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12: I Have No Expectations

Penulis: Angelina
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-28 04:39:27

Valentin

The neck of the bottle was mostly gone by the time the door opened, revealing Lyra escorted by a few of our men. She entered the room hesitantly as the guards nodded once and retreated to the hall, closing the door behind them.

Standing there with her arms folded in front of herself, she cleared her throat awkwardly, not fully looking at me. She was still wearing the dress I had picked out for her, even if she didn’t know that part.

Aware of the stagnant air between us, I chuckled to myself and dropped down into one of the seats. The cushion eased with a sigh beneath my weight, giving me relief from being on my feet during the ceremony.

“It seems fate has brought us together again.”

Lyra only pulled a small smile. I could feel her hesitance from across the room.

“Sit,” I murmured, gesturing vaguely toward the other chair.

Wordlessly, she did exactly that, gliding across the floor with her elegance. She took her seat opposite me and glanced around the room.

Sighing to myself,
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  • Kings Of The Bratva   13: We're Not Done Yet

    LyraShock consumed me immediately, causing me to freeze in my place.I wasn’t expecting Valentin to kiss me. I thought he would ignore me, not laying a hand on me the entire night.But the feeling of his mouth against mine reignited that dormant lust—the memory of what used to be between us.Unable to fight it, I melted into the kiss, allowing his arms to wrap around me as he pulled us impossibly close. The feeling of his muscled physique beneath my palms was enough to have my body pulsing for him.He wasted no time showing me just how badly he wanted it, squeezing and caressing me everywhere he could.As our lips moved feverishly, he gripped the material of my dress and eased it down, done thanks easily to the zipper being down already. I gasped the moment he pawed at my chest, groaning into our embrace like he was returning home at last.As if by instinct, my body knew how to react to his, awakened by his touch. The want I had for him swam warmly in my system, begging to be taken

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-01
  • Kings Of The Bratva   14: Strange texts

    LyraMoving day was a strange experience, but at least everything had been done for us. Valentin had sent some of his men to Port Hope to gather some of our belongings, but we didn’t have much, to begin with.The condo was in New York, as anticipated, and it was ridiculously lavish, yet surprisingly comfortable. Coming from a rich family, Valentin had multiple different homes at one time, and I had never seen this place when we were together.“New digs?” I asked, walking in with my arms crossed entwined with my son's. Charlie followed, not entirely sure about what was happening.“It’s not the one you remember because I sold that place and all the others I had,” Valentin returned simply, taking Charlie’s hand while he guided us through the beautifully decorated space. “And if you’re curious, this is now the only place I own.”I hummed my response, surprisingly satisfied by the answer.More homes meant more places to bring other women to, I thought to myself. It was a strange sort of r

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-01
  • Kings Of The Bratva   15: Ambushed

    ValentinA week had already gone by since the wedding, and I still couldn’t wrap my head around it all.Our new life together wasn’t how I had imagined it at all. While we had ground-breaking sex during our quick honeymoon, nothing else evolved from it in the days that followed. We were exes with a son, forced to come together. We were married, but not exactly lovers. Or even friends, for that matter.It was a difficult territory to tread, and I didn’t know how to act or what to say around her.A part of me wanted to not only be a good father for my son but to be a good husband as well, but I wasn’t so sure Lyra wanted that.I was beginning to look past how she had kept our child from me, but just when I felt like I was over it, that resentment came creeping back in. Not to mention, her occasional warning looks seemed like a clear sign not to get too close yet.She was still angry with me; that much was clear.But even if that was all true, I didn’t want to walk on eggshells forever

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
  • Kings Of The Bratva   16: His Wife's Warmth

    It was after midnight by the time I walked into the condo, moving as quietly as I could. My head pounded, and ears rang from the royal scolding I received from my eldest brother for being incompetent and unprepared enough to lose not only the money but the drugs too.It was a complete loss for us, all at my hands, for not being able to defend what was ours.Exhausted, I had hoped to drag myself into the shower and let it wash away the blood, but I was surprised to find Lyra still awake and reading in the living room.Her head lifted at the sound of me walking in, and the moment our eyes met, hers grew twice the size. Concern flooded her face, and she stood up, tossing the book to the side.“Valentin, what happened to you?”“It was nothing,” I said out of instinct, dismissing the terrible day I had. “Why are you still awake?”“You were gone, and I couldn’t sleep,” she murmured, already face-to-face with me. “But that doesn’t matter. You’re covered in blood—let me take care of it.”Whil

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-03
  • Kings Of The Bratva   17: Halloween Prep

    LyraTime had been a blur since Valentin was injured, and two weeks came and went.I was surprised by how worried it made me. I knew he and his brothers had invested in a dangerous lifestyle, yet I couldn’t help but stress over his safety.I didn’t want our son to see his father in such a state, wondering if a day might come when a bullet lands in the right spot or if someone decides he has wronged them. Anything could happen in their business, and it felt impossible to be passive about it.As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I didn’t want to see him that way either, afraid the next time might be the end.Even if the feelings came from a once dormant place, I resented how I cared for him even after things didn’t end as amicably for us as they could’ve.No matter what happened between us, we had a son together, and that meant I had a stronger vested interest in him surviving his dealings.Despite the blinds being drawn in our bedroom, the vague light leaking through had stirred me f

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • Kings Of The Bratva   18: Paranoia

    Lyra By the time I finished breakfast, Valentin left to take care of business, and he dropped Charlie off at Enora and Nikolai’s house for their playdate.Surprisingly, it was refreshing to be out in the city on my own—aside from the bodyguard that trailed me the entire time—and left alone to browse as I wanted.Having one of Valentin’s men with me the entire time started to get on my nerves, but I didn’t say anything about it since it had been one of the few things Valentin asked of me. It was the least I could do.Perusing a cute boutique with an endless supply of dresses, I got lost in the music and the peace of having time for myself. It was a much-needed time away from everything that had happened in the last while.Just as I draped a black dress over my arm that looked perfect for what I had in mind, my phone dinged from inside my clutch—one that Valentin chose with his endless knowledge of high fashion.Digging my cell out, a chill moved down my spine the moment the screen lit

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • Kings Of The Bratva   19: Opening Up

    ValentinI had never been one to take much pride in celebrating holidays beyond drinking my weight in vodka and whiskey, but it was difficult to think about anything other than going trick-or-treating for the first time with my son.Getting him ready for the night out sparked more of that excitement, and seeing him so content about his costume made it all worth it.He was a joy to be around. He became the light of my life in no time at all, and I couldn’t be happier as a father.Charlie’s costume was already on while he ran around the condo, exclaiming about how badly he wanted to go get some candy. I slipped my cape on and put the fake teeth in, ready to go as a vampire.It had been a last-minute idea since I had been more focused on what our son was going as.The two of us waited in the living room with Charlie’s pumpkin-shaped container, waiting on Lyra. A Halloween film played on the tv, half keeping our attention.“How do I look?”Glancing up at her, I was stunned the moment I la

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-05
  • Kings Of The Bratva   20: Proving Himself

    LyraThe feeling of his lips against mine was enough to make my knees weak, forgetting all the previous grievances I once had with him. While I wasn’t one to forgive so easily, the sincerity in his eyes was enough to convince me of just how sorry he truly had been.The way he melded our mouths together like it was the first time helped too.Pressed against him, he wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled away just enough to murmur against my lips, “You are more than I deserve, and I know that. I will never forget it. But you are my wife, and I mean to work at proving myself to you.”Swallowing against the dryness in my throat, a familiar pulse returned between my legs, dissolving every ounce of resolve I ever had. That resistance was gone, and my body knew exactly what I wanted.His palms glided up and down my back while his minty breath fanned my lips. “It didn’t take me long to fall for you the first time, and those feelings never truly went away. Let me show you just how badly

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07

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  • Kings Of The Bratva   ~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 trophy—a 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, she’s forced to play a new kind of game, one where the stakes are her freedom, her body, and the very heart she swore she’d never give away.He says she’s unripe. Untouched. That he’ll 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 is—will she break free, or beg to stay?

  • Kings Of The Bratva   A/N

    Hey my loves!I’m beyond grateful for each of you who came along for this ride with Roman and Aria! But don’t get too comfortable, because Book Four is coming up fast and it’s going to be amazing! I can’t wait for you to dive back in!Please let me know what you think so far–I’m always excited to hear your thoughts!💕

  • Kings Of The Bratva   Epilogue 

    - 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 I’d be able to say that—my readers. Never thought I’d 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 Bratva   41: Congratulations

    - RomanMy leg wouldn’t 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, I’d flushed.The doctor’s attention shifted to me not far into it, and she told me to take a walk. Not wanting to disobey a good doc’s orders, I complied and walked out.I didn’t 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 didn’t 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.“Couldn’t handle it?”Lifting my head, I found Valen

  • Kings Of The Bratva   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 didn’t 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 didn’t mind one bit.“I could get used to this,” I sighed, eyes closed as he returned his hands to my neck and didn’t let up.He chuckled quietly from behind me. “Don’t worry, massages will be an often occurrence. You say the word and I’ll get to it, or I could hire someone to set up a massage table for you.”Both sounded incredibly perfect. I hummed, “Don’t tempt me.”“Whatever you need. Whatever you want, it will be yours,” Roman promised, dipp

  • Kings Of The Bratva   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 couldn’t sit around and pretend like this baby didn’t exist. Like it wasn’t 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. “I know that I didn’t react how I should’ve, but I won’t miss out on a second of raising our child. You shouldn’t have to face this difficult thing alone. In fact, you don’t need to return to work or your old life. As long as you let me, I’ll stand with you and this baby until my last breath. I will take care of you both.”My heart swelled at his words, feeling a sort of relief that I hadn’t 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. “I tried so hard to not fall for you. The first time I saw you, I knew it would be nearly imp

  • Kings Of The Bratva   38: I'm Sorry 

    - 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 Bratva   37: Blood For Blood 

    Roman He paused, pretending as if he were giving it some consideration. He sucked in air through his teeth. “No, I don’t think I will. We both know that would never work.”He wasn’t as stupid as I initially thought. He was right, it would never work. Hence why he wasn’t 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 Bratva   36: Standoff 

    - 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

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