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“That simple?” her voice trembles.
I lift my glass and swirl the wine inside. “That simple.”
Her eyes widen as Eden does the math. Climbing onto the roof terrace was a stupid thing to do, but I admire that she did it.But more than her courage, I admire the fact that Edenthinks. I hope she thinks of the right answer now.
“Then I want some assurances,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
“Of course.” I set my wine down, noting that she has offered no answer but only more demands.
Whether consciously or not, Eden seems to know how to play the game. Perhaps her innocence is all an act.
“Promise me that you’ll let me go once this is over.” Her voice trembles, but she holds my gaze. “And my dad. He’s not a bad man. Don’t hurt him.”
I hesitate for a moment, then nod. “I promise that when this is over, you’ll never see me again. And this will be nothing more than a bad dream.”
I deliberately leave out what I will do to her father. If my brigadiers are right and he is indeed a traitor, then my mercy to Eden will not extend to him.
Eden closes her eyes, biting her lower lip again, and nods. “Fine. I’ll marry you.”
“Good.”
I reach into my pocket, pull out a diamond engagement ring, and slip it on her finger. I do my best to ignore the softness of her hands. She gazes at the ring on her finger. Her expression is not one of greed but of curiosity. Another woman would’ve marveled at it with a greedy look in her eyes.
Not Eden.
She sits there looking at it as she falls deep into thought, and I turn to walk away.
That’s when she breaks the silence between us.
“Wait,” she says, and I turn around.
Her eyes are burning with defiance again, and I wonder what she’s about to say.
18
EDEN
ASSHOLE!
I don’t say it, but I think it.
The low light from the chandelier dances across Nikolai’s face, casting shadows that make him look even more sinister with that cold green gaze going through me. Despite my fear, I force myself to meet his gaze, trying to convey the hatred boiling over in me.
His eyes bore into mine, and I can see the sincerity there. He’s not lying when he says that he’s doing this to protect me. And if my encounter with his three men—what did he call them, brigadiers?—is any indication, then my best hope truly lies with him.
But it still doesn’t help that his promise of protection is only extended to me.
“I’ll play my part in public,” I tell him. “But behind closed doors, I want nothing to do with you. Don’t expect me to be your dutiful wife.”
“Fair enough,” Nikolai concedes, heading back to his chair across the table. “But remember, Eden. The world can be a cruel place, and sometimes we need allies more than we need our independence.”
Is this the trade I’m willing to make? My freedom in exchange for his protection?
But then again … What choice do I have? I’m trapped, and there’s nothing else but him. As much as I want to despise him for what he’s done, I can’t help but be drawn to him either.
Realizing he’s waiting for me to speak, I jut out my chin defiantly. “It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
His lips curl, first a smile, then a sneer, and finally a deep-bellied laugh that leaves me shaking from anger at how little of a threat he considers me.
