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“Stop putting everyone else first!” Misha snaps at her.
I take a step closer, but Aurora speaks before I can open my mouth. “Stop yelling at Tiana. You don’t know what it’s like being a woman in the mafia. Things are easier said than done.”
Misha takes another drag of the cigarette, and when Aurora wraps an arm around Tiana’s shoulders, he lets out a sigh.
“Next time something happens, you tell Armani or me immediately,” Misha instructs Tiana.
“Or me,” Alek mutters.
Misha glances at Alek. “You have enough shit to deal with.”
Alek narrows his eyes on Misha. “It doesn’t mean I can’t help T. She’s like a sister to me.”
Misha places his hand on Alek’s shoulder. “I know, brother. I’m just looking out for you as well.”
A guard approaches us, saying, “The meeting is about to start.”
I nod at him. “Thank you.”
Alek places his hand on Aurora’s lower back, nodding toward the dining hall. “Come. Lunch is on me.”
After they leave the three of us, I look at Misha. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Do you want me to wait with Alek and Aurora?” Tiana asks.
Misha shakes his head. “Viktor wants you at the meeting.”
“Oh God,” she gasps, the blood draining from her face. “I’m so sorry about the mess I made.”
“The only thing you did wrong was not calling Armani sooner,” he mutters as he walks into the castle.
I take hold of Tiana’s hand, giving her fingers a squeeze before we head to the office. When we reach the door, I pull her partially behind me, and I don’t let go of her hand.
When the door shuts behind us, Misha greets Luca and Viktor before he turns a murderous glare on Makarova, who’s sitting on one of the couches, looking like he owns the fucking place.
Viktor glances at me, then at Tiana. “Come out of hiding, little one.”
I feel the tremble in Tiana’s hand as she steps to my side. She’s so fucking pale I fear she’s going to pass out.
“Just so everyone’s on the same page,” Luca mutters as he takes a seat, a tumbler of whiskey in his hand, “Misha promised his sister to Armani, and Vincent arranged a marriage with Karlin.”
Mr. Aslanhov steps closer to the seating area. “The deal between the bratva and Karlin takes precedence over a promise between friends.”
“Like hell it does,” Misha snaps. “I decide who my sister marries. I’m her only living blood relative.”
“I fucking took you in,” Aslanhov roars.
“Silence,” Viktor shouts. He looks pissed off as his eyes scan over all of us.
He gestures for Tiana to move closer to him. Cautiously she walks until she’s within reaching distance of him.
“Why did you run away, little one?”
Her tongue darts out to nervously wet her lips, and she clasps her hands in front of her.
You can do it, bella. Tell him what happened.
“Mr. Makarova is an abusive man.” There’s a spark in Tiana’s eyes when she sees Viktor is actually listening to her, and it makes her voice sound stronger. “He threatened me and said there would be no children, that he’s not interested in a weakling like me, so the marriage wouldn’t be consummated.”
Viktor nods, then asks, “Is that all?”
Tiana shakes her head, and turning her back to Viktor, she lifts her shirt.
The second Viktor sees the welts on her back, rage ignites in his eyes, and his features turn to stone.
Misha lets out a growl, his hands fisting at his sides. I step closer to him in case he lunges for Makarova. Leaning in, I whisper, “Keep calm. We’ll deal with the fucker at a later stage.”
Luca stands up and takes hold of Viktor’s arm. “We’re on neutral ground. Calm down.”
If the situation weren’t so severe, I’d chuckle.
Viktor’s eyes burn on Makarova with unconcealed disgust before he looks at Tiana again. His expression visibly softens as he asks, “Do you want to get married, Tiana?”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Sir?”
“Are you ready for marriage? Is this something you want?” He makes it clearer for her.
Tiana swallows hard. “Yes, sir.” She takes a deep breath, then continues, “You said I could call you if I need anything.”
Viktor’s face softens even more. “I did.”
She swallows hard again. “Please, will you allow me to marry Armani?” The air wooshes from her lungs as she lets out a breath. “I’ll never ask for anything again.”
Viktor glances at Luca, and they have a wordless conversation. When Luca nods, Viktor turns back to Tiana. “Are you sure, little one? Marriage is for life.”
She doesn’t hesitate to answer, “I’m sure. Please allow me to marry Armani De Santis.”
There’s a tense minute as Viktor spares everyone a glance, then he nods. “If that’s what you want, little one.”
“Viktor!” Mr. Aslanhov cries. “The deal with Karlin has been signed. I worked my ass off to bring him into the fold.”
Viktor ignores the outcry and steps closer to Tiana. Giving her shoulder a squeeze, he says, “You have my permission to marry Armani. You can leave.”
