After Their Story Began

Chapter 10

Aleksandr's POV

I'm drinking scotch in Vasilios study

"I thought you'd question her more."

"I knew from the moment she walked in you were telling the truth. She carries herself like a true Volkov."

"Well she is one."

"Don't take offense. It's just since she's adopted and a girl I held my doubts about her."

"Doubts? Our line of succession is none of your concern."

"You wanted me as an ally did you not?"

"I do." I confirm

"Then what about Adonis and Adriana?"

"She's already engaged to Tyler Knight. I'm afraid you'd have to discuss that with Elijah."

"What a shame. Then in that case, marry my Mabel."

I choked on my scotch and began coughing

"Good one." I waved him off

"I'm serious. The only way I can turn a blind eye and align myself with you is if you marry and care for my daughter."

"Care for her? I'll pass on that offer but thanks."

"This isn't an offer you can pass on. Your heiress trespassed on my territory and murdered Silas Lombardi. Rumor has it I allowed that. You could have my backing in a war with the Italians or you could risk a war with both of us. We're closer to Russia than your family is. The only ally you have is from the American mafia. While Elijah has allies, we know they won't enter this conflict." He said with an arrogant smirk

"That may be true but you're challenging the two largest mafias. It's no secret that Italian mafias are feuding over territory in Italy and the same is true for mafias in Greece. I have a complete grasp of gangs and smaller families in Russia and the western most parts of neighboring countries. Elijah controls North, Central, and South America. Even the cartel work alongside him. While I'd prefer a peaceful resolution I'm not opposed to using a bit of force." I concluded

"You think it won't be hard to get the French, Spanish, English, or German mafia on our side? Your kid is scary and wild. You can't even keep track of her. It'll be easy to run a sneer campaign against your little owl. She'll have the highest bounty in the mafia world. I know I can't possibly take you head on but I don't have to. I just have to target your kids."

"You really are a shameless coward." I shook my head in disbelief

"As if you'd never threatened a child's life to gain an advantage."

"What are the terms of this marriage?"

"Making your weakness so blatant is dangerous." He warned

"I'm not afraid of war with you nor do I fear you killing my JJ. I'm only considering this because surviving isn't living. I want my kids to have some semblance of a normal childhood. Now tell me the terms of the marriage before I stop caring."

"When do you plan on leaving Greece?"

"Tomorrow morning we plan to fly back to Russia. Since Elijah's father in law doxxed us I felt it safe to move. Once that is finalized we'll return to New York."

"How long will that take?"

"Three weeks."

"I have a home in Volos your family can stay in until your return to New York. They can sightsee and do whatever their Russian hearts desires. You on the other hand must court my Mabel. I expect a proposal in two weeks so we can announce your engagement to the mafia world. From there she will be going with you to New York."

"I have two weeks to propose? You haven't even told me the terms of this agreement."

"Look loving in public, treat her with respect, don't lay your hands on her-"

"I meant what do I gain from this?"

"I'll forgive your daughter's crimes, keep your daughter off the hit list, and get you on better terms with other major European mafia families. We'll also keep you better informed on local conflicts."

"My mafia is well informed."

"There are some things not even your spies know."

"If I agree to this your daughter will not be a mother to my children nor will she have any authority over them. I also will not be sacrificing any time I spend with my kids to be with her. I am a father, mafia leader, and trauma surgeon before I am her fake husband. Are you sure you want to subject your daughter to a life of being sidelined? Even I recognize that's no way to treat a person."

"I'd rather her be emotionally neglected than out and about. She's began rebelling against myself and her mother. I've gotten many requests for her hand so I'd like to marry her off before she stops listening completely. She'd accept the marriage faster if it's with someone closer to her age. I also know you won't lay a hand on her. Just don't get caught cheating."

"I won't stray. Sleeping around poses a risk to her if we're intimidate. I also find cheating to be immature and unnecessary. I'd sooner kill her than cheat."

"You also can't kill or divorce her." He quickly added

"I will under certain conditions."

"Aleksandr" he warned

"I have to protect myself too old man. If she ever poses a threat or imminent danger to my kids, I'll kill her. If she cheats, I'll divorce her. If she compromise anything with my mafia I'll kill her."

"That's fair."

"You two have to conceive to be a recognized marriage."

"Oh perfect! I'm shooting blanks." I grinned

"You have low testosterone?"

"No, my antibodies just attack my sperm."

"Can that be fixed?"

"Theoretically, but I won't. I'm satisfied with my three kids."

"Well I've already forced enough so I'll let this slide." He caved

"How old is she anyways? She looks too young."

"She's turning 25. You just turned 32."

"Yeah that's eight years." I frowned

"I've seen worse."

"I've never been with a younger woman. She's a year younger than my sister."

"I thought she was older."

"I have an adopted younger sister who's 25."

"Mabel is very mature for her age. Being the oldest makes her very responsible."

"I'm sure she is but maturity and age are still two very different things."

"As long as you have a good love story the press won't attack you."

"That's not my concern but whatever. Just give me the key and address to your Volos home. I'll take her out on Friday and get to know her. I'll decide if I want to marry her."

"Glad we could reach and agreement."

•_•

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