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Kai is a dominant man, used to getting his way. He's not used to being challenged, especially by me—a woman he’d probably rather strangle than marry. He only sees me as aninvestment, something to barter for more power, and my flirting with his security is a direct challenge to his authority. I can feel his anger simmering beneath the surface. He's been determined to teach me a lesson, to show me who's in charge. He wants to make me his pawn in this twisted game of Mafia politics, but I'm not one to back down easily. His antics last night were bullshit. A rush of adrenaline that comes with defying his expectations. It might be dangerous, but I won’t deny that there is a thrill in the push.
Kai takes a step toward me, towering over me with his muscular frame. “You think you're so clever, Vasilisa. Playing games with my men like they're your little toys.”
I raise my chin defiantly, refusing to back down. “I'm not playing games, Kai. I’ll save that for you. I’m just enjoying myself.”
He grabs my arm roughly, his grip tightening like a vise. “I give you an inkling of freedom, and this is what you do with it—try to flirt with me men? Yes, Liam told me that you tried to come on to him. Leave my men the fuck alone. Understood?”
I nod, my heart racing with fear and excitement. “Yes, Kai.”
He releases me, but the threat lingers in the air. I know he won't let me get away with this, that he'll find a way to make me pay for my defiance. But for now, I revel in the thrill of the challenge, knowing I've rattled him to the core.
“Get her back to her room and try not to fall for any more of her bullshite,” he yells at Shane before storming off.
Shane nods, his expression unreadable. “Let's go, Vasilisa,” he says, his voice oddly gentle.
As we walk back to my room, I can feel his eyes on me. I turn toward him, locking gazes with him. “I'm sorry if I got you into trouble with Kai. Are you okay? He's not going to fire you, is he?” I ask.
He hesitates for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. “Be careful,” he says finally. “Kai is dangerous, and he won't hesitate to hurt you if he feels threatened.”
I nod, understanding the warning. He doesn't answer whether his job is at risk. “Thank you, Shane. I appreciate your concern.”
He nods back, his eyes still fixed on mine. “Just be careful,” he repeats before waiting for me to enter my room. I can hear the locks engaging on the other side of the door. So we’re back to the locks. Kai probably won't let me out again anytime soon.
I sigh, leaning against the door and looking around my room. It's bare and cold, much like I envision a prison. No television or decor to brighten up the space. I’m just about over the boredom. I can't leave this room let alone this estate without Kai's permission. I need to get word to my father somehow. Would he still expect me to marry Kai if he knew of his ill treatment of me? I'm trapped here, with no escape in sight, so how do I get in touch with my father or my brothers without a phone?
But then, an idea occurs to me. Maybe I could use Shane to my advantage. He seems different from the other men that Kai has surrounded himself with. Maybe he's not as loyal to Kai as he seems. Maybe I can convince him to help me escape or at least contact my family.
I sit down on the edge of the bed, my mind racing with possibilities. If I can just get Shane on my side, then maybe I can find a way out of this nightmare. If things are this bad before the wedding, I’d rather not stick around to see how much worse it will get. Let him marry Eva or Persephone. As I lie down on the bed, I close my eyes, trying to formulate a plan. As I drift off into a restless sleep, my mind continues to churn with ideas. How can I find a way to talk to Shane again? Ugh, I need another ally—Andie maybe. But I don't want to risk her job too. I'm already risking Shane's if he doesn't get fired after today's incident.
* * *
The next morning,I wake up early, my mind still consumed with thoughts of escape. I need to find a way to talk to Shane again, to gauge his loyalty to Kai and see if he can be persuaded to help me. But how do I do that without raising suspicion?
As I get dress in one of the jogger sets that have been placed in the drawers, I hear a soft knock on the door before I hear the locks disengaging. I pause, wondering who it could be? Who would knock? It's not like I have the means to open the door.
To my surprise, it's Shane. I guess it was a courtesy knock in case I wasn't dressed. He looks nervous, shifting from foot to foot as he stands in the center of my room with a tray of food.
To say I'm surprised is an understatement. “What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.
“I intercepted Andrea when she was heading up to bring you breakfast. I told her that I had orders to check on you and that I didn't mind bringing your food up,” he says, holding up the tray in question.
“That was very sweet of you.”
“Look, Kai may question you today. It's important that you don't tell him anything about our conversation such as me revealing I don't have a girlfriend. If he asks, just say that I didn't say much other than show you around.”
I nod, understanding the gravity of our situation. “I won't say a word. I promise.”
He lets out a relieved breath before setting the tray of food down on the bed. “I don't want to see you get hurt, Vasilisa. Kai is just as ruthless as his brother, and he won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to keep you in line.”
“I know,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “That's why I need your help. I need to find a way out of here, to contact my family.”
He hesitates before slowly nodding. “I'll see what I can do. But you need to be patient. It won't be easy, and it won't be quick. But I'll do what I can to help you.”
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Thank you, Shane. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“I do know. I may seem like one of Kai's men, but I'm not like them,” he says, his eyes meeting mine. “I was brought on by one of his full-time men because he couldn't pull all of his security from his home in New York. I'll do what I can to help you, but you have to be careful. Kai is still watching, and if he finds out I'm helping you, we will be in danger.”
“I understand,” I say, nodding. “I'll be careful.”
