Page 64 of The Russian's Bought Bride

“Nikolai!” she says dramatically, standing up the moment she has the chance to give me a proper hug. Her long, sleek black hair sways as she does. “You remembered you have family, how sweet.”

“I regret correcting that mistake already.”

“Too late, no take-backs.” She grins unapologetically before her attention swings immediately toward Danielle, sharp eyes assessing like she’s deciding if this one is prey or something sweeter. “And this must be Danielle.”

Dani stiffens slightly beside me, and her hesitation is completely called for.

Meeting Bratva family members probably wasn’t part of her life plan, and these ones specifically are a little more intense, even compared to the rest of us.

Artem is the head of his group, and unlike most, he keeps Vera close at hand and relies on her advice more often than not. She’s the second oldest and a leader in her own right, which gives her plenty of sway, and Artem the level-headed guidance he needs when his temper gets the best of him.

She knows the ins and outs of the business, and while intimidating enough to hold her own, she has a softer heart than one would expect. It makes her perfect for handling PR when things get messy.

“Danielle,” I say quietly, gesturing to them both, “these are my cousins, Artem and Vera.”

Artem inclines his head politely. “Nice to finally meet the woman causing so much trouble.”

Danielle blinks, apparently unsure if she should be offended or terrified. “Excuse me?”

“Not you specifically,” he clarifies smoothly, expression as welcoming as he can manage. He gestures toward me with his drink. “Mostly him.”

To my surprise, Dani huffs a small laugh, even if it’s a bit shaky around the edges.

Without hesitating, Vera apparently makes her assessment and pounces on the opening.

“Oh, thank God,” she says dramatically, linking an arm through Danielle’s before she can react, almost cat-like in her movements. “Someone else around here who understands Nikolai is unbearably uptight.”

“Vera,” I warn, well aware of how she can be at times.

Getting Dani back from her will be like trying to save a small animal from an anaconda’s clutches.

“What? I’m bonding.” She hums innocently, already attempting to pull her away.

Dani looks startled by the sudden affection, but some of the tension leaves her shoulders as Vera effortlessly draws her toward the steps overlooking the lower stage area.

“Come, come. There’s a live violinist downstairs, and I refuse to suffer even a minute of logistics being discussed.”

“That’s not what we’re discussing,” I mutter.

Vera gives me a look over her shoulder, unrepentant. “I hear enough details every day…I need one night of peace.”

Then she sweeps Dani away before I can stop her, forcing me to watch them disappear into the crowd for a moment longer than necessary.

Artem notices immediately, and he chuckles to himself before taking his seat again.

“You’re fucked,” he says mildly, sipping his whiskey slowly while keeping his eyes on me.

Sitting across from him, I scoff under my breath. “Good evening to you, too.”

“You brought her around family.”

“And?” I ask, making it sound like no big deal, even if it absolutely is. I’m not one to bring anyone around. “I needed to meet with you.”

“You could’ve left her home.”

“She needed out of the house.”

The answer comes too quickly, and Artem’s mouth curves knowingly in response.