"And I love you, Ptichka," he replied, covering her hand with his own.
They savored the moment as their children took to the dance floor for their first dance as married couples. They surprised their parents by joining hands in a circle and performing a traditional Russian folk dance, prompting heartfelt applause from onlookers, especially the old-timers in the crowd. It was a beautiful sight, how their children honored their Bratva heritage.
Everything about the day was exceptional, a perfect celebration of new beginnings. Until the gunshots rang out …
Chapter One
Eight Hours Earlier
"Mom, this dress is too fucking tight!"
Kathleen melted a little whenever Natasha called her 'Mom'. When Natasha's father was murdered, the Glazovs had brought her into their family and raised her as if she were their own.
From the moment their eldest son, Nikita, had seen her, he had loved her. And in turn, Natasha beat up any little girl who dared to get near him. It didn't take long for outsiders to get the message to stay away from Nikita. From an early age, they had made it clear to the world that the other wasn't available, either for friendship or for love. Their connection was absolute, and closed off to outsiders who didn't understand their Bratva way of life.
Her father's murder had been a bloody mess, the culmination of years of betrayal by her drug-addicted mother. The killers had meant to send a message to Kathleen's husband. Glazov privately grieved the loss of his friend but did not allow himself the unnecessary sentiment of guilt. Everyone in the organization understood and accepted the risks as well as the rewards of being Bratva. He was, however, a man of action and had loved his friend; taking Natasha in was his way of honoring his fallen friend and colleague.
After enduring such a loss, Natasha was forced to grow up faster than most. Suffering will do that to you. Kathleen supposed all Nikita and Natasha had left that was good and pure was each other. They had held on to the dream of this day, and it appeared, at least for today, that sometimes dreams did come true.
Nothing in their world was done in a mediocre fashion; it was all or nothing. Kathleen had seen her share of bloodshed since her introduction to the Bratva life all those years ago, but she'd also seen love, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds. They were a family forged in fire, bound by blood, and born Bratva.
"Natasha, that mouth of yours … I swear. I think we both know why the dress is too tight. Speaking of that, you do know the baby can hear everything you're saying, right?"
"Then he should fit right in with this family."
"He? And how can you be so sure?"
"It's only fitting that the Bratva gods give us a son-he's the firstborn grandchild to carry the Glazov name."
"You sound like Glazov with all that 'Bratva gods' talk," Kathleen muttered.
"Mom," she turned and eyed Kathleen solemnly, "you haven't said anything to him, have you?"
"No, love, it isn't my place to tell Glazov he's going to be a grandfather. You are putting me in a situation though. You know how he is and he isn't going to be happy about us keeping it from him." Her heart raced at the thought of the delicious consequences she could expect at her husband's hands.
"I just want to get through today. I swear, I've been more stressed about this wedding than I've ever been about my job. And that's saying something."
"Speaking of your job, you're going to have to tell him soon because he's going to have to call in a cleaner from Russia."
"Really? I was hoping there wouldn't be any bodies or crime scenes to clean up, with us going into the diamond business."
"Don't be naïve, dear," Kathleen said as she fussed with Natasha's veil. "There will be a season of bloodshed. God pity the soul who assumes Glazov has gone soft. My husband will make an example of them to the world to show that he is anything but."
"Well, we both know no one can strike fear in the hearts of men like the Pakhan can."
"And the Pakhan does enjoy his work." Satisfied with the flawless position of the gossamer fabric, Kathleen rested her hands on Natasha's arms, giving her a happy squeeze as she smiled at their reflection in the gilded cheval mirror. "You're right, darling, let's just get through today. I want to enjoy the celebration of my children getting married. If I've learned anything on this journey it's to enjoy the moment."