Viktor raises his hands slightly. “Alright. Just… be careful. Don’t discuss important shit in front of her.”
I don’t bother replying. My eyes are already back on her.
Calina laughs softly at something Kira says, then brushes a loose strand of golden hair away from her face. The movement is simple, but it hits me harder than it should.
Even in a crowded room full of dangerous, powerful people, she’s the only one I can focus on. From the second I took her and her sister that night, she’s had my full attention.
She’s fire and defiance wrapped in beauty. And she’s going to be my wife in less than two weeks.
CHAPTER NINE
Calina
Kira is saying something beside me, but I can barely register a single word.
My eyes are locked across the room on Maxim and Artyom. They’re standing face to face, postures rigid, looking like two predators seconds away from tearing each other apart. Artyom’s words from earlier keep echoing in my head, over and over.
“The real reason he’s collecting this debt as marriage is because he needs our family name to rise in the ranks.”
It all makes sense now. Why he insisted on marrying into our family. Why he didn’t even hesitate when I offered myself instead of Milana. He doesn't care which of the sisters he gets. He’s riding on our backs.
“Calina?”
Kira’s voice finally breaks through. I blink and turn to her.
“Sorry… what did you say?”
She gives me a worried look. “You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you?” Her gaze shifts toward the two men. “Maxim and Artyom look like they’re about to kill each other.”
A bitter smile tugs at my lips. “I hope Artyom wins and puts a bullet in him.”
Kira’s eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t scold me. Instead, she gently touches my arm. “How are you holding up? Really?”
I let out a shaky breath and look down at the glittering diamond on my finger, and force a small smile for Kira. “I’m holding up fine.”
She looks at me with deep sympathy. “I’m so sorry, Calina. I keep telling Artyom to keep trying to find a loophole in that contract.”
I shake my head. “There’s nothing to be done. There is no loophole.”
“But we can’t just let you marry that man,” Kira insists, voice low and urgent. “You’re being forced into this.”
“It’s my fate,” I say quietly. “The contract says he can collect whatever form of payment he wants. And he chose marriage into our family.”
Kira’s eyes flash with frustration. “What if you run away? I could help you. We could get you somewhere safe, somewhere he’ll never find you?—”
“No.” I cut her off. “If I run, then Milana will be the one forced to marry him. I won’t let that happen.”
Kira sighs, shoulders slumping. “There has to be another way…”
For now, there isn’t.
Wanting to change the subject, I ask, “How is Milana?”
“She’s… fine,” Kira says carefully. “Well, not really fine. She’s worried sick about you. She wanted to come tonight but she’s not feeling up to crowds right now.”
I nod. “Tell her I said hello. And that I’m okay. I will give her a call, now that I have my phone.”
When we got taken by Maxim's men, I left my phone in my car. Kira brought it to me tonight.
