First Night

Aria POV

“Who is it I am going to marry?” I forced the words out, but they sounded strangled.

That was the first question I asked my uncle when he came into my room and informed me I was getting married. I was an orphan so finding a notable member of the Crown Syndicate is almost impossible.

“Viktor Kozlov, enforcer to his brother Alexei Kozlov, the Capo of the Blacktop,” my uncle said, avoiding my eyes.

I just walked out of my room then I went down and continued into the garden then I sank down on the chaise longue, staring blankly at the flower bed.

Soon I heard footsteps approaching and I know it's by aunt. Aria, that was very rude,” she said.

She regarded me then averted her gaze, and again it was filled with a hint of guilt. “You should be happy to be given to someone of importance and with your background, it’s a blessing. Your wedding will be every girl's dream and It’ll bring honor to your name.”

“And yours,” I said quietly but I instantly regretted my words.

Has it been decided?” I asked quietly. " Yes but Nikolai insists on coming to hear from you directly before informing Viktor."

My throat closed tightly, and my gaze found the flower bed again.

“Aria, you will tell him you agree, won’t you? Your uncle already told Nikolai you would and It will lead to rumors if you refuse.”

I looked back at my aunt, who looked worried. “I will agree,” I whispered, because what else was there left to do?

That evening immediately after dinner, Nikolai pulled me aside to discuss the wedding. " I want you to know it isn't a must you marry Viktor, we can always get more partners for you." He said carefully while staring at my uncle who seems to be listening to our conversation from the sitting room.

“I will marry him.” My voice didn’t betray my terror. It was firm and determined, and I forced myself to meet his gaze for the first time this evening.

Two days later my aunt called me into her room to inform me that Nikolai sent a picture of mine to Viktor and he agreed to move on with the marriage without considering my background.

She watched me expectantly as if she thought I’d do a happy dance because Viktor had approved of my looks but I swallowed hard.

“That’s good news.” It was all I could manage, and it lacked enthusiasm and my aunt pursed her lips. “Aria, really, I don’t think you understand what this means.”

"Oh, I knew exactly what it meant and don’t worry, by the time I’ll have to marry him, I’ll be able to convey my excitement properly.”

It was a blatant lie because if I managed not to flinch at every touch, that would be a huge success.

Days passed and soon it was the wedding day, my Aunt has taken care of the wedding dress and the entire decorations because I wanted a small wedding but then she said no. " Why go for a small wedding, when your husband is rich."

In our culture after the bride price has been paid, the bride is moved to the room to wait for the groom to consummate the marriage and the elderly women comes the next morning to collect the white stained clothe. It is after this the wedding celebration will then start officially.

Standing a few steps in front of the bed, my eyes swept over the white sheets again, my family expected to the see stained with my blood in the morning but blood that wouldn’t be there.

“They are your traditions, not ours,” Viktor said calmly but loud enough to tear me from my thoughts.

This is the first time I'm seeing him in person and I can't lie, I'm scared.

“Then why follow them?” I asked as I turned but my voice had betrayed me but then he shook his head and he destroyed what little hope I’d had. “Your family wants blood and they get it.”

He began unbuttoning his shirt then he finally shrugged it off, revealing scars and tattoos so many and I turned away, my pulse galloping in my veins.

Terror clawed at my insides. I needed figure a way out of this mess and I needed to save myself, not from him claiming my body but from me losing my honor.

I reached into my purse, which dangled over my forearm and freed a pill from the packet.

My throat was tight, and I wasn’t sure if I’d manage to swallow it without water, but walking into the bathroom seemed impossible in my current state and I wasn’t sure I would make it without breaking down, so with shaking fingers, I brought the yellow pill to my lips but a hand curled around my wrist, stopping me and my eyes flew up to stare into Viktor narrowed eyes, I hadn’t even heard him approach. “What is that?” he asked forcefully.

I didn’t say anything because I was too terrified for words and with his free hand, he reached into my purse then pulled out the packet.

His eyes scanned the description and he threw it away before his gray eyes met mine, and he held out his hand. “Give me that pill.”

“Please,” I whispered. “Aria, give me that pill.”

I dropped it into his palm, and he threw it away as well. “I won’t have you drugged.”

He said as he released me, I stepped back and turned to face the bed, sucking in a deep breath because he was watching me.

Soon he stood next to me again. “Let me help you take it off."

No! I wanted to scream, but I forced the sound down. “I want to do it myself,” I managed in an almost calm voice. He didn’t say anything, and I didn’t dare look at his face.

I fumbled with the buttons, and one after the other gave way and It took a long time but he waited silently.

Then I remembered that the groom was supposed to cut the bride out of her gown with his knife.

He must have forgotten after all, that wasn’t his tradition either. I pulled my dress down and it pooled at my feet.

Now only my strapless bra and panties remained and I discarded my bra but didn’t have the courage to remove my panties yet. His cold gray eyes scanned the length of me.

“Your hair ornaments need to be removed as well. They will be uncomfortable against the bed.”

I also laugh but tried to loosen the fine gold string from my hair. My shaking fingers didn’t allow it. He moved closer, his gray eyes locked on mine. “I will remove it.”

Dropping my arms, I nodded.

His long fingers untangled the adornments from my curls quickly then he stepped back again. “Thank you,” I managed to say.

I forced myself toward the bed and lay down flat on my back. He stepped up to the bed and as he reached for his belt and unbuckled it, terror clogged my throat.