Page 170 of Bleed with Me

“What?” His eyes narrowed, auburn hair falling across his forehead as he took an abrupt step closer, and I flinched back. “Oooh, don’t be scared, piccola. I would never hurt you. You know that, right?”

“Do I?” I fisted my palms. “You work for my father.”

“I don’t.” He nodded at the man who stood at the end of my bed to leave, and he obeyed without a second thought. “I promised Giovanni I would always be by your side. I’m here to fulfill that promise.”

“As if I believe you,” I scoffed, shaking my head angrily. “You abandoned him!”

“He ordered me to stay alive!” Dino raised his voice. “You need me.”

“I don’t,” I snarled. “I win my own battles.”

“Looks like it, piccola.” He lifted his arms and pointed around us. “You’re a prisoner in your own palace. Is this the victory you chased?”

I bit my tongue to stop a stupid, immature retort from escaping. He had a point. This was exactly what I didn’t imagine.

“Who did you marry, Nina?” Dino asked in a softer voice. “Is it someone who can help with all of this?”

A genuine smile lifted my lips.

“Of course.” I rounded the bed confidently. “He’ll be here in no time.”

“Are you sure?” Dino smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. “Your prince is about three hours late.”

After another three hours, I began questioning Zyon’s title as King of New York. Shouldn’t he know exactly what happened in every corner? Why the hell hadn’t they barged through the door yet?

That question was answered half an hour later when a terrified servant who had worked for my family for years brought me a simple white long dress with lacy sleeves.

“I’m sorry, Miss Nina,” she whispered, setting the white strappy sandals beside the bed. “I didn’t know. I would’ve called you.” She glanced at the closed door, lowering her voice so it was barely audible. “Your father is pretending to be in Colombia. But never left.” She swallowed thickly, fear crossing her face. “Whatever he’s planning… he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s here.” Her hand squeezed mine tightly, her chin quivering. “Be careful, Miss Nina.”

“I’ll be fine.” I touched her shoulder gently. “Everything will be fine.”

She nodded and left the room when Dino appeared on the threshold.

“Not only is your prince late.” He tapped with his thick index finger against his worn-out silver watch. “But the groom is late, too. Looks like he got drunk last night.”

“Poor him.” I rolled my eyes, not at all interested in Sonny. Folding my arms over my chest, I turned to the window, which offered a spectacular view of the garden, and thought about what I’d just heard. But it didn’t make any sense.

No one outside the Zhumagulovs and Lucas knew about my marriage. Dad wasn’t hiding from Dorian. He didn’t even know Dorian existed. So who was he trying to fool?

“I checked your marriage, by the way.” Dino stood beside me, glancing at the garden like it was the most interesting thing he had ever seen. “There is no mention of you getting married.”

My heart painfully missed a beat. The marriage certificate fuckery was about to kick my ass.

“Don’t worry. It’s legit,” I lied through my teeth, avoiding looking at him. He’d see through my mask in an instant.

“If you say so, piccola.” He shrugged, turning to leave. “But get dressed. Just in case your husband forgets to show up.”

He winked at me and walked out with that infuriating half-smile plastered across his scarred face.

The lock clicked. Silence swallowed the room. I stared at the closed door for a long moment before dropping onto the edge of the bed.

“Come on, Dorian,” I whispered, rubbing my trembling hands together.

But another hour had passed. Then another.

My gaze drifted toward the wedding dress hanging beside the wardrobe. For the first time since they’d dragged me into this house, a tiny, unwelcome seed of doubt took root.

“Where the fuck are you, Dorian?”