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She sounds mortified at the insulting diminutive he launched at me, but his eyes are locked on me, and I know his verbal assault is far from over. His teeth are bared, ready to go in for the kill. And the murderous intent in his eye tells me exactly where his speech is headed.
“You know, I could respect you for wanting to better yourself,” he says, his tone shifting to a lighter tone. “Social climbing is an effective strategy to success. It’s part of why I’d hoped Alina would find a proper husband. And I can concede to the fact that you achieved your position with skill. I could live with that. But it’s something else entirely if you think you can just take her and walk away scot-free.”
Sergio’s voice drops back into its flat, deadly register. “So, tell me, what makes you think I’ll let you live long enough to step out my front door after this is what you’ve brought to me?”
I study his face carefully, reading the malice in his face. I don’t actually think he’ll kill me. But we may have just sealed the door on our fate. He’s never going to let Alina out of his sight now, and that’s how he’ll keep me on a short leash.
“You’ll do it because you love me,” Alina cuts in, her tone authoritative, even if a sliver of fear flickers behind her gaze.
Finally, Sergio turns away from me, his eyes falling on his daughter once more. He considers her for a long time, the silence charged as we wait for him to come to his conclusion. And just like the last time my life hung in the balance, I let my trust in Alina steady me.
Releasing a heavy sigh, Sergio settles back into his chair once more. “How about a compromise?” he suggests.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I haven’t even heard the offer, and already, I know it would be a better outcome than the one I expected. And I wonder, if Sergio weren’t so fixated on the fact that Alina’s a woman—and, therefore, only of value through the marriage alliance she might provide him—could he see that his daughter is an artist at persuasion?
It’s glaringly obvious to me that she would have made an excellent asset to his business if he’d thought to give her the opportunity before she developed a conscience.
“Mishka will work for me until you graduate college,” he reasons, speaking directly to Alina. “Think of it as his way of paying off the debt he owes me for sparing his life. In exchange, I’ll continue to pay for your schooling. Hell, I’ll even pay for whatever trade school or degree the boy chooses to support you with once you two leave.”
“That’s not—” she starts to argue, but Sergio cuts her off, slamming his fist on his desk.
“Hear me now, Alina,” he growls. “If you won’t compromise, then I’ll lock Mishka up for being the ungrateful little snake he’s proven to be. And I’ll throw away the key. I’ll make sure you never see him again if you really want to keep pushing me.”
Alina swallows hard, her shoulders tense from nearly jumping out of her skin at his outburst, and I wait with bated breath for her to decide our fate.
“Okay,” she murmurs. Then she nods to confirm her decision.
Sergio settles back in his chair, the anger washing from his face as we come to an agreement. Only then can I breathe a sigh of relief. To be honest, it’s a far better compromise than I could have imagined.
To know that not only will Alina be able to graduate and pursue her dream, but my life in the criminal world has an end date? It feels as though, against all odds, we might just have a chance at happily ever after, after all.
And though Sergio was quick to wield threats, I can’t help but wonder just where he really stands on his daughter’s request. Because he’s letting us off easy. Sure, the compromise will buy him time and allow him to save face if his daughter doesn’t stir up gossip by turning her back on the Family. But in actuality, his terms really only ensure his daughter’s comfort and happiness.
It makes me wonder if his hope all along was that she would want a life far from the violence and crime he practices. And if two years of indentured servitude is what it takes to provide for Alina properly, I’m more than willing to make that sacrifice.
As strange as it may seem, when Alina and I leave Sergio’s office this time, I’m closer to respecting the ruthless Pakhan than I’ve ever been.
At least we can agree on one thing. Alina’s happiness is what matters. I look forward to a lifetime of being the man who gets to share that happiness with her.
EPILOGUE
ALINA
The morning air is crisp, a harbinger of the winter day that awaits. I take a moment to stand by the window, watching the snowfall. It’s a delicate dance, each flake twirling and spiraling, creating a world of white wonder outside.
My mother bustles around, putting the final touches on my bridal ensemble. The gown, a masterpiece of lace and silk, is a beautiful long-sleeved dress. Its plunging neckline and Empire waist make it flattering while at the same time hiding the baby bump I’ve begun to develop in the last month.
“Alina, you look breathtaking,” my mother says warmly.
I force a smile, feeling a blend of nervous excitement and gratitude for her presence. I couldn’t have pulled this day off without her help, and though she will stand by my father no matter his behavior, I appreciate that she’s done what she can to support me as well. “Thank you, Mama. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
At that moment, Katie enters, a broad smile on her face. “We’re ready for you,” she says.
And her presence alone bolsters me. Regardless of the circumstance, this is a special occasion. I’m marrying Mishka, and I couldn’t be happier about that.
Following Katie out into the entry of the church, I find the space alive with the soft hum of activity. Flowers are arranged, candles are lit, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of anticipation.
My father waits patiently by the closed doors leading into the chapel, ready to walk me down the aisle. It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of numerous times in my life, but the urgency surrounding it today casts a shadow over the joyous occasion. Taking a deep breath, I push the caustic thoughts from my mind.
