Ring Of Truth by Deborah Garland EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available for Free Download
- Authors: Deborah Garland
- Language: English
- Genre: Mafia Romance eBooks
- Format: PDF / EPUB
- Size: 4.4 MB
- Price: Free
Anastasia (Stasia) Koslov – Two and a half years
earlier
“You are to marry him and that is it, Anastasia,” my father barks.
His cold, blue eyes narrow into beady slits. He practically
salivates, hungry with power thinking of how my arranged marriage
will benefit him.
“But Papa, I—”
“Silence! You are twenty-one. I promised your mother I would wait until
now.”
I should be grateful he didn’t sell me at age ten like the Bratva bosses
back in Russia.
I was born in the homeland, but Papa moved us—Mother, my brothers,
and me—here to Astoria when we were younger.
“You also promised her I could choose my husband,” I bravely talk back.
I didn’t go to college. My father kept me as his showpiece, parading me
around at fundraisers in fancy dresses and high heels.
Now I know why.
“I am Pakhan, and you will marry who I tell you to.” Papa turns back to
his desk, stopping to stare at the photos of my brothers.
Remembrances of Alexovich and Sasha line the walls of his dark-paneled
office that smells of Turkish cigarette smoke.
After they were gunned down on a train ten years ago, Mother overdosed
on sleeping pills, leaving me with Papa.
“When am I getting married?” I clench my stomach, afraid I’ll vomit all
over the new gown he bought me for my birthday.
I had a wonderful party tonight, not realizing it doubled as a secret
pageant to marry me off to the highest bidder.
Papa lifts his chin, satisfied with my compliance. “One month.”
He and Mother got married at eighteen in a marriage arranged by their
fathers, who were business partners in Russia.
But they were never in love.
Now he’s repeating his father’s sins by giving me away to the new
Boston pakhan.
“Luka Gideon needs time to plan for this magnificent celebration in
Boston.”
Luka probably needs time because Boston is buried under several feet of
snow thanks to a rare March blizzard.
Papa advances on me. “I trust you are virgin.”
“Of course, Papa.” I hide my nervous swallow.
He gives me freedom, so long as my guards are with me.
I get wild at a few of my favorite Manhattan clubs sometimes. I wonder
whether telling my father that I allowed a stranger to take my virtue one
night in a bathroom stall would make him call off the deal or kill me.
“One more thing, Anastasia.” Papa spears me with a deadly glare. “You
are not to mention this arrangement to anyone. This is my chance to seize
power over the Italians and the Irish.”
His upper lip curls with disdain, mentioning the Irish.
I’m more afraid of the O’Rourkes than the Italians.
The new Irish mob boss is a tortured and cruel man. Not to mention their
enforcer killed a priest. Now, Papa is planning this massive power grab to
attack them.
“I can’t even tell Katya?” Keeping this secret will weigh on me. I tell my
sister everything.
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