Mafia's Contract Bride
By Deliza Lokhai
Free Chapters
Chapter 1.
Zarina’s POV. The heavy oak doors to my father’s study loomed ahead like a courtroom entrance, foreboding and ominous. I never liked how his study looked, it chilled my bones a bit. The heavy doors were always shut unless he summoned someone inside and it never tended to be for good reason. Having a Senator as a father was rather terrifying. There was so much I couldn't do, especially with his tyrant behavior. Seems like today was my lucky day… The one summoned to his room today was me. He wanted to talk about "family obligations," his favorite euphemism for the plans he made without consulting me. Once it was because he wanted to tell me who I should be friends with. Another time it was to determine what classes I should attend. The last time he called a meeting like this it was a college decision and we didn’t speak for three days. I wonder what aspect of my life he wanted to dictate this time. My pulse raced as I pushed them open, bracing myself for the storm and praying it wouldn’t be something big. I looked ahead and saw my father in his study. Senator Edgar Sinclair looked all-powerful. Dad sat behind his massive desk, a mountain of papers scattered before him on the desk, his face a mask of control. My father was a tall man with a strong build. His presence was larger than life, he screamed power and there were many who feared him. However, the years of his life in politics did show on his face. The stress caused lines to etched on his face, a hint of wear in those warm brown eyes. “Zarina,” he said. “Sit.” I frowned, this didn’t seem good. Over the years I had learned his tone, the way he spoke right now was the start of a conversation I wasn’t going to like. I stayed right where I stood, crossing my arms. “What’s this about, Dad? Another campaign stunt you want me to endorse?” I injected sarcasm into my voice, hoping to provoke a reaction. He didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he exhaled heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. He controlled his anger, and his frustration and just took a moment to himself before turning his gaze to me again. “This isn’t about politics,” he began. “It’s about survival.” “Survival? Last I checked, we’re not in a war zone,” I reminded him. His ominous tone was unsettling. Was he overreacting about something? What could possibly make this about survival, he was a senator for god’s sake. A feared and charismatic one at that. Those were dangerous traits to possess. I’ve watched him charm people into being on his side and also intimidate others. It was terrifying to see how great he was at his job. Dad’s gaze snapped to mine, and for a moment, I saw something I’d never seen before—fear. “The Bratva came after me,” he said. “They wanted me to do their bidding—launder money through my campaigns, and provide political cover for their operations. When I refused, they made it clear they wouldn’t take no for an answer.” My stomach dropped. I’d heard whispers about the Bratva, a ruthless criminal syndicate that crushed anyone who stood in their way. I knew Dad wasn’t innocent by any means, he was a dirty politician with great lawyers… I just didn’t ever think it would lead him to be in trouble with the Bratva. The fear in his tone and eyes was understandable. We might but heads often, but he was still my father and the only family I had. “You’re saying they threatened you?” I asked. “They’ve done more than threaten,” he admitted. “They have evidence of a deal I made years ago… It’s a deal I deeply regret. If it goes public, it’ll destroy everything I’ve built. My career, our family name—gone.” The room felt like it was closing in, the air too thick to breathe. “What does this have to do with me?” I demanded. “Why are you telling me this?” I felt my pulse race, this entire conversation was setting up his request or rather demand. I didn’t want to think about it. He stood, his hands gripping the edge of the desk as he leaned forward. “Because the only way to protect us now is to ally ourselves with someone stronger. Someone who can stand against the Bratva.” I frowned and tilted my head as I processed the words. Ally. He used this word before. It sank in when he last used it when his partner from abroad came. He wanted me to consider marriage with his Czech partner's son. He called us a formidable couple in the making but I had refused it and luckily the son knocked up another woman so marriage with me was out of the question. “What do you mean by ‘ally’? Are you planning to sell me off like some pawn in your chess game?” I asked, eyes narrowing down on him as anger simmered in my tone. “Zarina, listen to me—” “No!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the large study. “You can’t just marry me off to fix your mess!” “You think I want this?” he shot back, his voice rising. “Do you think I’m happy about putting my daughter in harm’s way? I’m trying to keep you alive!” “Dad–” “Zarina, I tried to figure this out but this is the only way. I can risk my reputation, our name, our wealth– fuck, everything… But I won’t risk my only living daughter. I already lost a son, and a wife, and I am not willing to lose more,” Dad’s voice cracked. Mom died fifteen years ago, It had been hard for us all but the hardest for a ten-year-old girl. My brother was only 6 months old when he got kidnapped. The kidnapping went wrong, Dad was willing to pay the ransom but then they reported the boy was dead. The money was gone. Five years later I was born. He had lost enough… I wasn’t willing to lose him either. I took a step back, my hands trembling. “Who is it?” I asked. “Who do you want me to marry?” He hesitated, and that moment of silence felt like a lifetime. Then he said the name that would change everything. “Alessandro Morretti.” The name hit me like a punch to the gut. Alessandro Morretti, head of the Morretti family—the Cosa Nostra operating here in New York. Alessandro was infamous for his ruthlessness, a man whose name alone struck fear into the hearts of anyone who crossed him. His empire stretched across continents, built on blood, betrayal, and pure will. He was loaded but mixed up in good and dirty business. Most of all, he evoked fear. Far too heartless for me. “He’s a criminal,” I said, my voice trembling with rage. “You’re asking me to marry a man who probably has more blood on his hands than anyone in the Bratva!” “He’s also the only one who can protect us,” my father said, his tone resolute. “The Bratva won’t touch us if we’re under his protection. And to secure that, we need more than a handshake—we need a bond, a union.” I turned away, unable to look at him. My mind was racing, trying to find a way out of this nightmare. I thought of what he had asked of me. Was I willing to do this? Anger filled me as I weighed my options. I was only in this damn mess because of him. “You’re asking me to give up my life, my freedom, for your mistakes,” I looked up at myself, gritting my teeth as the words came out like poison. “I’m asking you to save this family,” he said quietly. He looked me over once and shrugged. “You’re stronger than you think, Zarina. You can handle this.” I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. Instead, I stormed out of the study, slamming the door behind me. “Zarina!” Dad called out after me but I ignored him completely and still moved as fast as I could. The destination was unclear at first. I just drove and drove until I landed in a parking lot. The first person I called was Celena, my best friend. The only person who could talk me down when I was ready to explode. We’ve been friends since kindergarten, her father is a lawyer like herself. Our fathers had been friends long before we were born, it was safe to say that the bond was hereditary at this point. Celena answered on the second ring, her voice calm and steady as always. “Zarina, what’s wrong?” she asked gently, her tone quite the opposite of how I felt right now. “Everything,” I said, my voice cracking. “My father just told me I’m supposed to marry Alessandro Morretti.” There was a long pause. “The Alessandro Morretti? As in the head of the Cosa Nostra?” “Yeah,” I said bitterly and let out a long sigh. “That Alessandro Morretti.” I leaned over and pressed my head against the steering wheel, closing my eyes. “Why?” she asked, her tone laden with concern. She has handled similar gang cases, hell, she’s up to speed on just about all of them. She picked her clients quite well, her pockets spoke for themselves and that damn brain of hers was just perfect for practicing law. I explained everything to Celena, starting at the very beginning—my father’s mysterious deal, the Bratva’s threats, and his desperate attempt to forge an alliance with the Morretti family. By the time I finished, my hands were shaking, and tears were threatening to spill. This felt like a nightmare but it was real life. “Zarina,” Celena said gently, “I know this isn’t what you want, but… your father’s right about one thing. The Bratva is dangerous. If they’re targeting him, they won’t hesitate to come after you too.” “Cel–” “Zarina, I’ve seen what they can do. They killed kids, trust me, if they want to harm you, you’d be a walk in the park for them,” Celene spoke brutally honest. It’s what I needed to hear right now, even when my body simmered with anger at the situation. “So you’re saying I should just give in? Let them dictate my life?” I shook my head, she wasn’t here right now but that wouldn’t stop me from reacting as I should. “I’m saying you should think about the bigger picture,” she said carefully. “If Alessandro can protect you—” “He’s a monster, Celena,” I interrupted. “Do you know what people say about him? They say he tortures his enemies, that he enjoys it. And now I’m supposed to marry him?” “I’m not saying it’s fair,” Celena said softly. “I’m saying I don’t want to lose you. If marrying him keeps you safe, maybe it’s worth considering.” I didn’t respond. My heart was screaming in protest, but deep down, I knew Celena was right. The Bratva wouldn’t stop, and my father was in no position to protect me. He failed my brother. He failed my mother. What’s to say he could stop Bratva from hurting me? I drove around a bit longer, enjoying the scenery and a great amount of food through the drive-thru. When the time came to head home, my heart started racing once more and I returned home. — That evening, I went to find my father and learned he was right where I left him. I returned to my father’s study. He looked up when I entered, a surprised look flickering across his face. “I’ll meet with him,” I said, my voice firm. “But I’m not agreeing to anything yet,” I warned. I didn’t even know much about Alessandro, only his reputation as a gang leader. “That’s all I ask,” He nodded, a hint of relief breaking through his stern facade. As I left the room, a sense of dread settled over me. I was stepping into a world I wanted no part of, with a man who terrified me along with half the country. But if this was the price of survival, I would pay it. For now.
Chapter 2.
Zarina’s POV. The morning passed in a blur of algorithms and error codes. My home office was a space filled with multiple monitors and walls lined with sticky notes. This was the only peace I had, being behind my computer and doing my side job. As a software engineer, I spent most of my time immersed behind the screen, working on my freelance projects. I studied software engineering but I had always wanted to be an author, in fact, I was a published author. I wrote under a pseudonym, and my books gained a lot of popularity but I couldn’t claim my identity. Not when I wrote such smut as a senator’s daughter. So instead I had this job which I graduated from and spent countless nights crying and staying up to study. I was burying myself in work because I knew what day today was. Meeting with Alessandro. I pushed back from my desk, rubbing my temples as the weight of the looming dinner settled down upon me. It wasn’t just any dinner. It was a meeting with Alessandro Morretti, the man who would supposedly save my father and me. In the process it would mean me being chained to a future I didn’t want. What if what he wanted, I couldn’t give him? What if he’d cheated openly or abused me? Would I be stuck? I knew some gangs didn’t believe in divorce, they can only remarry if their spouse dies. What if he lived by those rules too? The doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Celena, my saving grace. She stepped in, her sharp, professional demeanor softened by the warmth of her smile. She came dressed in a blazer and perfectly fitted suit. She is a young lawyer and one that already made her name. She looked the part too. “Ready for me to work my magic?” she asked, throwing aside her luxury designer bag. We had matching of those… because why not? “Do I have a choice?” I groaned dramatically. No, I did not have a choice. I was banished to the bathroom. I took an everything shower and by the time I stepped out, Celena had changed into some comfy clothes she had at my place. She lounged on the couch and had already selected my outfit for me. It awaited me on my bed and she told me to hurry up. In my own damn place. Wow. Once I had my clothes on she came into the room and worked on my hair and make-up. Celena loved these sorts of things, anything to do with a makeover was her vibe. By the time Celena was finished, I barely recognized myself. My caramel curls fell in soft, glossy waves around my shoulders, and my light blue eyes looked striking against the smoky eyeshadow she had meticulously applied. The dress she’d chosen was a deep forest green satin that hugged every curve. Literally every curve. It was both daring and elegant. Celena made me wear gold heels to match the clutch and jewelry she had picked out for me. When I stared at my reflection I realised who I looked like. I looked like someone who belonged in Alessandro Morretti’s world, even if I didn’t feel it. I sure as hell looked the part. I’m not against dressing up by any means. I just didn’t really dress up like this… A part of me likes it. Dad was always complaining about how I should dress as the senator’s daughter. “You’re stunning,” Celena said, stepping back to admire her work like a proud little artist. “If this guy doesn’t fall head over heels for you, he’s not human.” “If only looks could enamor him,” I laughed nervously, smoothing down the dress. I wasn’t sure what the hell I was doing. Did I want him to marry me? I dressed for it, I wanted him to consider it. But a part of me was also not so sure. Celena’s expression softened. “You’ve got this, Zarina. Just be yourself. And remember, you’re doing this on your terms.” “I’m not too sure about that,” I mumbled as I looked at her. “If your gut tells you to not marry this guy, we’ll get money and I’ll fly you to the safest country I could find,” Celena promised me. I took her promise seriously, her father had connections. I didn’t mind becoming a nobody. It was my father who took pride in his name and presence, not me. I nodded, taking a deep breath before heading out the door. — The restaurant was a high-end Italian place downtown, the kind of venue where the waitlist was months long unless you had the right connections. I assume Alessandro had the connections or perhaps this place belonged to him. I arrived with my father, my nerves coiled tight as we were led to a private dining room. I could see my father staring at me, he disapproved of my clothing but he was no longer allowed an opinion since he put our lives in danger. He was already there. The man I was supposed to marry was right here. Alessandro Morretti stood as we entered, his striking green eyes locking onto mine. He had a gorgeous shade of green, almost hunter-green. I could easily get lost in them. Alessandro was taller than I’d imagined, his tailored full black suit accentuating a physique that radiated power and control. I’ve never been a fan of too much muscle and Alessandro had just the right amount. I inhaled deeply. His black hair was neatly styled, and his beard was immaculate and trimmed for a face that was both rugged and devastatingly handsome. I must’ve been staring for far too long, the man now stood before me. Even with my heels I still had to crane my neck to look up at him. “Zarina,” he said, his voice low, velvety with an edge of danger. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Holy shit. Alessandro had a damn sexy voice for a killer. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. His presence was magnetic, overwhelming even. I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth spread on my skin as I looked at him. “Likewise,” I replied and noticed just how big the difference between our hands was. My father then introduced himself too. I noticed Alessandro had his men surrounding the place for protection, it amazed me how he could even get away with crimes. Judging by his men alone I’d know this man wasn’t up to no good. We all sat down, Alesanndro had pulled the chair for me to display and act like a gentleman but I didn’t trust it too much. Soon The conversation began carefully, like two predators circling each other. My father opened with small talk, trying to set a cordial tone, but Alessandro’s focus was on me. His gaze was intense, as though he was trying to read every thought I had flooding my head right now. I’d die of embarrassment if he could read minds.