Dirty Passions An Interracial Russian Mafia Romance (The Lion and The Mouse #5) - Kenya Wright Page 0,51

gestured to the grand building. “This is the Church of Our Lady of Victory.”

“Did your Uncle go to church here?”

He laughed. “No. In his will, my Uncle requested a fire ceremony in the woods with thirty nude eighteen year old virgins, and seven blood sacrifices.

“Say what?” I joined his laughter.

“Thankfully, Misha is more conservative. He found a nice church and is having the funeral ceremony here.”

“But will we at least get the virgins?”

“Regrettably that is a no.” Kaz chuckled some more.

I turned my attention back to the beautiful structure before us. “At least Misha has taste. This is a captivating place.”

“The Church of Our Lady of Victory is known by many, especially Christians. It is a famous pilgrimage site of the Infant Jesus of Prague, and it’s one of the oldest Baroque buildings in the city.”

“I’ve never heard of the Infant Jesus of Prague.”

“It’s a famous carved statue. Many European Christians trek here to see it.”

“Not bad.”

“It’s better than the woods.”

When the limo finally came to a stop and parked, the driver let us out.

Kaz kissed my cheek. “I will see you later, mysh.”

“Love you.”

He gave me silly grin—an expression I rarely saw on his face. “Love you too.”

It was odd how good I felt considering I was at a funeral. But Kaz and I had been through a lot, and for once, there was a bit of peace. Boris and Max met me at the side of the limo. Marijuana smoke radiated off both of them. Clearly, they’d been having a little session on their way to the church.

Whatever. Unfortunately this funeral was probably the only vacation we would have for a while.

We met Ava and her grandmother in the front. Valentina stood on the side, holding her little girl Natalya. Kaz’s niece was a precious sight to behold—a welcoming bundle of cuteness among so many gangsters. Those bright blue eyes studied me. She giggled, puffing up those rosy cheeks and reaching her tiny hand my way.

Valentina grinned. “This is your new Auntie, Natalya.”

I stepped to them. “Hello, little one. You’re so adorable.”

“Like her mother.” Valentina beamed. “Let’s go inside. You should sit next to me.”

Ava watched us and then stared at Natalya for several seconds.

She must be very taken aback with this group.

I gestured to Ava. “Do you want to come with us? You’ll be in the front row too, right?”

Ava looked at me and nodded. “Oh. Yes. That would be nice.”

Valentina huffed, but didn’t say anything else. However, she did hook my arm possessively with hers, as if there was some competition going on between Ava and her. Therefore, Valentina and Natalya walked on my right. Ava and her grandmother strolled on my left.

Tension radiated off both groups. For some reason, I felt like something else was going on between them.

What could it be?

We entered.

While I found the outside of the church stunning. The inside was even more striking. The ornate interior boasted an elaborate décor. Clusters of sculpted angels and painted figures crowded the ceiling. Light bathed the area in a dramatic effect. I spotted the famous Child Jesus of Prague statue. Unsurprising, the entire room held statues of other famous saints too. I wanted to take my time and explore, but this was a funeral after all—no time for gaping and gawking. We were all supposed to be in contemplation about life and mourning the deceased.

We arrived at our seats in the front. Again, I remained in the middle of the two groups, sitting between them. Ava was on my left. Valentina sat on my right.

I glanced behind me. Several older women packed the second row.

Ava whispered in my ear, “Those are all of Igor’s lovers.”

“It must be thirty.”

Ava nodded. “He had a serious appetite.”

“He did.” I faced the front. “What do you think about Prague?”

“It’s fascinating. Magical at times.”

“That’s one way to describe it. Definitely different from New York.”

More people continued to fill the place.

I looked back again.

Valentina smirked at the tons of people dressed in black and crying. “Those are all of Igor’s followers.”

“I forgot he had a little religion happening.”

“When a man buys a castle, he thinks he’s the king. Never let Kazimir get one.”

“Valentina, I think Kazimir already believes he’s king.”

“But you’re showing him that he has to bend to someone.”

“I’m trying.”

“You’re doing a good job.” She nudged my shoulder. “If not for you, there would be no Paris. My brother can have serious temper tantrums. Worse than mine.”

“Any advice for dealing with him in the future?”

“Let him have his way