Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I guess the whole freedom thing doesn’t apply here. The truth is, though, I could escape even this room if I put my mind to it, but breaking out of here doesn’t hold the appeal it once did.
I stare out the window when the door swings open, and Lev steps in. He’s calm, composed, every bit the cold and ruthless strategist I’ve come to despise. When his eyes meet mine, the fire in them stokes flames of my own.
He’s cunning, wicked and fearless… and I want him.
I so fucking want this man all to myself.
Yes. Yes, we’re going to do just fine. I mean, we’ll have our growing pains.
“It’s all set,” he says. “We’re almost ready.”
I’m glad he doesn’t ask, Are you? Because that would be a ‘hell no’. I try to remember the glimmer of whatever I saw in him earlier. I try to remember my promise to myself to make this work.
I clench my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. “You’re making a mistake,” I spit. “I’ll never be yours willingly.”
He steps closer, and for a moment, I see a flicker of something in his eyes, but it’s gone as quickly as it came. “You don’t have a choice,” he replies. “The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be for both of us.”
I manufacture a glare at him… playing along, my mind racing.
I’ll let him think he’s won.
As he turns to leave, I let my posture relax slightly, a hint of defeat in my stance. There’s some kind of surveillance in here. I know it. It’s all part of the plan. The more compliant I appear, the more likely he is to let his guard down. And when he does, I’ll be ready.
“I’ll be back soon.”
I open my mouth to stop him, but the door clicks shut behind him. What is taking so long?
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. I can’t afford to lose control now. This marriage may be a trap, but it’s also an opportunity. I’ll use it to learn everything I can about the Bratva’s operations and his weaknesses. I’ll gather every piece of information, every scrap of intel, and I’ll use it to bring not only Lev down but fucking everyone else. My brother won’t even know what hit him.
Tonight, I’ll be his bride, but that doesn’t make me his. Not truly. I’ll bide my time, play my part, and when the moment is right, I’ll strike.
Lev thinks he’s the only one playing a game, but he’s wrong. So fucking wrong.
Sun breaks through clouds on the other side of the heavy drapes. Hope. There’s hope.
I stand in front of the mirror and make my decision. I’ll play along with him. I’ll let him think he won. He’ll expect me to fight, so I’ll give him that, and I might even fucking enjoy it.
Yes. This might work really, really well.
I could get out of here if I really wanted to; I know I could.
Then what? No matter how hard I try, no matter what resources I secure, I’ll never be able to take over my family on my own and claim my rightful position of power. If I could, I’d have done it already.
The odds are stacked against me. But with the help of the Romanovs…
I thought he said he was ready? Now that it’s go time, I’m growing impatient.
Finally, the door creaks open, and I tense, expecting another guard. Instead, it’s Lev. He steps inside, closing the door softly behind him. For a moment, we just look at each other, the silence heavy and charged. This time, he doesn’t glare at me as he did before but looks a bit more… contemplative.
“What?” I ask, my voice sharper than I intended. I swallow hard when his brows draw together and his lips purse.
I remember what it was like being chained in his basement. I remember the erotic charge between us.
He doesn’t respond immediately, just walks over to the window and stares out. His presence is a bit unnerving. I don’t know what to expect.
“They tell me you’re not eating,” he says finally, his tone surprisingly gentle. “You need to keep your strength up.”
It’s the last thing I expect him to say. “Somewhere between ‘you’ll be my prisoner, oh, just kidding, how about my wife,’ I lost my appetite.” I roll my eyes.
“Watch it, woman,” he says in a low purr that makes my skin heat.
I can’t let him see that he’s affected me. I scoff, crossing my arms. “Why do you care? I’m only a pawn in this game. You know that. All you need is a warm body.”
He turns to face me. “Maybe you don’t have to fight this so hard.” He rests his hand on mine. “We’ve received word that your family knows we’re marrying me today. Let the adventure begin.”