I’m listening, but in shock, as his words rumble from his chest, dark and lovely, his deep voice touching me like I’m still dreaming.
“Kat, you’ll have everything you ever wanted. And more. Anything you need or desire, I’ll give it to you. You will be safe with me. I understand the Bratva world. I have strong allies, a strong family. And I know you. Better than most people. I know what makes you smile, what fuels your passion. We’re good together, Kat. You can’t deny it. And of course, if you marry me, your brother won’t be able to force you into another marriage. You’ll already be taken.”
He stares at me intensely, his eyes eager and waiting for my answer.
I get what he’s doing, and I think he’s a truly beautiful soul for trying to help me like this. But he doesn’t have to give up his life to marry me just to stop my brother.
It’s not his responsibility to make sacrifices to save me from this mess.
“Yulian, I understand what you’re trying to do for me, and it’s really…it’s amazing. But I think if I can just talk to Artur and have a chance to really explain things to him, I think he will be reasonable. He’s my brother. I love him. He won’t force me to marry someone I don’t want to marry. I think he was just angry with me, and it was some kind of scare tactic. He wouldn’t do that to me. I know him better than that.” As I tell Yulian this, I realize that I’m right. Artur is reasonable. He’s kind and loving, and he does care about me. He will care if this means that much to me.
“I just need to speak to him, that’s all.”
I smile up at Yulian. His face is calm, his eyes locked onto mine. “Alright, Katerina. But I’m going to wait for you. I will wait for you. No matter how long it takes. If and when you decide that you want to marry me, I’ll be here.” His voice rushes over me like a cool stream in summer. The intensity of his words surprises me. He really does want to help me.
“I’ll speak to Artur tonight. Then hopefully I’ll be free of all that,” I smile, squeezing Yulian’s massive hand in mine before I step back, overwhelmed by the emotions flooding from him.
“Good. Let me know how it goes. Do you have any specific cravings for dinner tonight? I was thinking a nice pasta with mushrooms and bacon?”
Relief washes over me. Thank goodness Yulian is a patient and understanding man. He offered his help, but he was graceful when I turned it down.
I don’t want to steal Yulian’s future from him.
I’ll speak to Artur and sort this out with him.
I get home after six, and Yulian is on the phone ordering us some pasta from the Italian restaurant around the corner. He has white wine chilling in a bucket and soft music playing in the background. As soon as I walk in, I feel this sense of relaxation, like I’ve arrived home. It’s so strange to feel that way after everything that’s happened.
My heart aches for a moment when I watch him, again, wondering what it would be like to say yes to his offer. But then guilt steals away my moment, making me realize I could never force someone else to marry me just so that I can escape being forced into a different marriage.
“I’m going to get into some comfy clothes and call Artur before dinner,” I smile. He can see the nerves creeping through in my eyes.
“I’m here when you need me,” he smiles warmly, always reassuring me.
Heading upstairs, I strip out of my work clothes and stand under a hot shower. When I’m done, I get into a cozy hoodie and some pink sweatpants. The hoodie belongs to Yulian. It smells like him. I scrunch the neck up around my nose and take a deep breath of it.Silly girl. All this talk about dream weddings has you lost in that daydream. Pull yourself together.
After I’ve delayed it as long as I can, I finally pick up my phone and dial my brother, pacing up and down the bedroom, walking towards the balcony and the beautiful garden views, and then away again.
“Katerina,” he snaps as soon as he answers the phone. “Where the hell are you?”
My heart races with anxiety.
“Artur, we need to talk. You’re my brother. My family. I need you to listen to me.”
I swallow hard, and he grunts in response. “Say what you want to say,” he huffs.
“Please don’t make me marry a stranger. There are so many other ways for you to build alliances. This is my life. My whole entire life that you’re giving away. What if it’s hell? What if he’s a monster?”
“Katerina, stop this bullshit at once. When are you coming home?” he snarls.
Did he hear anything I just said? Is he even listening?
“Artur, I don’t want to marry someone to strengthen your position in the Bratva,” I say as clearly as I can.
“You will do what is best for the family. This isn’t a choice I’m giving you. If you don’t return, I’ll be forced to take action against you. You might be my sister, Katerina, but you are only one member of my family. A family I will do anything to keep safe.”
I can’t believe he’s threatening me. I can’t believe he isn’t even trying to speak to me about this.Where is the man I used to know? Where is my brother? This man sounds like Uncle Boris. One-sided opinions, cold-hearted decisions, claiming it’s for the betterment of everyone else, but who is it really serving?
It’s not for me. That’s for sure. In this moment, I’m starting to think that Artur honestly doesn’t care if the man I’m supposed to marry is a sadist. As long as he gets his alliance, he’ll be happy.
