It’s not like Misha kept the mafia a secret from me, but he did shield me from things. I’ve never been exposed to violence or dangerous situations. He kept me safe.
Until Artur came along.
I let out a sharp huff, and ignoring the other three men, I turn to Artur. “I don’t know what this is about, but I’m not doing it,” I state clearly.
Joseph glances at Artur as well. “What does she mean, she’s not doing it?” he snaps.
Artur smirks. “Don’t worry, she’ll do it. She doesn’t have a choice. The paperwork is ready; all we have to do is sign. The lawyer will be here in two minutes. No fancy parades or procedures. We just sign, and it’s done.”
“What’s done?”I demand, still unwilling to accept what he said earlier.
“The marriage, little Maria,” Artur says impatiently.
I shake my head in disbelief. This can’t really be happening, right? He can’t be serious? I turn to the other three men, trying to read their expressions. They’re watching me with curiosity.
“I’m not marrying any of you,” I blurt out. “Can’t you see I’m a prisoner here? Artur kidnapped me, locked me in this room, and now he’s telling me I’m supposed to marry allfourof you! I won’t do it!”
Joseph’s eyes darken, and he spins to confront Artur.
“You didn’t tell me she wasn’t a willing participant. This isn’t what we agreed to,” he snaps.
“I don’t believe we discussed anything about that side of things,” Artur states blandly. “What difference does it make who she is or what she wants? This is our alliance. This is our plan,” he snarls.
My heart races, wondering if Joseph will refuse to go ahead with it. All I need is more time. Something to stall this whole mess. My brother must be close to finding me. He must be close to figuring out where I am and coming to save me.
I turn to Joseph, focusing my energy on him.
“Please,” I say timidly, “I don’t want to do this.”
One of these men has to have a heart. One of these men has to save me!
Chapter 3 - Artur
Maria’s reaction is exactly as I expected it would be. Her brother taught me something valuable when he screwed me over.Expect the worst from a Baburin.
So, it was obvious from the start that she would be as bratty as she possibly could and make this process as difficult as possible.
What I didnotexpectwas for Joseph to react like this.
The guy is a Bratva Pakhan. What the hell does he care if she’s willing or not?
I eye him skeptically, wondering if I’m making the right choice allying with a man who isn’t willing to do what it takes to get what he wants.
You want to tell me he’s never kidnapped anyone before?
I didn’t exactly expect Joseph Gregori to be drowning in morals after the dealings I’ve had with his father in the past. That man was a snake. It appears his son is quite different.
Sighing, I shake my head, pushing my hand through my hair.That’s why we’re entering an alliance with Joseph and not with his father.
“Joseph, I don’t understand why this is such a shock to you, or what the issue is,” I snap, getting impatient.
Maria softens her expression and curves her shoulders forward, dropping her chin and looking pitiful as she murmurs meekly to Joseph, “Please, I don’t want to be here. I want to go home.”
“Don’t listen to her,” I snarl, shocked at how quickly she changed from bold and confrontational to this sweet, innocent little flower.
A memory flashes through my mind…her, years ago, flirting with me, her beautiful, big eyes and those long lashes catching my attention instantly.
I shove the thought away.
