LOGINShare
18: Paranoia
Last Updated:
2025-03-04 23:41:11
Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2025-03-05Kings 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-07Kings Of The Bratva 21: Betrothed?
LyraI was surprised by how smoothly life had been ever since Valentin explained himself.The weeks had gone by, and we were doing better than we ever had. We were in a good place, co-parenting Charlie and working on understanding one another better. I was glad, and we were happy.I even noticed a difference in our son since his father came into our lives. He had always been a good kid, but his excitement and joy were contagious. Whenever he had the chance, Valentin spent time with him and took him places, always looking to expose him to new experiences.He seemed to flourish, and I enjoyed watching them interact with one another. Seeing his effort first-hand was everything I had hoped for.Padding down the hall and into the kitchen, I saw it was nine in the morning, and the condo was suspiciously quiet.A sticky note on the counter caught my attention, and I reached for it.It was from Valentin, letting me know that Charlie was with Enora and Liliya for the day. He was at work, and
Last Updated : 2025-03-08Kings Of The Bratva 22: Interrogation
ValentinTensions were high in the warehouse. Our captive from the ambush was bound to his chair in the middle of the room, blood dripping from his broken nose. His breath shallowed, glancing between us lazily.Nikolai and Dimitri stood before him, with the latter’s knuckles already stained crimson. He flexed his fingers, unbothered by the hits he had already given him.“What’s your name?” Nikolai asked, looking at him with a neutral expression.The man hesitated, then grit through his teeth, “Enzo.”“Well, Enzo, consider yourself lucky that you might just be useful to us,” he murmured, pacing in front of him slowly. “But the moment that stops, we won’t hesitate to send a message.”All it took was a glance in Dimitri’s direction, and he swung, hitting his face with a sickening sound.Enzo recoiled in his chair, taking full force without any other choice. He grunted from the impact, chest heaving. Blood seeped into his mouth, and he spat to the side, breathing hoarsely through the pain
Last Updated : 2025-03-08Kings Of The Bratva 23: Your Wife's Fault
Valentin More disbelief flooded my system at that, wondering what he could possibly be on about. Things between me and Lyra had been perfect. We found a mutual understanding, and I had been working to fix things between us.Our sex life had been mind-blowing, and it felt like we were taking steps in the right direction.There was no way she had been texting anyone behind my back. I would’ve known. She wouldn’t dare.“That’s impossible,” I grumbled beneath my breath, aware of the dread that loomed above me, waiting to strike. I fished my phone out of my pocket and clicked through my apps.“What are you doing?” Nikolai asked in a hushed tone, glancing at my phone.“Making sure this rat isn’t telling the truth, or else he’ll be wearing a bullet in his head.”“It is the truth,” Enzo added, eyes filling with concern. “I have no reason to say otherwise.”“Shut up,” Dimitri growled, slapping the captive with the butt of his gun.The man yelped in pain, shoulders slumped as he breathed deepl
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Kings Of The Bratva 24: Deemed A Traitor
LyraPacing the length of the living room, I debated texting Valentin then and there. I had to warn him before anything happened—before he could be injured or killed. The thought gripped the back of my neck like an icy hand, and regret flooded my chest.Even if I hated him for what he did and for agreeing to the marriage pact, I never would’ve wanted that for him at his worst. He didn’t deserve to be hunted down by someone I didn’t even know.He was the father of my child, and we had gotten so far with our unorthodox relationship. Everything had been perfect, except for my inability to tell him about the unknown number. We had started to trust one another again, and I was sure I had ruined it immediately.Our time together had reignited those old feelings I had for Valentin, and I had to fix things before they got worse.Unable to handle the thought of waiting any longer, my hand shook as I pulled out my cell phone and pressed his contact.Before I could type anything, the door slamme
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Kings Of The Bratva 25: Locked Away
LyraI never thought I’d ever see the inside of my childhood bedroom again, but it turned into my makeshift prison.Valentin said he wasn’t my jailor, but he gave that responsibility to my father instead.The driver brought me back to Philly and handed me back to my dad as if I had never been married to Valentin in the first place. Beyond unworthy of even my apparent husband’s presence. They were worried I was still a threat to their empire, keeping me as far away from it as possible, thanks to my apparent betLyral.It made me worry he was working toward getting a divorce.Worst of all, I was kept away from Charlie. No matter how I shouted and screamed, nobody would bring my baby to me.Being separated from my son was the hardest part. It tore me up inside, leaving my cheeks stained and eyes dry from crying so much. Even if my marriage was ruined, I just wanted my boy. I had never been away from him for so long, and it was killing me.If everything else was lost, I at least wanted to
Last Updated : 2025-03-10Kings Of The Bratva 26: The Pact
LyraCarefully, Dad crossed the room and sat against the edge of the bed, offering me my space still. “For making you choose such a difficult decision at your age without asking for the full picture. And for wagering your hand to advance my position in New York. This isn’t an excuse, but I did it for our family.“I know it only drove a wedge between us, and it hurt me every day to know you were out there on your own because of me, just as it was when I married you off to Valentin. You are right. It was all because of me, but I only hope you can see things from my perspective too.”“It hurt when you wanted me to abort my child,” I managed to say through the tears. “I needed your support, and you tore it away from me. I was prepared to never forgive you for it.”Dad nodded, cloaked by his own sadness that surprised me. “You have every reason to be angry with me. You don’t owe me forgiveness, but I hope one day I may earn it again.”The thought of simply letting go of everything that had
Last Updated : 2025-03-10
Latest chapter
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
