Lev (Shot Callers 1)

We compromised in the end, buying me a stunning black dress that cost a hundred and fifty dollars. It was a cocktail–style dress, and although it wasn’t what I was sent to buy, I could see myself wearing this little number again and again, totally getting my money’s worth. When I came home and modeled it for Lev, he agreed that it was lovely.

He dressed in a black suit, a white crisp linen shirt, and a black tie. Mirella dressed Lidiya in a pale pink number, a pastel pink bow holding her curls together. I sat in the back seat with my chubby little angel, and wasn’t at all surprised when she fell asleep during the drive. It was so relaxing being a passenger that I felt I could have joined her.

It might have seemed strange to hold a wedding on a Wednesday night, but after Lev explained that it was only to be a small affair and that the club would likely be open to the public on the weekend, it kind of made sense.

We arrived at the club, parked, and made our way out. Lev pulled me into his side and held a sleepy Lidiya’s hand as we entered the party.

I was nervous, meeting more of the family. But I shouldn’t have been.

Lev’s cousin, Nik, greeted us at the door, grabbing Lev and heaving him into a long man-hug before pulling back and kissing both his cheeks. When Nik spotted Lidiya, his face changed. It seemed the guy was a sucker for kids. He got to his knees, smiled, and held his arms out to Lidi. Lidi, knowing a good thing when she saw one, didn’t hesitate to hug the man, and he lifted her, kissing her cheek. When Lev introduced us, I could have fainted dead away.

Why, you ask?

Because it went something like this.

“This is Mina. She was homeless. I found her. I’m keeping her. She loves me. So we’re getting married.”

And I died. Embarrassment seeped out of me like oozing slime. My gorgeous fiancée had unknowingly made me sound like a freaking gold digger.

I choked out a laugh. “He doesn’t mean that,” I told Nik, my cheeks flaming.

Nik grinned, and his single dimple came out to say hello. Lidi poked it with a small finger, and Nik gently nipped it.

Oh, my Lord. These Leokov men were stunning, every single one of them.

Lev frowned down at me. “That’s exactly what I mean, mouse.”

I glared up at him, stepped on my tiptoes, and whisper-hissed, “Maybe ixnay on the omelesshay, sweetie. Okay? Thanks.”

His face softened a degree. “I’m not ashamed of you, Mina.”

Nik coughed out a laugh before coming over and wrapping his free arm around my shoulders, leading us in. “Whatever, Mina. I’m not judging, sweetheart. Come meet the family.”

I spotted Nas and Sasha talking to another man who looked remarkably like Nik, and when we approached, the man spotted me, separated himself, and came at me like a bull going at a rodeo clown, only happily. He reached us, bent a little, wrapped his arms around me, and lifted me in a giant bear hug. I squeaked as he shook me around like a doll a moment, set me on my feet, and pulled back, beaming. “Lev’s woman! I’m Max, groom, cool dude, cousin.”

I couldn’t help but smile. This guy was crazy.

I looked him up and down. He wore a sophisticated three-piece suit with white Chucks, and still looked heavenly. When my eyes reached his face and landed on his smile, another Leokov dimple came out to play and my stomach flipped. Max put his arm around me and pulled me into his side, shaking me a little. “Don’t be shy, short stuff.” He grinned, and I swear his teeth sparkled. “We’re family.”

That was when Lev approached and Max pulled back, opening his arms wide. Lev smirked, walking into his arms. More hugs and kisses were exchanged then suddenly a gaggle of pretty women appeared, along with two other men—who were both sexy as hell, mind you.

What the heck were they putting in the water up here?

A brunette with a wide smile and green eyes stepped forward and eyed our gorgeous little princess, who was now resting her head on Nik’s shoulder and sucking her thumb. Smart girl. The woman smiled gently. “Hi there, honey. And who are you?”

“This little angel is Lidiya.” Nik jerked his chin to Lev. “Lev, this is my wife, Tina. Tina, baby. Lev, my cousin.”

Her face brightened and her excitement was completely genuine. She came forward and hugged a rigid Lev, rubbing a hand up and down his back. “Oh, wow. Hi!”

She pulled back and without an introduction, she came forward and put her arms around me. “I’m Tina!”

I hid my surprise the best I could and hugged her back. “Mina.”

She laughed softly. “No. Tina. With a T.”