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Holy shit. He’s threatening my family, the people I love.Leo. “You wouldn’t!” I gasp. “If you hurt anyone in my life, I will—” What? The truth is I have no power over Belov.
He sighs heavily. “It seems you need time to come to terms with your new reality. Take a few days. Enjoy all the amenities my home provides—there is a bowling alley on-site, an ice rink, a vineyard. But make no mistake, Alyona, your place is by my side.”
I press my lips together, hatred burning in my gut, but I know better than to lash out. The threats he made hang in the air between us.
There is only one acceptable choice here, and Maxim Belov just made it for me.
My life in exchange for the people I love.
Even if it eats my soul.
Even if it kills me.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
ALYONA
The sun ishigh in the sky, casting its bright rays over the vineyards as Kira and I navigate our way through the rows of grapevines. The leaves rustle gently in the midday breeze, their shadows dancing on the warm, earthy path beneath our feet.
As beautiful as it is here, neither of us can muster much enthusiasm for our midday walk.
It’s been two days since Belov revealed he is my father, and it’s taken me nearly that long to process everything. To pick through my thoughts, wrestle with the sadness, with the lies. I’ve mourned Papa all over again, raged at my mother, then mourned her, too.
But mostly, I’ve mourned Leo and what we could have been. I was conflicted about our future together—if we even had one—but now that the choice has been taken from me, it feels like I can’t breathe. Because to keep Leo alive, I must convince him that Iwantto be in Belov’s world. That this is my choice. If he believes otherwise, he’ll die fighting for my freedom.
Kira is the only person who will ever know the truth. And that’s only because it’s impossible to keep it from her. She was as stunned as I was to learn it’s Maxim Belov who is not only holding us captive but also my father. After the shock wore off, she moved on to outrage, prepared to fight him in any way necessary.
But there is no fighting a force as powerful as Belov. I’ve let her know she can’t risk her life. This is my burden to bear.
“Let’s sit,” Kira says, pointing to an ancient oak tree on the edge of the vineyard. “I’m getting hot.”
I settle beside her, our backs against the tree trunk. Despite Belov’s noticeable absence these past few days, we’re both tense, waiting for him to summon me.
Sure, we’re treated like esteemed guests here. If it weren’t for the heavily armed guards patrolling the vicinity, we could almost be fooled into believing this place was some sort of luxury resort. Almost.
“Alright, new idea.” Kira turns to face me, her cheeks flushed from our walk in the sun. We’ve been playing this game for days. It’s called 100 Ways to Kill Belov. So far, we have seventy-nine. “You poison his food. Easy. Everyone will think he died of a heart attack.”
I smile, letting my head rest against the tree behind me. “I’d probably screw it up and poison myself, too.”
She stretches her legs out in front of her, staring off into the distance. “Okay, how about this? You get close to him, earn his trust, and then start feeding him misinformation. You create enough chaos that his empire crumbles from within, and he’s left powerless.”
I laugh. “Sounds complicated. I’d much rather push him off a tall building. Although I doubt he goes anywhere without guards.” I throw my arm around Kira. “You’re full of good ideas.”
Kira shrugs. “I wish I was. Then at least I could get you out of here.”
The sweet scent of ripening grapes fills the air, and a gentle breeze brushes against my skin. I always thought of Russia as a harsh and cold place, but it’s beautiful here. Could I get used to a life by Belov’s side? He is my father, even if he’s a power-crazed psychopath.
“Maybe it’s for the best,” I blurt. Kira’s head snaps my way. “Having my future laid out for me. A destiny. Even if it’s not what I want, it’s not like my life was so great…” My chest tightens; being with Leo on the yacht, no matter how brief, gave me a glimpse of happiness. It was everything I ever wanted. Until it all came crashing down.
“Don’t say that,” Kira responds, her mouth turning downward. “Belov is a psychopath. I don’t care who he is, I won’t let him steal your future, and neither will our family.”
“That’s the problem,” I say, my voice rising. “Leo is going to get himself killed coming after Belov and his army. I can’t allow it.”
“What are you saying?”
“I need him to believe that this is my choice. That this is what I want.”
“He’ll never believe it,” Kira argues. “Leo knows you better than anyone. That man loves you. He won’t give up easily.”
