Page 17 of Merciless Union
Nik told me, though, that there are whispers from people upset about my choice. Time will only tell what the outcome will be.
I’m at my wedding venue—a hotel in the heart of Manhattan, where my father and mother were married here. Let’s not mess with tradition—adjusting my cufflinks when Elena barges into my room. As a family, we all share keys to our individual rooms in case of emergencies. But as Elena stands there, hands on her hips, I can tell this isn’t an emergency. It’s just Elena being Elena, dramatic as usual.
“What?” I ask dryly, turning to face her.
She points to the door as Nik lazily strolls into the room. “Ask him.” In a silver, shimmering dress, she looks like the Ice Princess she’s been dubbed. I know she’ll turn a lot of heads tonight. Now that Father is dead and I’m in charge of her, I’ll have to marry her off soon.
I raise an eyebrow and look at Nik.
Smirking, he says, “Your sister is just upset that I didn’t compliment her dress.”
Elena sniffs, turning her nose up. “Like I care about your compliments.”
I look between them. “So, Nik didn’t say you have a nice dress on. What’s the problem?”
“No, he said I’d look better with the dressoff,” she hisses, shooting a glare at Nik, who just leans against the wall, looking smug.
I sigh, shaking my head. “Nik, don’t make those comments to my sister.” I look at her. “And Elena, I’m getting ready to get married in less than an hour. I don’t have time for petty drama.”
She huffs, sitting down on a couch. “Then tell your guard dog to leave me alone.”
“Nik, leave Elena alone.” I turn to her. “There? Happy?”
“Ecstatic,” she says, scrunching up her face in a scowl.
Nik holds up his hands. “I didn’t mean any disrespect. I’m going to go down to the venue. Make sure security is taking things seriously. We don’t need anyone crashing your wedding tonight.”
I give him a nod as he leaves.
Elena scans me. “You look nice.”
“As compared to how I usually look?”
Her lips twitch into the smallest of smiles as she stands up and approaches me, reaching out to straighten my tie. “Yes, actually.” She sighs, looking up at me. “So, this is it. You’re finally getting married.”
“Yes, I am.”
“I just never thought I’d see the day. I always assumed Father would somehow hurt you, maybe even kill you.” She blinks. “I thought I’d get married first.”
I squeeze her arms. “Elena, now that Father’s gone, I’ll see you get married.”
“Truly?” There’s so much hesitant hope in her voice that it makes me sad. Our father really did keep a tight leash on her.
“Yes. Besides, as the sister to the Bratva boss, you’ll have to get married eventually to solidify our power.”
She nods. “Of course. I know what’s expected of me. I’m just happy to be given a chance to help our family.”
Neither of us tries to hug. We’re not particularly touchy-feely siblings. I’m only that way with Kira—and that’s because she needs me so much.
A knock on the doors makes Elena step away, and a moment later, our mother pokes her head inside. “Oh, you look so handsome, Maxim.” She enters the room, her heels clicking on the floor. Kira follows her, wearing a simple blue dress. She’s never been one for frills.
My mother scans me in the same way Elena did—critical, cold, with a hint of warmth. “That girl doesn’t deserve you.”
“Mother, Arina will make a fine match for me. You told me she’s been following your orders with the wedding planning. What’s not to like?”
She keeps those cold eyes on me. “She’s not my daughter. I’ve never cared for outsiders. But I know you must marry her for the safety of our family, so I’ll respect her for that. But that doesn’t mean I have to be nice.”
That’s as good as I’ll get when it comes to my mother.
