I leave the dressing room to show my friends. “What do you think?” They’re seated on a couch before a large mirror but their eyes are not on me. They’re on… Enzo. Who’s here. In the bridal shop.

  He smirks when he sees me. “I think you look ridiculous in that dress.”

  I stumble in my tracks. “What are you doing here? A groom isn’t supposed to see the bride in her dress before the wedding.”

  “I’m unconventional,” he says with a shrug as he takes a seat next to Irina. She stiffens but doesn’t move away. Natasha refuses to look at him.

  “Why are you even here?”

  “It’s customary for all the women in the bride’s life to help her choose a dress. Unfortunately, my sister and aunt weren’t able to make it. So I’m here in their stead.”

  My mouth turns dry, making it hard to speak. The way Enzo smirks again tells me he knows the affect he has on me. “I didn’t even know you had a sister or aunt.”

  “Gianna. She lives in Connecticut for her own safety. She’s only coming the day of the wedding. I don’t want someone to hurt her in the meantime.”

  “So you actually have someone you care about?” I ask, clear surprise in my voice.

  Enzo’s eyes narrow. “I’m not a complete monster.”

  “The fact you shot my brother in the back says otherwise. And the fact you kidnapped Natasha. You’re not a good man.”

  “All is fair in war.”

  “Well, we’re not in a war anymore and you’re annoying me, so go.”

  He stands up, towering over me, which only annoys me further and he knows it too. “Don’t make me regret agreeing to marry you.”

  “Which I still don’t fully understand why you did it. You said you wanted no part in planning this wedding, so go. Don’t ruin this day for me. And I’m choosing this dress. I like it. It doesn’t matter what you think.”

  “I have the power to call this whole thing off. I’m going to choose your dress for you. Something nicer than… this.” He motions his hands at my wedding dress. “It’s too… tacky.”

  I gasp. “It’s not tacky. I look like a princess.”

  “Which we both know you’re not. A princess wouldn’t sneak off to clubs and get drunk.”

  Before I can stop myself, I slap him across the face. The entire room goes silent.

  “Is there a problem here?” The sales woman asks.

  “No,” both Enzo and I say at the same time.

  “If there is a problem, I’ll have to call the police.”

  Enzo flashes her a charming smile. “That won’t be necessary. Just a marital dispute. No need to involve the police. We won’t cause any more problems.”

  “Good. You better not.” She walks away, clearly uncomfortable, but her job is to respect the client’s wishes.

  “So, you can be charming,” I say to Enzo when he turns back to me.

  “I have charmed many women in my lifetime.”

  “So why are you unable to charm me? That’s because I see the real you and you’re an asshole.”

  He steps closer to me until I can smell the faint minty-ness of his breath. “I would suggest you stop calling me that, Kira. We’ll be married by the end of the month. Let’s not kill each other before then. We both want peace between our families. Don’t be stupid.”

  “I don’t like you.”

  “And I don’t like you.”

  “So why did you agree to marry me then? I don’t get it. You saw me afraid and thought I’d make a good wife?”

  “I saw a woman who was vulnerable. One who’s walls dropped down. I saw the real you for a moment. Not this façade you show to the world.”

  I place my hands on my hips, trying to feel tough but knowing I’m failing at it. “Who says the way I’m acting is a façade? This is the real me.”

  “If this were the real you, you’d be happier. You wouldn’t be sneaking off to clubs to get drunk, now would you?”

  “I happen to find it fun.”

  “Maybe. But I’m good at reading people. It’s why I’ve been successful at my job. And you, Kira, are not happy.”

  Ok… so maybe I would go out to drink to get away from my stifling father but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t happy. I was happy… of course I was. I’m sure of it. Enzo isn’t going to convince me otherwise.

  “You don’t know me,” I whisper, hating how scared I sound.

  Enzo grazes the back of his hand down my cheek. I try not to flinch. “I see a girl who’s trouble but also one who needs help. You’re a challenge. I didn’t want one at first but now I can see how fun it will be. Turning you into my perfect wife will be more interesting than anything I’ve experienced in a while.”

  “You can’t turn me into anything.”

  “We’ll see about that. And I’m going to choose your dress. I want you looking beautiful on our wedding day. Not… whatever this is.”

  “I like my dress. I’m wearing it.”

  Enzo strolls over to the sales woman and points at a dress on a mannequin. The dress in question is sleek and elegant and slim. It’s not a princess dress at all and I hate it.

  “You’ll try that one on,” he says, coming over to me. “I expect to see you in it on our wedding day.” With a nod at Irina and Natasha, he saunters out of the store.

  The sales woman hands me the new dress but I shake my head.

  “I’m going to wear this one,” I say, running my hands down the princess dress I have on. This is the dress for me and nothing Enzo could say or do is going to change that.

  I thought I was done with Enzo but he shows up when I’m testing out cakes.

  “I can do this on my own,” I grumble when he saunters into the bakery like he owns the place. And honestly, he probably owns a lot of different properties. Rich jerk. I might be rich too but that’s beside the point.

  “It’s a cake we’ll both be eating. I thought I should join in.”

  I hate how good he looks in his black shirt and slacks. It makes me want to slap him again. “For someone who doesn’t like me, you sure do like spending time with me.”

  Enzo gives me a knowing look. “I’m just here to try on cake. I don’t trust you to choose one that’s good. For all I know, you’ll try to poison me on the wedding day and I’m going to do everything in my power to stop that from happening.”

  “I wouldn’t poison you.”

  “No?”

  “No. I would stab you in the heart instead. I’m not afraid of blood.”

  He smirks as he sits down beside me. The baker brings out the first couple of cakes to test. “Let me know if you need anything,” she says.

  I give her a tight smile while Enzo gives her an effortless one.

  “Were good,” he says before biting into the vanilla cake. “It’s good but a little too bland. I think we need something more exciting, don’t you?”

  I shoot him a glare as I try a bite of the same cake. “I think it’s good. A little boring isn’t a bad thing.”

  “You don’t strike me as a woman who likes boring things.”

  “And you strike me as a man who likes bland things. Vanilla cake is perfect for you.”

  “Trust me, Kira, the last thing I am is vanilla.”

  I frown. What does he mean by that?

  Enzo’s gaze intensifies on me. “Do you not understand?”

  Shoot. He knows something I don’t. Instead of looking confused, I flash him a bright smile. “Of course I do.”

  “I’m not sure you do. For a moment there you seemed… innocent. How innocent are you, Kira? For a girl who goes to clubs and drinks, I doubt you’re innocent at all.”

  The last thing I’m going to do is tell him I’m a virgin. That’s something he’ll hold over my head.

  “Let’s just eat cake,” I say, before stuffing a large bite of the chocolate one in my mouth.

  Enzo’s eyes dip down to my lips. “You know, we don’t have to hate each other. We could have fun instead.”

  “Fun how? I’m not sure I’ll like your idea of fun.”

  “I could show you so many things you’ve never experienced.”

  I try to keep the blush from my face but it’s so hard. “Like what?” It’s a dangerous question to ask.

  “I’ll be better than any other man you’ve been with before.”

  “How many men do you think I’ve been with? I told you I wasn’t a slut. I’m the daughter of a Bratva man. That should tell you everything.”

  “Maybe. But I can’t quite figure you out. You’re either more innocent than I’m giving you credit for or you’re keeping secrets from me.”

  “No secrets,” I say as my heart pounds out of my chest.

  Enzo leans into my ear. “I’m sure I’ll figure them all out in time.”

  “Never.”

  “Challenge accepted.” He swipes his finger against my lip, making me flinch. “You had a piece of chocolate on your face.”

  My only reply is to take another bite.

  Chapter Five

  Kira

  My wedding day.

  After weeks of planning, it’s finally here. And all I can feel is absolute dread in the pit of my stomach as I stand before the mirror in the hotel suite in my wedding dress. Our guests are arriving at the hotel now. Enzo and I are going to be married in the outdoor garden in just an hour.

  I have to stop myself from throwing up. My entire life is going to change. No more safety. No more spoiled existence. I doubt Enzo is going to treat me like a princess the way my father has. No. Enzo is going to push me and I’m worried what I might do.

  My father and Maksim arrive. Without a word, I throw my arms around my brother and he holds on tight.

  “I’m always here for you, Kira,” he says into my ear. “I never wanted this for you. Trust that I would never have married you off to Enzo if it were up to me.”

  “I know. I don’t blame you for this. Nikolai is in charge of the Bratva. It was his decision.” I pull back and offer my brother a smile. “I know you’ll keep me safe.”

  “If Enzo ever tries to hurt you, I will hurt him. I promise.”

  Gregor puts a hand on his son’s arm. “Maksim, we can’t risk a war. You can’t go after Enzo despite what he’s done. Despite what he may do to Kira.”

  A look of pure anger crosses Maksim’s face. “You’re just going to stand back if he hurts her?”

  “Of course not. But if Enzo wants peace, he’ll know he can’t do that. I am giving my daughter over to him and it’s the last thing I want. But we have no choice. We have to do this and we can’t risk a war from happening.” He pauses. “I can’t risk you getting shot again.”

  Maksim’s eyes widen. Our father is never soft when it comes to Maksim. It’s usually only me.

  “Now, Kira, you’ll do your duty,” Gregor says to me. “You’ll marry Enzo. You’ll make us proud. And you can come home any time you want.”

  “Even though you’re mad at me for betraying your trust?”

  “Yes. You’re still my daughter. My little princess. You’re always welcome home.”

  My tears hit me before I can stop them and I run into my dad’s arms. He holds me tight just like he did when I was a little girl.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “For sneaking out all those times. I’m sorry I disappointed you.”

  “You did but you’re doing the right thing now. By marrying Enzo, you’ll be responsible for creating peace between the Bratva and the Mafia. I am proud of you, my darling.”

  I hold onto my dad a moment longer before pulling away. I know I’ll always have a safe space with my brother and dad but the problem isn’t them. It’s Enzo. Will I ever feel safe with him?

  The urge to run is coursing through my body. But I have to do this. The consequences of running would be astronomical. It could destroy everything.

  After my family leaves, another knock on the door comes. I’m expecting to see Irina or Natasha but instead, it’s two women I’ve never met before.

  “Yes?” I ask, opening the door.

  The older woman looks to be in her sixties with dark red hair and a simple dress suit on while the younger woman looks to be around my age. She has a graceful aura about her with her soft brown hair and black dress that makes her resemble Audrey Hepburn.

  “I’m Francesca Bianchi, the aunt to Enzo. And this is his sister, Gianna. I thought it was time to meet the woman my nephew will be marrying.” She looks me over with an upturned nose. “And I must say… you’re disappointing, my dear.”

  I blink, unsure of what to say. “Sorry?”

  She motions for me to step back so she and Gianna can enter the room. Gianna hasn’t said a word yet. In fact, she keeps her chin ducked and her eyes downcast. Either she’s shy or she’s afraid. I’m not sure which.

  “I mean, look at that dress.” Francesca waves her hand towards my wedding gown. The princess one I chose – not the one Enzo tried to force me into.

  “What’s wrong with my dress?”

  “It’s so… frilly.”

  “I like it and it’s my wedding day, so…”

  “Of course, of course. I was just expecting my nephew to marry a woman with more class than you possess, my dear.”

  “Why do you keep calling me ‘my dear?’ You’re clearly being sarcastic about it. It’s condescending, you know.”

  Francesca looks shocked to be called out this way. I’m suspecting from my short time with her that she’s never been called out before. Even Gianna raises her head with wide eyes but still doesn’t say a word.

  “You are a brash little creature, aren’t you?”

  “I am not a ‘little creature’ as you call me. I am the daughter of Gregor Petrov. I will be married to Enzo Bianchi. I am a woman.”

  “I know class when I see it and you don’t have any, my dear. I am against this marriage. I never wanted my nephew to marry a Russian. It’s unbecoming. He should be with a good Italian girl but no one would listen to me. So here I am.”

  “What are you hoping to achieve?”

  “That you’ll say no to this marriage.”

  “And you think I have the ability to do that?”

  Francesca sniffs like I insulted her. “You just said you’re a woman. A woman can make her own choices. So leave. Don’t marry my nephew. If you do, I’ll make life horrible for you.”

  I stare at this woman I’ve just met, unable to believe anything she’s saying. It’s too ridiculous. “You’re insane, you know that?”

  She gasps, clutching at her chest. “What?”

  “You’re insane. I can’t just leave. It would mean war between our families. I have to marry Enzo. I don’t want this any more than you do but I have to do it.”

  “A war is not a concern to me.”

  “Get out,” I snap. “I have to get ready for my wedding.”

  “Yes, you should. And change that hideous dress. Come along, Gianna.” Francesca storms out of the room while Gianna hesitates, looking at me uncertainly before following her aunt out of the room.

  I slump onto the chair before the vanity table, not even caring if it wrinkles my dress. That’s the family I have to marry into? Francesca is horrible enough to make me want to run away from this wedding.

  I clench my hands around the side of the chair. No. I can’t leave. It would mean war. It would mean Maksim could get hurt again. Natasha could be kidnapped again. I can’t risk my family’s safety.

  I have to go through with this wedding.

  I stand beside my father at the doorway that leads to the outside garden where Enzo and I will be married.

  “Am I in trouble?” I whisper.

  He clutches my arm with his hand. “I don’t know, my darling. I just have to hope that Enzo will treat you right.” But he doesn’t have any hope. I can tell by his tone.

  The door opens and we step outside into the garden. Our guests are here – over a hundred of them. Between both the Bratva and the Mafia, a lot of people wanted to witness this union.

  Enzo stands at the end of the aisle with a smirk on his face like he knows something I don’t know.

  My feet falter and I can tell he notices. I have to be strong otherwise Enzo is going to overtake me.

  His eyes lower down to my dress and a scowl crosses his face. He doesn’t like that I disobeyed him but I don’t care. I am going to wear the dress I want on my wedding day.

  When I reach the end of the aisle, it’s time to let my father go but I can’t unclasp my hand from his arm. The air grows awkward. Everyone can tell this isn’t what I want.

  My father has to wrench my hand from his arm and hand it over to Enzo. The moment Enzo wraps his hand around mine, I know this is my fate. There’s no going back now.

  My eyes find Francesca’s in the audience and the scowl on her face tells me she is not happy about this.

  Enzo’s own look is hard to read. It’s dark and dangerous but there’s a tiny bit of light there.

  The officiant – a priest my father had to bribe to do this wedding without asking any questions – begins the ceremony.

  When the time comes to say our vows, I’m not sure I can speak.

  “Do you, Enzo Bianchi, take this woman, Kira Petrov, to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

  Enzo is quiet for a moment. Is it to make me squirm? Because if so, it’s working.

  And then he finally speaks. “I do.” His deep voice rings throughout the air. It’s a voice that any woman would love. The only problem is: I hate him.

  “And do you, Kira Petrov, take this man, Enzo Bianchi, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

  All I want to do is run but I plant my feet. I have to do my duty. I have to keep a war from happening. I have to be the sacrifice for peace to exist.

  I’ve never been selfless before in my entire life. I guess now is the time.

  “I do,” I say in as strong of a voice as possible. I don’t want Enzo to think I’m weak.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Enzo’s eyes darken even more as he cups my face. It doesn’t feel like the embrace of a lover. It’s more like the trap of a cage.

 

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