I glance back to Uncle Alexei, and when our eyes lock, my lips curve into a smile. He watches me for a moment too long, telling me he caught me staring at his precious daughter.
Slowly, the corner of his mouth curves with a knowing grin, then he continues with the toast. "I'd give all my earthly possessions to turn back time to the day our Mariya was born so I can have the honor of being her father all over again."
I watch as Mariya beams in the spotlight of her father's attention.
Would I give everything for Mariya Koslov?
I inhale deeply, my eyes burning over her creamy skin, the elegant curve of her neck, her stunning-as-fuck body, and her silky black hair.
Yes. I would.
It's time to make the bratva princess mine.
No matter what it takes.
No matter what I have to do.
___________________________________________
During the short flight to Vegas, I check in with Lorenzo and Diego, who are part of the la Famiglia. They keep an eye over our European territory whenever I'm in the US.
Lorenzo's father, Leo, was my mother's personal guard, and Diego's father, Franco, was Dad's second in charge before Dad gave the two families each a seat of power in the mafia.