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I wonder whatwhatever happens nexteven means. For a moment, I recall dancing close to Andrei at the wedding. Would it be all bad? But as soon as I think about it, I see the bodies on the reception hall floor again. This man literally kidnapped me from my home and is keeping me away from my family.
So, obviously the answer is yes. It can be that bad. Probably worse.
“Ms. Reyes?” I ask him. “Is that how you intend to address your future wife?”
“Very well, Paige.” He smiles darkly. “Don’t worry. This marriage will bring you certain advantages.”
“And guaranteed danger.” Finally, I’ve stopped shaking. “At the very least, did you tell my family I won’t be home today?”
He frowns, avoiding my eyes. “No, and they won’t be at the wedding.”
The words launch me toward him as I lose my shit. I grab his jacket in my fists. “They have to be told. My father is sick. He’s on chemo. I was supposed to pick him up today. My little sister can’t take care of him on her own. She’s in high school, for fuck’s sake. Our mother took off, and now I’ve disappeared. They’ll be worried sick. Oh my God.” A wave of nausea settles in my belly and coats my tongue. “What if they think I’ve walked out? You have to tell them! They have no money except what I earn, and I’m about to miss my gig tonight.”
His tone is colder than his gaze. “You have a choice, Paige. As my wife, your family will be taken care of.” The words hang in the charged air. “But if you refuse … or act out.” His voice lowers into a threatening growl. “Then what they think of you will be the least of everyone’s problems, Paige.”
I have to go through with it. The man is a killer, and I don’t know what he will do to me or my family. This shouldn’t involve them, but I don’t dare plead. It’s only making things worse.
I sit down heavily on the bed and close my eyes to keep the room from spinning. “When will it happen?”
“Within the week,” Andrei replies before he exits the door, and I hear the click of the lock on the other side.
A week … I have less than a week.
Panting, I look around the room for anything I can use to help me escape. But there’s nothing. I slump to the ground and hug my knees to my chest, fighting to keep myself from crying.
Chapter 11
Andrei
Two days later
“Vodka or scotch?” asks Dmitri.
“I don’t need a drink,” I reply quickly.
“I think you will regret being sober when Talia arrives.” He grabs two bottles from the bar. “I’ll just pour both in the same glass.”
I can tell he’s counting the days until he can sayI told you so. Cocky little shit.
He watches the amber liquid fill the glass and then hands it to me. “I hope this girl is worth your effort.”
“Paige Reyes is just another deal.” I place the glass back down. “Once I have what I want, she’ll be sent on her way.”
“So it won’t be an actual wedding?”
“She won’t be stuck in a loveless marriage.” I get up and walk over to the window. This room suffocates me. “If she wants a divorce, I won’t object.”
“And you?” he asks.
“I don’t care who I marry as long as it’s to my advantage.” I twist my lips. “And Talia never had anything to offer.”
I’ve invited Talia over for lunch this afternoon to break the news. In person. Her father could’ve told her, but it’s my responsibility to inform her. I will face the fury like the man I am. No, like the pakhan I am.
“I’m going to go change my suit,” I tell Dmitri as I hurry to the door. “Make sure the waitstaff has the table set up on the terrace. And that guards are concealed around us.”
Dmitri nods. “I understand perfectly.”
Talia’s temper is infamous. She’s attacked other women for the smallest slights. She’s cut men for disrespecting her. She showed no remorse when she sliced off a soldier’s nose for brushing against her ass at a club. The place was crowded, and he was protecting her.
