And in that dim coatroom, with the cuffs, the key, and the weight of him, the world outside doesn’t exist. Only us and my dark, irresistible desire.
Chapter 65
Nikolai
Of course she knows Russian.
Why wouldn’t my Italian princess speak more than one language?
I let her slip out the back door—exactly where her brother and Elijah are supposed to be waiting.
Ivan confirmed the meet, mapped the exits, double-checked patrol rotations, but none of that stops the itch under my ribs.
Letting her walk anywhere without my hand on her shoulder feels as stupid as it is dangerous.
I watched Adrian take her ten feet from me and wanted, with a calm, animal certainty, to snap his neck and watch the rest of the night burn.
Instead, I had to swallow what I wanted—just like I do now—and turn back toward the ballroom to give my final performance.
Stand. Smile. Speak politely with the man who raised me to shake hands while killing someone’s future.
“Viktor,” I greet, stepping into the circle of men.
My father shifts, making space—and suddenly Dante De Luca is standing behind him.
A quiet, sharp cold slides down my spine.
He wasn’t meant to be here yet.
No warning. No message. No reason.
“My son,” Viktor says, voice honeyed and cruel. “Please, say hello to our guest, Dante.”
My father’s smile is all teeth.
I extend my steady hand to shake the hand of yet another man I despise.
Dante’s palm is cold, and he doesn’t return my smile.
“He is here to arrange Aurelia’s terms,” Viktor says, smooth as oil.
“Is that so?” I reply.
Dante’s eyes flick to me, heavy and daunting. “If you all insist on fucking her, I’d rather kill her,” he says flat, with no flourish.
“What?” someone mutters, too stupid to mask the fear in his voice.
Dante continues as if he’s discussing contracts. “I don’t tolerate dishonour, Nikolai. Your father should know that.” His gaze cuts to Viktor. “Heis, after all, the reason I had to kill the love of my life.”
A ripple moves through the men—forced chuckles, nervous claps on each other’s shoulders.
It’s all theatre.
Their smiles don’t reach their eyes, and their palms never stray far from the weight of their pistols.
If not for tonight’s agreement, this room would be a bloodbath.
Viktor’s smirk sharpens. “I mean, youdidkeep her daughter all for yourself, Dante. I wouldn’t act so high and mighty.”
