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“Oh?” I linger by the doorway. He’s obviously been waiting in here for my return, so this run-in isn’t spontaneous.
“Next Saturday we have that charity event, and since we’ll be around polite society,” he grimaces, “I figured you might want this.”
My breath still in my lungs when he reveals a black velvet ring box and pops the hinged lid open. Inside is a wide gold wedding band, studded with tiny diamonds. It’s actually quite stunning.
“This should cover your tattoo.” He plucks the ring from where it’s nestled and reaches for my left hand. I stare, wide-eyed, as he slips the ring on my finger, the fit perfect.
He leans in. “No more wearing Band-Aids to cover this up.”
He knew? How long has he known I’ve been doing that to cover his mark on me?
Sharply, I glance up at him. “Does this mean you’re sorry for branding me?”
“Not in the slightest.” He lifts a brow at my outrage. “I did what had to be done and I won’t apologize for any of it, ever.”
“Did what needed to be done.” I echo his phrase, yanking my hand out of his. “I don’t see why you had to do this at all. If you really wanted my family to join with yours, there are other ways it could have happened. You could have talked to my father and come up with a solution. Unless this is all some kind of power trip for you.”
His features darken, and his lips press into a thin line. “By breaking our agreement, your father disrespected us. When my uncle refused to make an example of Mr. Pontrelli, insisting on forging a new agreement between our families that didn’t involve marriage, everyone saw us as weak.”
Dimitri grabs my jaw, lowering his face to mine. “It’s because of your father that my uncle was murdered. I knew I had to see the original agreement through in order to save face and regain whatever respect I could, but it’s too late. The man who murdered my uncle escaped and I can’t find him.” He releases me, stepping back.
Papa going back on his word for his daughters sakes is the reason Dimitri lost his uncle? I had no idea. When Father said we were free to choose our own husbands, that he’d never force us into an arranged marriage, I thought this was all over. I had no idea of the lingering consequences.
Another thought occurs to me. “That’s who you have Papa looking for, isn’t it, this man who killed your uncle?” I ask. He nods, but that leads me to another question. “Why aren’t your own men after him? Don’t they want vengeance?”
He sighs. Dragging his hand through his hair, he glances at me. “The man I’m having hunted down used to be my second in command. He’s one of my own men. Which means I can’t trust any of them. Worse, someone helped him escape and I haven’t figured out who yet.” He sounds defeated, tired.
Those lower in rank murdering their superiors to take control is not uncommon. From what Dimitri’s telling me, it sounds like he’s surrounded by men he can’t trust, but he’s also outnumbered. How long until that man comes for Dimitri, the last obstacle standing in the way to the top?
“What about the guards outside?” I ask. “Do you trust them?”
He shakes his head, and my heart races. “Not one hundred percent, but I do trust Maks. He’s vetted them, and keeping an eye on them.”
“Except when he’s driving me around,” I point out. “He’s either here watching them, or he’s with me in the city. He can’t be in two places at once. What if something happened while we were away?”
“That’s a risk I have to take. These guards I do trust more than others, just not one hundred percent.” He gently rubs my arm. “As long as Maks and I are alive, you’re safe, kisa. Soon I’ll have Boris, he can’t hide forever, and then he’s going to tell me who sided with him and betrayed my uncle. I’ll purge the Kozlov Bratva and we’ll be strong again.”
“Will you let me go after that?”
He frowns, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I don’t think I can. Not now, not then, not ever.”
So the only way to escape him is if he dies—or someone murders him.
I’ve never seen a man look so uncomfortable in a tuxedo until tonight. The fit is perfectly tailored, but that doesn’t stop Dimitri from pulling at his cuffs and collar. He’s going to tear off a sleeve if he keeps that up.
Tonight’s charity dinner is in a luxurious Manhattan hotel ballroom, followed by a silent auction in another part of the venue. We arrived in the middle of cocktail hour and have been slowly working our way around the reception area.
The first person I spot is Connor Bane, surrounded by his brothers, all lurking in a corner. His bright blue gaze traps mine for several intense moments.
A rumble emits from Dimitri’s chest, and I turn to find him glaring at Connor. I place my hand on his arm. “Not here.”
He grunts, and we both walk away from the Bane brothers.
“Arianna, my darling.” Mrs. De Luca floats up to us, kissing me on both cheeks. “How wonderful to see you. Congratulations on your position at Leonidas, I knew they’d love you.”
“Thank you for being my reference, Mrs. De Luca.” I motion toward Dimitri. “Let me introduce you to Dimitri Kozlov, my… husband.” My cheeks warm. I’ve never referred to him as either mine or my husband. But how else would I introduce him? I am wearing a wedding band, after all.
Mrs. De Luca pins her hawk-like gaze on him, extending her hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kozlov. I’ve heard all about you.” She assesses him. “You’d better be treating Arianna well, or I’ll make sure that you?—”
