“Will you be coming with me to approve?” I ask curiously. It could be an opportunity to source more information.
Ivan snorts and finally releases Leonid who struggles getting back for air. “Not my area of expertise. My mother, Arina, will meet you there and help you pick out what you need. She’s familiar with what I like and the kinds of events that I attend.” He walks off, and I shiver slightly when I see Leonid looking at me as though he’d like to murder me.
I try to ignore him and get changed before I meet Aleks at the elevator to be escorted to the stores. I’m nervous about meeting Arina. She was at the wedding, but we didn’t say a word to each other. She’s a rather severe-looking woman who scared the shit out of me.
The car ride there is in absolute silence. I’m almost tempted to ask the driver to put the radio on, but it’ll probably be a Russian radio station or something. We arrive on Fifth Avenue, and I know we’re going boutique shopping. My family loves shopping on Fifth Avenue, and while I’ve found decent work clothes here, I’ve never branched out into formal wear for events.
Aleks escorts me into the store and leads me to the woman I recognize as Arina.
“Moy rebenok,” she says and gives me a warm smile, easing my nerves. I must look confused because she chuckles and explains, “It means, my child because that is what you are now. Ivan explained that you need some formal wear for some of the events he is attending. I hope you don’t mind if I help. I couldn’t resist getting to know my daughter. Ivan’s first wife was like a daughter to me for the longest time, and I miss having a woman to do things with.”
Although I am hesitant, I feel a slight warmth in my heart and quickly say, “Of course, I am looking forward to getting to know you as well.”
“Ivan told me your size, and I have selected a few modest but beautiful dresses with accessories for you to try, but if you don’t like them, you must say so because I want you to be comfortable. Nothing worse than attending these snotty events and feeling uncomfortable the entire evening.”
“What kind of events would we attend?” I ask.
“Premiers, theater, formal charity balls,” she explains, leading me to the dressing room. “Ivan donates a lot to charity. He’s a good child.”
I hesitate, and she laughs. “I know what man my son is, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t good in him.”
I feel so awkward, I hate social situations so I quickly nod. “Sorry, I meant no offense.”
“It was my husband's wish for Ivan to take over the family,” she says as she pulls back the curtain and closes it behind us. “Not mine. I wanted him to be a big-shot accountant or investor.”
I smile because that is such a typical mother thing to want, and mothers are not typical in families like ours. She points to the pile of clothes she’s had laid out for me. “If they are uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to say so. There’s nothing worse than going out for hours in something you’re not comfortable in.” She repeats.
“Thank you, you’re so kind,” I say, and I mean it. I like her a lot. If there’s going to be anyone in this family I like, it will be her.
We start to try on the clothes, and aside from adjusting a size up and down here and there, they are very comfortable, and I have to admit they make me look exceptional in a way I’ve never seen myself. It makes me feel a bit more confident. I know I look beautiful.
The accessories are just as stunning. She’d chosen white-gold jewelry with sapphire stones which brings out my eyes. I almost sparkle.
All in all, I had a ton of fun, and I don’t even know why I was nervous, to begin with, because she is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met. For a moment, I feel a pang of guilt because I know my plan is to overturn her family. I try to push the feeling away and not think about it because I know it won’t do me any good.
When we’re done and ready to go, she pays for everything despite my protests. I blush and fumble over my words. “Ivan gave me a card.”
“A mother should be able to spoil her daughter,” Arina says kindly as she pays. “Besides, it’s probably from the same account anyway.”
I smile, and we walk out of the store. She hugs me around my packages. “You’re going to do fine. I’ll see you soon.”
“Thank you for everything,” I say genuinely. “I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.”
She pats my face with her hand and walks away with her bodyguards. Mine load my packages into the car as I climb in, relaxing back as we drive to the apartment.
Without any warning, a car suddenly hits ours from the side, t-boning us. Our tires squeal as the driver tries to maintain control. There are suddenly bullets flying through the air and they shatter the window next to me. The guard yells at me to get down and I listen. There is fire from both sides and I keep my hands over my ears and wait for it to be over, annoyed at feeling so useless, but also scared the other side would win and kill me. When the bullets stop firing, I feel the car moving again, fast, and I glance up shakily, “Is it over?”
“For now,” the guard comments, “They were clearly out for blood, though. We must report this to Pakhan.”
When we arrive at the apartment I take my parcels upstairs, and the guard stands at the door, staying there while I walk in. I glance around, but I don’t see Ivan anywhere. I feel shaky though and just want to wash the glass out of my hair. I see his brother is there, Leonid, and as he looks at me, I see a raged-fueled hate that makes me deeply uneasy.
“Wasting money on shit already?” he sneers, walking toward me. He grabs a dress from one of the bags, holds it up, and then tosses it at me. I put my packages down and put the dress back.
“Ivan arranged it,” I say quietly, unsure how safe I am, “We were attacked.”
Leonid steps toward me, and I back right into a corner. He takes my chin into his hand and presses it with much pressure, so I am forced to look at him. “I know you’re going to fuck over my family. I don’t trust you to handle anything for us. Your family probably arranged that attack to make you seem innocent.”
“Ivan trusts me.” I try to sound steady, but my voice trembles. The door opens, and Evgeni, Ivan’s cousin, walks in. Leonid quickly backs off from me. I don’t waste a moment as I grab my packages and flee to the bedroom, shutting the door behind me.