued to dote on me, taking the time to carefully wash my hair and free me of that grimy feeling. He even rubbed my neck and shoulders, releasing all the tension left there. His touch was like magic and exactly what I needed.I didnโt realize how tense I had been until all the knots were worked out, and I sat more relaxed in the tub.With my long, even breaths, I felt better than I had in quite some time, in complete awe of Roman and his care. It was like he wanted to make up for lost time, and I didnโt mind one bit.โI could get used to this,โ I sighed, eyes closed as he returned his hands to my neck and didnโt let up.He chuckled quietly from behind me. โDonโt worry, massages will be an often occurrence. You say the word and Iโll get to it, or I could hire someone to set up a massage table for you.โBoth sounded incredibly perfect. I hummed, โDonโt tempt me.โโWhatever you need. Whatever you want, it will be yours,โ Roman promised, dipp
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 39: Stand With You
Aria It felt like having a rock in my gut to finally put that ultimatum on the table, but I knew it needed to be done. I couldnโt sit around and pretend like this baby didnโt exist. Like it wasnโt a critical conversation we needed to have.Roman paused his scrubbing and leaned against the tub, ensuring our eye contact was held. His tone was genuine. โI know that I didnโt react how I shouldโve, but I wonโt miss out on a second of raising our child. You shouldnโt have to face this difficult thing alone. In fact, you donโt need to return to work or your old life. As long as you let me, Iโll stand with you and this baby until my last breath. I will take care of you both.โMy heart swelled at his words, feeling a sort of relief that I hadnโt known in some time. Tears ran down my cheeks as I was overwhelmed by his sincerity.Roman reached out and wiped a tear away with his thumb. He smiled warmly. โI tried so hard to not fall for you. The first time I saw you, I knew it would be nearly imp
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 38: I'm Sorryย
- AriaI never thought I'd miss Roman's house as much as I did until I ended up in that cold basement.The relief I felt upon returning was immense, despite how exhausted I was.I couldn't believe I had been kidnapped again. How had I somehow managed to get caught in the middle of it all? It wasn't ideal, and it certainly wasn't how I had hoped the night would go.But Roman had found me. He risked his life to get me back, and while it didn't fix everything, it was a start.Shaking even as we walked into the warm house, I couldn't seem to get the chill out of my bones.Roman noticed at once, expression riddled with concern. Instead of making me walk another step, he scooped me up in his arms and held me against his chest."Don't worry about anything, I'll draw you a bath."Lacking the energy to fight or say otherwise, I relaxed in his hold, cheek pressed against his warmth.We went down the hall and up the stairs until we reached his master bedroom, to my surprise. I was placed on the
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 37: Blood For Bloodย
Roman He paused, pretending as if he were giving it some consideration. He sucked in air through his teeth. โNo, I donโt think I will. We both know that would never work.โHe wasnโt as stupid as I initially thought. He was right, it would never work. Hence why he wasnโt going to make it out of that basement."We wouldn't be in this standoff if you hadn't walked into our house with your guns drawn," Marco said, expression souring. "For full transparency, you were supposed to wait until we moved her. Until I got my answers and had a little fun. But you just couldn't wait. Why are you the only one who gets to bed your captive? God certainly has His favorites."I clenched the gun in my grasp, losing my patience. "And you can't be killed soon enough."Marco laughed at that, relaxing the blade before securing it against Aria's neck again. She flinched. "You're just mad that I managed to pull off what you failed to do. Teresa had been practically waiting to get abducted. It was the perfect
Kings Of The Bratvaย ย ย 36: Standoffย
- RomanMy gun was aimed at Marco while Dimitri had his pressed against Sal's head, a warning to Marco that his father's life was on the line and that we would waste no time ending it.With his knife pressed against Aria's throat, we were at a standstill.Marco laughed to himself, starting with a low chuckle that built into a full one, amused by it all.It made my blood boil.Aria closed her eyes despite her tears, trying not to move, should she force the blade closer to her skin by accident.Seeing her there, under his mercy, was my worst nightmare. She was innocent to our world, having only exposed herself to it through her novels. Through her passions. Yet, she found herself in the position that no woman in the mafia world wanted to be in. To the Espositos, her capture was nothing more than a tactic to get us to comply, a means of having something over my head. But to me, her being taken meant everything. Her safety meant even more.I hated imagining how scared she was to be taken
