Vanya: The Guzun Family Trilogy, #2

By Linzi Basset

Arian, named the Godfather of the EU Bratvas, believed in equality… of power and responsibility. Vanya, Vadim, and Arian, leaders of the Guzun Bratva, ruled Moldova as a team.

 

 

Vanya Guzun

I am cut from the same cloth as my mother, who, to this day, is referred to as the Comare—the Godmother. Like her, I'm not one to be trifled with. I've been called intimidating, immovable, and cunning. Guess what? I am all those and more. Whoever is attempting to get rid of the Guzun Family is going to learn that lesson the hard way.

 

On the other side of the coin, I'm fiercely passionate about protecting those I love. A woman who knows what I want. And I will have what and who I want.

It's time to act. No more yearning… no more waiting for him to notice me with eyes other than that as our Underboss. But he's stubborn and attempts to keep me at arm's length. I won't let him.

 

Andrei Balan

As Underboss it's my duty to protect the leaders of the Guzun Bratva. Not an easy task since all three of them are hardheaded and stubborn. I'm feared among peers as a ruthless Mafioso with no compassion or empathy, especially toward those who cross my path and hurt the ones I care for. Getting shot and tortured is part of the job. I'm used to it and take it in stride. What I don't need, is to suddenly have the Guzun Mafiosa underfoot, flaunting her seductive curves in my face. It's time she's taught a lesson.

 

The arrival of a very charming Luciano Maranzano, the Capo de tutti capi of the La Cosa Nostra, disrupts the budding relationship between Vanya and Andrei with an offer of his own. Now, caught in a vortex of lust, deceit, and murder, she will be forced to choose.

 

Except… fate made the decision for her.

 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Although the blurb is in first person, the book is written in third person.

 

For best reader experience, The Guzun Family trilogy should be read in order.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linzi Basset
• Release date: May 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201212162

Linzi Basset

“Isn’t it a universal truth that it’s our singular experiences and passion, for whatever thing or things, which molds us all into the individuals we become? Whether it's hidden in the depths of our soul or exposed for all to see?” Linzi Basset is a South African born animal rights supporter with a poet’s heart, and she is also a bestselling fiction writer of suspense filled romance erotica books; who as the latter, refuses to be bound to any one sub-genre. She prefers instead to stretch herself as a storyteller which has resulted in her researching and writing historical and even paranormal themed works. Her initial offering: Club Alpha Cove, a BDSM club suspense series released back in 2015, reached Amazon’s Bestseller list, and she has been on those lists ever since. Labelling her as prolific is a gross understatement as just a few short years later she has now been published forty-one times; a total which fails to take into account the three other published works of her alter ego: Isabel James who co-authors—nor does it include the five additional new works marked for imminent release. “I write from the inside out. My stories are both inside me and a part of me so it can be either pleasurable to release them or painful to carve them out. I live every moment of every story I write. So, if you're looking for spicy and suspenseful, I'm your girl... woman... writer... you know what I mean!" Linzi believes that by telling stories in her own voice, she can better share with her readers the essence of her being: her passionate nature; her motivations; and her wildest fantasies. She feels every touch as she writes, every kiss, every harsh word uttered, and this to her is the key to a never-ending love of writing. Ultimately, all books by Linzi Basset are about passion. To her, passion is the driving force of all emotion; whether it be lust, desire, hate, trust, or love. This is the underlying message contained in her books. Her advice: “Believe in the passions driving your desires; live them; enjoy them; and allow them to bring you happiness.” Follow Linzi everywhere: https://linktr.ee/LinziBasset

Book preview

The Guzun Bratva - Book 2

A Dark Mafia Novel

By

Linzi Basset

––––––––

––––––––

Copyright © 2022 Linzi Basset - All rights reserved

VANYA: THE GUZUN FAMILY TRILOGY #2

Copyright © 2022 Linzi Basset

Edited: Luca Della Finestra

Proofreaders: Melanie Marnell, Charlotte Strickland, Joanne Glazer

Published & Cover Design: Linzi Basset

Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Linzi Basset has asserted her rights under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this eBook only. No part of this eBook may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, business establishments, or organizations is entirely coincidental. 

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is for sale to adults only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase.

Disclaimer: Neither the publisher nor the author will be responsible for any loss, harm, injury, or death resulting from use of the information contained in this book.

Contents

Author’s Note

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

Excerpt: Arian

Books by Linzi Basset

About the Author

Stalk Linzi Basset

Author’s Note

Dear Reader,

It is such an honor to be part of the Social Reject Syndicate collection. My trilogy is all about a Russian Mafia family in Moldova.

Arian, named the Godfather of the EU Bratvas, believed in equality... of power and responsibility. Vanya, Vadim, and Arian, leaders of the Guzun Bratva, rule Moldova as a team.

Blurb

Vanya Guzun

I am cut from the same cloth as my mother, who, to this day, is referred to as the Comare—the Godmother. Like her, I’m not one to be trifled with. I’ve been called intimidating, immovable, and cunning. Guess what? I am all those and more. Whoever is attempting to get rid of the Guzun Family is going to learn that lesson the hard way.

On the other side of the coin, I’m fiercely passionate about protecting those I love. A woman who knows what I want. And I will have what and who I want.

It’s time to act. No more yearning... no more waiting for him to notice me with eyes other than that as our Underboss. But he’s stubborn and attempts to keep me at arm’s length. I won’t let him.

Andrei Balan

As Underboss it’s my duty to protect the leaders of the Guzun Bratva. Not an easy task since all three of them are hardheaded and stubborn. I’m feared among peers as a ruthless Mafioso with no compassion or empathy, especially toward those who cross my path and hurt the ones I care for. Getting shot and tortured is part of the job. I’m used to it and take it in stride. What I don’t need, is to suddenly have the Guzun Mafiosa underfoot, flaunting her seductive curves in my face. It’s time she’s taught a lesson.

The arrival of a very charming Luciano Maranzano, the Capo de tutti capi of the La Cosa Nostra, disrupts the budding relationship between Vanya and Andrei with an offer of his own. Now, caught in a vortex of lust, deceit, and murder, she will be forced to choose.

Except... fate made the decision for her.

PLEASE NOTE: Although the blurb is in first person, the book is written in third person.

Editor’s Note:

Who dares wins. The motto of the British Secret Air Service. An elite group of commandos whose wartime exploits required balls made of solid brass. And then, there's Vanya Guzun, the cunning, uncompromising, hard-ass Mafiosa who, in order to survive in the ruthless patriarchal hierarchy of ancient Eastern European criminal families, had to grow a pair made out of stainless steel. This wild, uber-hellion, Force 10 gale storm, could rip the mains'l off the mast of a thirty-six gun frigate in a heartbeat.

Strap in. I mean it. Linzi Basset pulls out all the stops and charges over the top with guns blazing in this manic thriller that will have you reeling from pillar to post. And the sex? Good lord! Wear gloves. It is white hot.

This was an intense story that fried my mind as I wrote it! Still, the characters each have their own depth and story to tell.

I sincerely hope you will enjoy this story.

Warm regards,

Linzi Basset

Chapter One

Medpark International Hospital, Chisinau, Moldova...

"Destul, Vanya! I’m not a fucking invalid, Andrei Balan swatted her hand away like a fly. And stop playing nurse. I have enough of them poking at me all—"

Vanya Guzun snorted. Of course you do and I can only imagine how you must revel in being pampered all day long.

Clearly, you don’t know me very well, he muttered as she once again attempted to tuck the sheet up under his arms. Woman, if you don’t stop suffocating me with the damn sheet, I’m going to crimson your behind. The tormented scowl he offered her spoke implicitly to the frustration that smote him like a fever. He kicked off the offending cover. I’ve just about had it with everyone... His eyes narrowed as he noticed Vanya’s frozen state. Now what?

Andrei Balan, the Underboss of the Guzun Bratva, was recovering from enhanced interrogation techniques when he was captured in Nigeria, in an effort to find the identities of their leaders. There had never been any doubt that he would keep their secret since he was more than a comrade. He was also a family friend. Arian and Vadim had referred to him as a blood brother since they were teenagers. To Zafira Guzun, the Comare, or Godmother, as everyone in the business still referred to her, he was like a son. Because of that, they would stop at nothing until they uncovered those within their ranks who had strayed from the loyal path and were part of those attempting to unseat them.

Someone was working very hard to undermine their authority as Bratva leaders in the EU and had planted a mole, or moles, inside the center of their organization.

Andrei’s body stiffened when, instead of responding to his question, Vanya’s eyes traversed with marked interest over his muscled chest.

What the hell do you think you’re doing? he growled as a finger traveled the corrugations of his six pack. As a forty-four-year-old man, he was fit and in excellent shape. Over the years he had learned sexual restraint and control, especially when it came to the fiercely passionate Bratva princess. She was his best friends’ sister, and at the age of thirty-two, he believed, much too young for him. Which of course, didn’t mean he hadn’t struggled with sparks of desire when she acted like her usual impertinent and spirited self.

God, she’s just too captivating to resist.

Vanya was a beautiful woman who shone from her soul. What had always attracted her to him was that she respected herself as a businesswoman, a Mafiosa, and lord help him, a seductress. She was bold enough to own and flaunt her gorgeous form and embraced herself with both her attitude and the way she loved.

He fisted his hands as she tossed her hair—buttermilk and moonlight woven together in the tresses that flowed by day and shone by night.

Since you seem to have a preference for poking, I thought to test your reaction. She lifted her eyes—glittering like stars in a black night sky. Who knows, maybe it’ll make you smile at me like you do all those nurses instead of scolding every time I walk through the door.

Andrei’s lips compressed as he looked into the sanctuary of her black twilight eyes—except they were glowing with unchecked desire.

Only because you have appointed yourself as my personal mother hen. His voice lowered as she flattened her finger to caress the ripples of his stomach. You’re playing with fire, Ms. Guzun. I suggest you keep your hands to yourself. His eyes glowed angrily. "I’m not one of your Chippendale dancers, so... Destul, Vanya! he snapped as her fingers tested unchartered waters by pushing them under the band of his boxers. That’s it. I’m getting out of this bed and going home. I’ve had enough of this shit."

Well, if you insist, I will discuss your discharge with my mother.

That quieted his effort to get out of bed. No one opposed the mighty mother of the Guzuns.

Vanya leaned a hip against the bed; hands now demurely folded in front of her. His eyes flared as they inadvertently dropped to her full breasts before moving lower to her curvilinear waist. How the devil he had managed to keep his hands off her over the years was still a mystery.

Hmm, actually, I think you’re right. You need a friendlier environment to recover in. Full cupid lips twitched upward as with impunity, she leaned over to plant a hard, passionate kiss on his lips. Of course, you’ll stay at my house until you have your full strength back.

Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I have my own home and staff who can offer assistance should I need any.

His voice sounded gravelly and strange to his own ears, testimony of the shocked surprise at feeling the softness of those pulpy lips against his. He had always kept his distance from her, purposely, not because she was renowned in the Bratva circles as an intimidating, cunning, and an unmovable Mafiosa... but because she, along with her brothers, was also his Boss.

What the devil is the damn woman thinking?

His brows knitted together as he watched her walk to the door. Vanya was a femme fatale through and through. She didn't trot on high heels like most women, she walked; long, assertive steps that invited every man she passed to leer at those long legs. He was no exception and fisted his hands as he watched her calf muscles tighten into asymmetrically sculptured balls that rose and fell with every forward stride. Clearly he was much healthier than everyone believed if the eager twitch of his cock was anything to go by at the sight of her seductively swaying hips.

The saucy smile and wink she tossed over her shoulder at him didn’t bode well.

It’s rather endearing that you believe you have a choice, darling Andrei.

AVV Airpro, chartered cargo service, based at Chișinău International Airport, Moldova...

How’s Andrei doing? Arian inquired the moment he walked into the boardroom. His gravelly voice was unusually terse. Vanya and Vadim looked up from the earnest discussion they were having.

Grumpy as usual, Vanya said with a secret smile as she recalled the expression on his face at her departing words earlier that morning.

He hates being bedridden, Arian said, looking grim. So, what did you find?

I finished the portfolio with false intel as you requested. Vanya sat back, In doing so, I came across information I believe we could use to ferret out the mole in our organization.

Go on. Arian appeared cranky, which was extraordinary for the mighty Godfather of the Guzun Brava who rarely, if ever, showed any emotion. That he did so now, concerned Vanya. Something was up and she suspected he wasn’t going to tell them what exactly was on his mind. She also knew better than to pry.

There are rumors that Boris Sidorov’s ex-wife has a vendetta against his organization, the Chekhovsky GPO. Vanya flicked through the files on her tablet as she spoke.

They are one of the richest Russian Bratvas in the Moscow region, Vadim said. They also have a close working relationship with a Mafia family in the States and with a crime family syndicate in Belgium.

Why would the Chekhovsky Group bother with us? A sense of bewilderment furrowed his brow. Their focus is on oil and extortion—providing support to the Russian politician, Pavel Orlov, is proof of that.

I never understood why, Vanya replied. Yes, he’s considered one of the most powerful persons in Krasnoyarsk but surely he’s not the sort who would jeopardize his success as a businessman and politician to become involved with the Russian Bratva?

I didn’t think you still had such naivety left in you. Arian’s eyes flashed. You’ve been in this business since you were a teenager. You know better than most that everyone has a price, even those who the world deems to be unimpeachable.

Don’t project your shit-faced mood on me, Arian, she snapped. Arian was fifteen years her senior and the most feared Mafioso in the EU but first and foremost, he was her brother who knew better than to humiliate her in front of others.

What is going on with you? Vadim, too, was alarmed by his brother’s unusual behavior, especially toward Vanya. Don’t bother denying it. You’re hauling Vanya over the coals for no apparent reason.

We’re not here to discuss my mood, Arian cut him short. Get on with it, Vanya. I have a lot of work to do. What does Sidorov’s ex have that will aid us in uncovering our mole?

We agreed that Sidorov didn’t arrange to meet us a couple of months ago in Jeneč. My gut tells me that if it’s not him then someone wants us to be at war with the Chekhovsky Group. Who better than a bitter ex-wife looking for a way to make life a living hell for a cheating husband?

I suppose it has some merit, Vadim said. From what I’ve heard, she left the marriage without a pot to piss in even though she was instrumental in bringing millions into their marriage.

How exactly is suspecting her of being the mastermind behind setting us up, going to help us find our mole? Arian asked impatiently.

Let’s be clear, Arian. Boris Sidorov might be a force to reckon with inside Russia’s borders but he doesn’t have the ability to project any power beyond them. He has never made it a secret that he wanted to expand his rule into smaller areas across the EU. Have you forgotten that he attempted, numerous times, to try to wrest Moldova away from us?

No, I haven’t, Vanya. Jesus Christ! Stop telling me shit about Boris that I already know. Tell me about Izolda Sidorov!

Vanya looked at Vadim with concern. Neither of them had ever seen Arian so lathered up.

What better way to get her hands back on her money than to get rid of Boris? Designing a war between us would give her the perfect opportunity. Think about it, Arian. Boris isn’t that stupid to openly challenge us. Who else would’ve profited by setting the trap we walked into at Jeneč?

Except we all could’ve been killed if we hadn’t gone in prepared. Then only Boris would’ve benefitted, Arian said. He held up his hand when Vanya started to protest. I’m not discounting the possibility but I’m still waiting to hear how all this is going to help us find our mole.

We need to talk to the angry Ms. Sidorov. If she sees us as an ally against Boris, she might be willing to tell us who in our organization sided with her. Vanya’s eyes darkened. We need to know who turned their back on us, Arian. If there’s one mole, there might be more. It’s the quickest way I can think of to nip this in the bud.

Izolda would never give up her informant, Vanya. She might have been married to Boris but she has integrity and is loyal to those who work with her.

I have to agree with Arian on that. We met her years ago before she married that asshole. Vadim shook his head. Even if she had a hand in that set up, I don’t believe she’s involved in the bigger problem we have. Someone wants the Guzun Bratva wiped off the map.

She was married to that bastard for ten years. Who knows how she might’ve changed or who she’s in cahoots with to get what she is due? Vanya remained adamant.

I suggest you start looking for another culprit, Vanya. It was just on the news that Izolda Sidorov was incarcerated at FKU SIZO-1 Detention Facility in the Kirov Region and has been held there for the past six months. That means two months after their divorce was finalized and three months prior to the meeting in Jeneč. She couldn’t have been involved. Arian got up. Concentrate on what we originally discussed. Arrange meetings and start spreading lies so we can pinpoint who the moles are.

Why is she in jail? Vanya called after him as he walked out. She looked at Vadim in confusion. Just what the hell is his problem?

I don’t know and I’m not brave enough to ask. Vadim got up and headed for the door. I suggest you do what you were told, Vanya, before whoever is after us succeeds and get one of us killed.

Chapter Two

Two days later, FKU SIZO-1 Detention Facility, Kirov Region in Russia...

You’re late for the meeting with the fuel company, Vanya. Arian didn’t bother with the customary greeting when she answered the call. He abhorred tardiness. As CEO of AVV, he expected his siblings to comport themselves professionally. A Director not arriving for a meeting that had been scheduled weeks ago, was unacceptable.

I’m sorry, Arian, but I won’t be able to make it. I asked my department manager to—

We worked our asses off to develop a sustainable relationship with Covatek Petroleum Group and you want to jeopardize it by sending your second in charge to a meeting with their CEO? Get your fucking ass over here now!

Arian, I’m sorry, but as I said, I won’t be able to make it. I’m in Russia. An icy silence followed. I’m at the FKU SIZO-1 Detention Facility. She winced as Arian’s curses scorched her ears.

I told you to let it go, Vanya. There’s nothing to be gained from talking with Izolda Sidorov.

My gut tells me that she knows something and I’m going to find out what it is.

Arian had entrusted her with the responsibility of finding the