But even as I leave, her words follow me.
And the worst part is… a small, buried part of me wonders what it would feel like to give her the kind of marriage she dreams about.
She spoke about it like it was something real. Like it was oxygen.
I shove the thought down hard. She’s mine now. Love or not.
I don’t stop until I reach my bedroom, closing the door behind me with more force than necessary.
I stop by the window, staring out at the grounds. Her face keeps flashing in my mind, the passion in her eyes when she talked about the future she wanted, the way her voice softened when she spoke of children and happiness and coming home to someone she actually loves.
For one dangerous second, I wonder what it would feel like to be that man, the man she described. To give her that kind of life.
I kill the thought instantly.What’s wrong with me?
I take off my clothes and step into the bathroom to take a quick shower.
I step out, water still running down my back, and quickly dress in fresh black shirt and trousers, grab my coat, and head out to one of my warehouses on the outskirts of the city.
Dmitri and Viktor are already waiting when I arrive. These two are the only real family I’ve ever had, the brothers I chose from the orphanage hell we all survived together. They know me better than anyone.
“Everything is in place,” I tell them the moment we’re alone in the back room. “The deal is done. I’m marrying Calina Morozova in two weeks.”
Viktor breaks into a wide grin. “Fucking finally. The Morozov alliance is going to shut everyone up. No more bullshit about you not being a real Orlov. With her name behind you, the clan will fall in line.”
Dmitri claps me on the shoulder, laughing. “This is going to solidify your reign, Pakhan. The Society won’t be able to touch us after this. We’re untouchable now.”
“Wait a minute, didn't you say you were going for the younger sister, Milana?” Viktor asks.
I let out a breath. “Yeah, but Calina offered herself in Milana’s place.”
I go ahead and tell them about last night and how everything went.
We talk for a while about how this marriage strengthens our position, new territory, better connections, and the kind of legitimacy that silences every bastard who still doubts me because I wasn’t born an Orlov. For the first time in a long time, I feel like the ground beneath me is steady.
“When do we get to meet her?” Dmitri asks, still grinning.
“Tonight,” I reply. “Come for dinner.”
“Cool,” Viktor says, leaning back against the table. “So… how is she?”
I exhale a long, frustrated groan and drag a hand down my face. “It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours and I already want to shoot myself. She’s driving me fucking insane.”
Both of them burst into loud laughter.
I could have chosen someone easier. Someone who wouldn’t challenge me at every turn.
But the truth hits me like a bullet. I don’t want anyone else. I want her.
Even if she fights me. Even if she hates me. Even if she never loves me.
Calina Morozova is going to be my wife.
And I’m never letting her go.
CHAPTER SIX
Calina
