Help ! I think he hit his head ! And the Oscar goes to … Porca puttana . With a yank on the hand brake , the driver gets out of his seat . Hold on , Im coming over- I dont hear whatever he says next . By the time he walks around the van , Im already out . With my cuffed hands , I rip a cab door open and slip inside . Hey ! the passenger calls . You cant just- Drive ! I scream and thank God , the cabbie does . It takes me a full minute of catching my breath to realize why theyd been so quick to obey . Oh ! I blink at the gun in my hand . This Im so sorry . Its not mine . I wasnt- || Whatever you say , Miss , the cab driver says , his voice reduced to a squeak . The man in the backseat next to me is positively pale . Please , let me go , he stammers . I have a family . I , uhh … Sure . He flies out of the still moving car . Its lucky were driving so slowly my kidnappers have all but halted . traffic in the crossing . Quickly , I toss the gun out the window . I need to go somewhere , I tell the cab driver , whos still staring at me like Ive got two heads . Which , I suppose , if youre counting Nuggets- Anywhere , he breathes . I pull my phone out of my coat pocket . Then I fish something out of the case : a business card . His business card . I type his name into my browser . After that wretched afternoon , we havent had any more contact . I made sure to call in sick at that final fitting . I had no desire to ever see him again . I cant say I want to now . But I also dont have a choice . 21.37 The man is a social media ghost . For a moment , despair takes hold of me . Maybe I could have the cals drive to the address on the back of the card Maybe Then I find it : a single picture , posted by the account of the most beautiful woman Ive ever seen . Her blond hair is made up in a long tress , her clothes impeccable . Next to her , Matvey Groza stares impassively at the camera , looking as if he just ate a lemon . And then , on the womans finger . A diamond ring Caption : I said yes ! Save the date : January 15th, Jupiter Hotel in Manhattan . Ceremony on the terrace at 12:00 I check the time : 11:48 . Here , I tell the cab driver , giving him my phone . Please take me here . As the driver takes my word for it , speeding through traffic like I still hold a gun to his head again , my bad only one thought haunts my mind Im about to crash a mob wedding MATVEY The suits a perfect fit . Of course , I knew that already . I made the trek back to that little shop specifically to make sure of it . But she wasnt there . 1 adjust my tie in the mirror . The sensation of silk on my fingertips brings back memories . Its been nearly a year , but my mind still likes to go there sometimes . That changing room. That scent . I pull something out of my pocket : a ribbon , long and sleek , the same color as my tie . A little souvenir Ive kept with me since then . If I hold it close . I can still smell her perfume . I shake my head and huff . Is this what Grisha was warning me about ? Pre- wedding jitters ? Nonsense . Im Marvey Groza . The head of the most powerful Bratva in New York City . I dont get nervous . Especially when it comes to politics . And make no mistake , thats all this is . A knock sounds on the door . I turn my head and call . A whistle follows in lieu of a greeting Wow . Look at that . Trying to upstage the bride ? Chapter 9 I roll my eyes at her . If you were afraid of that , you shouldve picked a better tailor . I can introduce you if youd like . Its my best attempt at a joke , even though the mere thought of sharing makes blood rise to my head . What are you doing here ? Dont you know its bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ? My blushing bride doesnt blink , nor does she blush . The day Petra Solovyova gets flustered because of a man , hell will freeze twice over . She glides to me instead , dressed in white from head to toe . Her fairy tale gown shimmers with every step , catching the light like the diamond studded hilt of a dagger . Regardless of her jokes , I dont think anybody could upstage her today . Not that theyd be dumb enough to try . Luck doesnt concern us anymore , Petra declares , wrapping her arms around me from behind . I try not to flinch at the contact . If were going to sell this , we both need to look like we can stand each others presence . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!