The Mafia Don’s little Con Artist

19 - Brunch

Sophia POV:

The following morning I woke up alone. The unbothered sheets told me that Aleks hadn’t even made it to bed at all. I yawn and stretch out the muscles in my body and exit the bed.

A slight chill to the air raises goose bumps along my exposed skin. I’m wearing a black silk pajama set, shorts and a thin strapped top.

There’s a large window overlooking the hotels private gardens and restaurant below, and that’s what I’m gazing at when Aleks enters the room.

He mumbles something in Russian, and his eyes are raking over my body as he walks in carrying a steaming mug for me.

“What did you just say?” I laughed.

He shook his head, handing me the mug, but still closely examining my body.

“I was just scolding myself.” He tsked.

“Oh? What for?” I teased.

Aleks wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into him and squeezed my left butt cheek making me laugh even more.

“For leaving something as perfect as this alone in my bed while I had to work.” He whispered gruffly in my ear. His breath tingled my skin and his tone sent warmth and electricity through me. Ive never enjoyed wearing such revealing clothing as I have when I’m around this man. The way he responds to me is intoxicating.

I can’t help but to smile at his doting, and take a sip of my coffee.

“Brunch is in a few hours.” He informs me.

“I know, I was just about to start getting ready. I’ve got my outfit picked out and my tablet ready to study some more.”

I studied that damned profile list for hours last night while waiting for him to come to bed.

“You should get some rest before we go.” I tell him.

He shakes his head. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” He says.

I rolled my eyes at him.

“Or ..after I’m done tearing apart your clothes..and pleasing your body in ways you’ve never even imagined to be possible..” he growled.

I choked on the sip of coffee I was taking and cleared my throat before coughing like an i***t. “Aleks! Oh my god!”

I could feel the heat in my cheeks turning the skin red with embarrassment and fluster..but also excitement. The arrogant smirk he gave me was proof that that was his intention.

-

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we pulled up to the private estate that looked more like an enchanted ancient castle. It had been redone and carefully maintained over the decades.

I wasn’t too eager for this event, because although we would be in the same building, Aleks and I would be splitting up. He was to be with groom and his men, and I was joining the women at a bridal brunch.

Aleks escorts me to a main dining area where expensive women are chatting and drinking together. “My cell is always on.” Aleks tells me. “Call or text me if you need anything.” Then he kisses my lips before walking away.

I strut into the room, grabbing a flute of champagne from a servers tray, I take a swig and think to myself ‘let’s get this s**t done.’

My eyes roam the room, looking for the bride to be, while also taking note of the other guests whose profiles I recognize. It doesn’t take long to spot her: Nola McGriffin. A petite pretty little thing. She’s fair with strawberry blonde hair and freckles. She’s my age, but she could definitely pass for sixteen with that round baby face of hers.

In the center of the room, Nola stands surrounded by four ladies making idle conversation, but something is off. Nola looks miserable and bored. Not exactly the expected attitude of a blushing bride.

I make my way towards her and I reach earshot, I can understand the reason why Nola is feeling so bad.

“I heard that Neil is a real animal in bed. You’re in for quite a treat Nola.” One of the women, a blonde, teases while winking.

“Oh God yah,” Another one adds, “Neil Slept his way across the continent during his college years-“

What woman, what bride wants to hear or be reminded of her future husband’s s****l past?

“Nola?” I interrupted. “Please excuse me. I just wanted to say hello and congratulations.” Nola smiles sweetly at me but doesn’t have the chance to reply.

“And, you are?” The blonde asks me. Her brow is c****d and she looks almost disgusted at the sight of me.

“Collins. Sophia Collins.” I introduce myself.

“Collins, huh? Never heard of you.” She quips, sticking her nose up at me.

I smile. “Well I know you. Kathrine?Perhaps you’ll recognize my name in the near future then. I’m expecting a name change soon.”

Her expressive brows perk up again in question.

“Morozov.” I say.

Kathrine Payne. A 34 year old, twice married woman, with 3 children she pays no attention to. She herself is of little importance, and she’s only here at an event like this because her husband works as a book keeper on the Irish mafia’s payroll. It’s a lower profile job. Her husband is one of many bookkeepers, but he just so happens to be a favorite, and well trusted by Don McGriffin.

In fact, many of the women here today are pity invites. Forced or persuaded to attend by Mr. McGriffin himself.

Nola isn’t very social, or very popular. Even McGriffin doesn’t much care for her. He wanted a son, but after Nola was born, his wife suffered complications that left her unable to provide him anymore children.

Kathrine stands just a bit straighter. “You? you’re the one engaged to Aleks?”

“Do you know my fiance personally enough to use his first name so casually?” I wonder.

“I’m dear friends with Mandi..his former fiance, and first love.” She snarks and takes a sip from her glass.

I smile coolly. “I’m so happy for you.”

I turn my attention back to Nola.

“I know it was last minute, and I appreciate your accommodations.”

“Of course.” Nola nods. “Mr. Morozov insisted that his..beloved accompany him.”

“Everything is so beautiful.” I say while looking about the room.

“You think so?” She asks nervously. “I don’t know much about this stuff. Everything was decided and decorated for me.” Her sweet Irish accent adds to her naive charm.

“And thank GOD for that!” Someone yells in response to Nola’s statement. My eyes dart to the source: a fire-hydrant-red haired stick figure wearing an obnoxiously crimson silk gown that left little to the imagination.

Mandi eyes me up and down, like a lioness assessing the weaknesses of her prey, but she won’t find any today.

“A pity invite, I assume?” She pouts her lips in a display of false sadness for me.

“I’m accompanying my fiancé actually.” I smirk, and I catch Mandi gritting her teeth before she shakes off the irritation and replies. “Oh yes, I just saw Aleks! Such a sweet heart, that one. Always so excited to see me.”

Mandi slurps her champagne, and I manage to keep my smile smooth and unbothered by her presence. But inside, a little flame of jealousy flickers.