The Bratva King's Lost Bride

10 Plane Confessions Part 1

Meadow POV

I could hardly sleep last night. I knew we would be leaving early. I also knew that Ivan and I would finally be discussing the day I found him in bed with that b**ch Danica. Part of me believes he didn't betray me, but the other can't stop picturing her wrapped around him. A knock on my door startles me. I take a deep breath before pulling open the door. I'm expecting it to be Ivan, but instead is Alexi who looks like the cat that swallowed the canary.

"What's the look about?" "I'm enjoying watching my big brother sweat. He has always been so serious. Always feared by those around him. People jump at his orders as the mighty Pakhan. They scramble to please him because of who he is, but with you, it's different. You bring the mighty Pakhan to his knees," he says with a smirk. "That is not true."

"He has been looking for you for five years, Meadow. He hasn't so much as looked at another woman and I promise you it's not because they haven't tried. Hell, up until last night he didn't realize our mother was sending them his way. He was quite angry when I told him all I had discovered about her activities. I don't think you will have to worry about seeing her at the wedding," he says.

"Alexi, she is your mother." "No, she was an incubator. The only reason she birthed the three of us is to remain the wife of the leader of our family for all those years. She is no more my mother than a stranger off the street. Miram is my mother," he says. "Even so, she shouldn't be banned from your brother's wedding because of me." "You really don't understand how important you are to all of us. You will," he says before he turns to head down the hallway.

"We will be leaving in ten minutes," he says over his shoulder as he rounds the corner. I grab my bag and make my way toward Ava's room. Giggles make me smile as I push her door open. I again expect to find Ivana, but instead Ivan is being introduced to all her stuffy toys. I clear my throat as he shakes Manny the monkey's hand with two fingers. The big bad Russian mafia man is shaking a stuffed monkey's hand at his daughter's instruction. He looks toward me and gives me a genuine smile, which I can't help but return. "Are you ready, Ava?"

"Yes, mama," she says. Ivan scoops her up and grabs her bag. I don't make it two steps before Ivan practically growls at me. "Drop the bag, Meadow. My men will take it. A queen doesn't carry her own bag," he says, and Ava giggles. "Mama, papa called you a queen," she says. "That's why you're a princess, Ava, because mama is my queen. Always has been and always will be," Ivan says. I ignore him and make my way out to the SUV. I smile when I see the brand-new booster seat already set up for Ava.

The ride to the airport is filled with Ava's questions. Ivan and Alexi answer everyone with patience. I try to focus on their conversations, but my only thoughts are about my impending talk with Ivan. There are perks to being rich, so we don't have to wait in line before boarding Ivan's private jet. "Mama, we are going to fly with the birds," she says. "I know sweet girl. How about we get you buckled in your seat that papa set up for you? You can even watch your tablet."

She squeals before rushing toward her seat. Ivana walks behind me. "I've got her Meadow. Go ahead and talk to Ivan. I know you are still hurt. Just promise me that you'll listen. I'm not asking you to forgive him right now, but I don't think he is lying when he says he didn't touch her," she says. "I promise to listen," I say before pressing a kiss on Ava's head. Her headphones already on and her screen playing her favorite cartoons.

I make my way to the back of the plane. There is a divider with a few secluded seats before a small bedroom. Ivan is seated in the large comfy leather chair. He looks as nervous as I feel. I take the seat next to him. "Meadow," he starts to say, but I cut him off. "Let me go first, Ivan. I need to get this all out." He nods and turns his body slightly to face me. “I should have told you exactly what Dimitri and Danica were doing when you weren't around, but I felt like you wouldn't listen. Every time I brought them up, I felt like you thought I was being petty or jealous, but I should have pushed the issue. I've never been one to hold my tongue, but I was terrified you would pick them over me."

"I swear to you, Meadow, that is not the case. I never thought you were being petty or jealous. I really believed they were just being their normal arrogant selves. Their opinions about you never mattered, but they should have. I should have made it perfectly clear that you were a hard line, but I assumed that was understood when I took you as my wife. I never expected them to mistreat you, Meadow. I also would never have picked them over you. You are my wife. No years of friendship or time spent with them would have changed that you were my queen. The love of my life," he says.

"We both made assumptions Ivan that we shouldn't have. I always felt safe when you were around, but the minute you were gone they would be telling me how we would never last. It wasn't until I found out that I was pregnant did the actual threats start. I still don't understand how they found out. The only two people that knew were me and Ivana."