I hate how nervous he makes me feel. I swear it reduces me to an idiot, with no sign of the sophisticated woman my parents raised. It’s also pathetic how little I know about Luca, seeing as I’ve known him all my life.
What’s his favorite meal? Does he have hobbies?
My eyes widen slightly.
He doesn’t have a girlfriend… right?
“Yes,” Luca answers, his voice so damn calm and deep it sends a wave of goosebumps erupting over my skin.
Before I can censor my words, I ask, “No girlfriend that’s going to try and kill me for keeping you away from her this weekend?”
Damn, Mariya! Why don’t you just tell the man you want to have his babies while you’re at it?
Luca’s eyebrow raises with amusement. “No.” The corners of his mouth curve up into a sinful smile. “No girlfriend... yet."
I deflate like a pricked balloon. "You have your eye on someone?”
Slowly Luca nods, the left corner of his mouth lifting higher.
Shit.
“I should send her my condolences,” I mutter. My heart squeezes painfully, and I quickly turn my gaze away from him. Reaching for Viktor, I shake his shoulder hard. “Wake up.”
Viktor shoots up straight in his seat, his eyes scan the cabin area, then he scowls at me. “Are we landing?”
“Soon,” I mutter, letting out a huff.
I should’ve canceled the weekend. It’s going to suck being around Luca, knowing he has his eye on another woman. It’s probably only a matter of time before the engagement is announced.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at the darkness outside the window.
“Why are you pissed off?” Viktor grumbles while shifting into a more comfortable position.
“I’m not.” I’ve never been good at hiding my feelings, especially from my family. Letting out a sigh, I say, “We can still cancel the trip and tell the pilot to turn the jet around.”
“Not happening.” Viktor tugs on my arm and pulls me into a brotherly hug. “This is your weekend. We’re going to have fun.”
I doubt that. Knowing Luca is practically off the market upsets me more than I expected it would. Of course, I always knew the time would come. He’d get married, and I’d have to stop fantasizing about him.
I just…
I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
Viktor presses a kiss to my temple, then frees me from the hug. He signals the hostess closer. “Champagne.”
Yes, please. The sooner I get drunk, the better.
Taking a flute from the hostess, I swallow the bubbly liquid down like water and hold my glass out for a refill.
Viktor grins at me. “Careful. You know it only takes three glasses to get you drunk.”
That’s what I’m hoping for, brother.
I sip the second glass, and when my gaze touches on Luca’s, it’s to catch him watching me with narrowed eyes. He tilts his head, the corner of his mouth lifts, and holding up his flute, he says, “To the bratva princess and a weekend she’ll never forget.”
After checking in and dropping our luggage off at the suite, which overlooks the iconic fountains of Bellagio, we’re chauffeured to Hakkasan.
Adjacent to the main dance floor is the Pavilion. The VIP section has an outdoorsy feel with its oriental garden, dance floor, and private spaces. I love the dark wood and lush plants, my gaze appreciating the luxury as I sit down on a leather couch.
The VIP floor has its own DJ booth, the air pulsing with an energetic beat.
Viktor talks with my guards, Lev and Ivan, who moments later leave the VIP area.
When Luca sits down next to me and Viktor slumps down on the seat across from us, I ask, “Where did Lev and Ivan go?”
“I gave them the night off.” Viktor gives me a cocky grin as he drapes his left arm on the back of the couch. “You have Luca and me.”
True. Anyone would be stupid to attack Viktor, never mind Viktor and Luca. Plus, I can hold my own in a fight with all the training my dad’s given me.
A server brings a bottle of champagne, flutes, two tumblers of whiskey, and a cherry bomb shot.
A smile tugs at my mouth as I pick up my drink. There’s nothing I love more than cherries. Even though I’m already tipsy-ish from all the champagne, I practically down my alcoholic beverage, looking for the courage to get through this weekend at the bottom of the glass.
Viktor lets out a deep chuckle, shaking his head. “At this rate, we’ll have to carry you out of here in less than an hour.”
Ignoring Viktor's remark, I settle my gaze on the server. “Two more.”
“One,” Viktor corrects my order. “Just one.” He gives me a look of warning. “Slow down.”
Letting out a huff, I get up and walk to the dance floor. I don’t care that I’m alone as I move to the middle of the elite crowd. Finding a space to dance, I close my eyes and let the music take me, hoping it will carry me miles away from the harsh reality that Luca will soon belong to another woman.