“You're going to be the Pakhan of the Lobanov Bratva, Viktor, so man up,” Papa had said. “Your family is your number one priority. After that comes business. Anyone who messes with you messes with the whole of us. So I'm here to train you on how to take over my place, just in case I'm no longer alive. You should count yourself lucky that you have your father with you. Most people learn the hard way without proper guidance, and their greed is what kills them.”
Being a leader was never new to me. Papa made me take rounds of lessons daily. I was home-schooled, alongside my brothers, and Roman seemed to be my only competition.
“If you keep getting grades like that, Roman might be my right-hand man,” Papa said, and this was the origin of my competitiveness. I couldn't let Roman get higher grades than me, nor could I let Konstantin lift bigger weights than I.
I took shooting lessons at 9 am on Sundays and 6 pm on Thursdays. I recall Papa’s voice when he said I should aim at the forehead of the lonely mannequin.
“You have only one chance to make a good shot. So aim, cock the fucking gun, and shoot.”
The bullet hit the chest instead, and Papa was pissed.
“If you don't know how to aim properly, you're dead. You, your brothers, me…the entire Bratva organisation is dead if you don't aim right. Your life depends on the aim.”
Now, a smile on my face, the only thing I could think of was all my brothers coming to the estate to attend my wedding today.
“You should know that you mean a lot to us, but we had to come after we heard what was happening,” said Mikhail. “It's crazy to know that you're getting married to the daughter of Romano.”
Bingo! I knew they wouldn't come without a purpose. Something had to be up for them to come, and in this case, it was Emilia.
“I know what I'm doing, Mikhail,” I replied. Yet he chose to counter.
“We don't marry the collateral brother. It puts us at a higher risk than ever.”
“As I said, I know what I'm doing. It's nothing to worry about. Marrying her adds to my security as well as hers. She becomes untouchable, and this works for me. Besides, no matter what happens, she can't be used against me, which gives me more leverage.”
Silence ensued for a minute.
“Somehow, I suspected that you might pull out this stunt. Sadly, there's nothing we can do about it,” Konstantin muttered.
The footsteps got louder, and I turned to see Dimitri walk towards us, unsmiling. In my heart, I hoped he didn't come with bad news because at this point, anything could happen. I'd already made sure that everything was in place. The number of invitations should match the number of seats. In this way, I'll get to know the uninvited guests and also get to know if they're friends or foes.
“Is everything alright, Dimitri?”
“Yes, everything's fine. I came here to remind you that your wedding commences in an hour, boss.”
“We should get going then,” I said.
Dimitri turned back and walked away. Mikhail gave me a quick glance and said, “I don't know what you're really up to, but I know how much you've stood to defend us. You're the honor of the Bratva family, Vik, and your safety is our major concern. Congratulations, brother.” He stretched out his right hand, and I shook it. The rest did the same, and we gathered round in a big hug.
I missed this. With all the stress I had to undergo because of Senator Romano, my brother's presence brought a form of relief. They were my blood and the only family I could trust a hundred percent. I'd kill for them, you know. But I sure believe that it would be a waste of position to die for them when my sole job is to keep them safe.
The wedding took place in the garden of the estate, in the large space behind the fountain. My guards were present, and I ensured that the individuals in attendance were small. Regardless, it was as though only my boys filled the place. Dmitri and Konstantin were my best men. They flashed their guns, which were tucked into their belts, and the priest stood for a minute as we waited for the arrival of the bride.
We stood for almost ten minutes before she came. She didn't smile or show any trace of happiness. The way she stared at me made me know that if she had possession of a gun, she'd shoot me. But I didn't mind that. All I wanted to do was take hold of her because she was my possession.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to witness the union of Viktor Lobanov and Emilia Romano in holy matrimony,” the priest announced. “You both can say your vows before we go straight into the exchange of rings.”
His courteous gaze on me was the only cue I needed.
“I, Viktor Lobanov, vow to be your guardian and husband. I vow to protect you and provide for all your needs, no matter the cost. I vow to be loyal and true, and I vow to do right by you.”
“It's your turn, Emilia,” the priest said, yet she stood silent.
Emilia's mouth tightened, her eyes intent on mine as she said her vows.
Dimitri walked up with an open Bible, and the priest took out two diamond rings, which were placed in its center. I held Emilia's hands, and I could swear I'd never felt a softer palm before. I slid the ring onto her finger, and she mirrored my action.
The defiance I expected didn’t come. Her voice didn’t falter as she said the vows, nor did she show the tiniest sign of fear or even reluctance as she slid my ring down my finger.
