Mafia Bloodlines

Chapter 27

Three weeks later
Faina's pov

I hate him, Ambrose Kravaritis is the most annoying, most controlling and despicable person I have ever met. I don't even understand how his mind works. Giving me an ultimatum, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I am
His prisoner and all that he expects of me. Who would have thought that at just sixteen I would be married to the Greek mafia don, a supposed mother to a four year old girl and separated from my family.

Ambrose said I should forget I ever had a family because the only way he would ever let me meet them or contact them is if he trusts me- he said it would be a cold day in hell before that ever happens. I think about them a lot, Mama, Ulyana, my brothers who I did not think I would miss so much, even Valentino. My mind then drifts to Vladimir, I can't understand how he could have killed Mikhail. He would always call him brother with so much pride, I was witness to all they were willing to do for each other. I mean Mikhail led me to believe he had no feelings for me and swore he would never pursue me despite what he felt for me, all of that for Vladimir. Mikhail's loyalties were with Vladimir, Vladimir is ruthless and cold-hearted. It makes me wonder if he did that to his" brother" ,what would he have done to me? Did he kill Mikhail because he thought he was protecting me or was it for his own ego? Could blood truly have been thicker than water?

I stood in front of the mirror, staring blankly at my reflection. Sevilla, bustled around me, expertly styling my hair and applying my makeup.

"Sevilla, how angry would Ambrose be if I don't show up at the party?" I said, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.

"You have to, Faina. Don't make him angry, Mr Kravaritis expects you to show up, the entire party is to introduce you to society. Besides, you look stunning. You'll be the belle of the ball, I'm sure." Sevilla's expression was sympathetic as she spoke.

I sighed, feeling like a pawn in Ambrose's game. But I knew I had no choice. I had to play the role of the dutiful wife, at least for now. All I need to do is gain his trust, make him believe he has won and then he will let his guard down. That's when I will run away and he will never see me again, no scratch that he will see me after my escape once Im about to kill him.

Sevilla helped me into a body-hugging, long dress that showcased my curves. The open back stopped just above my butt.

"You look amazing, Faina. My Kravaritis won't be able to take his eye off you. "Seville said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help feeling a twinge of pride. I did look good, if I did say so myself.
As we made our way downstairs, I could hear the sound of laughter and music drifting from the living room. Ambrose's party was in full swing. I walked down the imperial staircase, gracefully. Ambrose gazed until eternity, he then extended his hand and I took it. Not before making sure to dig my nails deep into his skin while taking his hand. He groaned slightly but kept his smile.

" Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please! This is my wife, Faina Kravaritis who is now the Greek mafia Donna. I expect everyone to give her all due respect, she is the queen of my house." He said, introducing me to the crowd. I scoffed when he mentioned that I was the queen of his house, it was more like I was his hamster. Always in a cage , running on a wheel, going nowhere. He thinks he's given me this grand life, but really, I'm just a prisoner in a gilded cage. He controls everything every move I make. I'm just a puppet on strings, and he's the master pulling the marionette. The worst part is, he thinks he's doing me a favor by making me his "wife "and the mother of his daughter but the truth is, I was happy before I met him. I had my family, my friends, my freedom. Now, I have nothing but this cold, empty mansion and the constant feeling of being trapped.

As Ambrose and I mingled with the guests, I couldn't help but notice the way the men looked at me. They gazed at me with desire and lust, their eyes lingering on my curves Ambrose looked... possessive, his gaze roaming over me like I was his personal property.

But whenever they got too close, Ambrose wrapped his arm possessively around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

As the vibrant rhythms of the Cha Cha Cha filled the room, Ambrose and I took to the dance floor, our bodies moving in perfect sync. Ambrose's strong lead guided me through the lively steps, our hips swaying and feet tapping out the infectious beat.

My slender frame seemed to come alive in Ambrose's arms, my movements fluid and sensual.

Ambrose's dark eyes gleaming with intensity, responded with a commanding presence, his broad shoulders and chiseled features exuding an aura of power and control. His hands, strong and sure.But then, in a flash of movement, Ambrose's foot came down hard on mine, his eyes glinting with a hint of satisfaction. I stumbled a bit because of the impact on my foot, geez I was wearing such high heels, I could have fallen. Couldn't he wait till the party was over? I stopped dancing and got out of his hold.

He'd smile and chat with the guest but his eyes would flash with a warning, and the men would back off, intimidated. It was like he was marking his territory, staking his claim on me. And as the night wore on, I felt like I was trapped in a gilded cage, with Ambrose as my keeper. This is going to be a long year, or lifetime if I do pass the ultimatum.