“See, I knew I raised you to be smart. That’s the way the Bratva Princess should think. Nikolai will be sent with you. I’ll negotiate with Dominic, tell him that it’s the only way I can ensure my daughter’s safety.” Viktor’s glee is palpable.
I bow my head in response, because I know if I open my mouth, my excitement will be obvious.
Viktor glances around the half-packed room and nods.
“Finish up packing. You only have two weeks before you move.” He turns on his heels, but before opening the door, he abruptly halts.
He fishes into his jacket pocket and pulls out an envelope.
“Dominic sent you a letter when I declined the invitation. I took the liberty of reading it. Nothing unexpected is here, but it looks as though he wants nothing to do with you. It makes sense, but you can’t let it happen. Figure out a way to make him trust you.”
Viktor tosses the envelope at me, and I leap forward to catch it. Vova is dropped from my arms, but before he can attack Viktor again, he’s out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
I look down at my name and address written in neat cursive across the front.
I don’t remember the last time I received a handwritten letter. I flip it over, and note that as Viktor said, it’s already been open. I’m a little pissed that he read what was meant for me, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.
I take a deep breath and open the letter.
For some reason, this feels like a big moment. Whatever is in here, Viktor didn’t like. Which makes me hopeful. Maybe it’s good news for me.
Dear Katerina,
I am writing to you since your father has made it clear I won’t be seeing you before the wedding. There are some things that need to be said, clarity that needs to be shed, before we wed. I was hoping to discuss this at family dinner, but here it is.
What I’d like to address are the expectations for our marriage. First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for agreeing to this treaty. I understand the sacrifice. Not many would be willing to forfeit their future for their family.
Secondly, our marriage is simply a business transaction. We will only be husband and wife in name. I know what this is, and I want to ensure you’re on the same page as me.
You must move into my house on my estate, but you will be staying in your own suite on the other side. You will have your own area, and there are no expectations of you. You are free to do as you please. To go where you’d like, see whatever and whomever you please, and live freely. I will not stop you, nor do I have any demands of you. You will be added to my card, so there are no limitations to your spending.
Be aware, I am not a man of feelings. I have no intention of changing that. The Syndicate is my priority. Nothing and no one has ever nor will ever come before it.
In giving you your freedom, I expect the same in return. You will not question me on my whereabouts or doings. We owe each other nothing.
I hope this pleases you. Seeing as you are marrying a stranger, I see no reason for you to want to know me, and I certainly have no interest in knowing you.
Thank you for doing business with me,
Dominic Montclair
I take a deep breath and reread the letter.
My heart is racing. My hands are sweating. My head is swirling.
This… this is too good to be true.
Is there truly a possibility that this man will give me freedom, just like that? That I won’t be his wife or whore? That he’ll let me be?
It’s too much to wish for. I never even considered the possibility that once he gets his alliance, he’ll have no more use for me. I would’ve thought he’d at least force me into his bed. But to just leave me alone, it’s all I could ever want.
Viktor’s words echo in my head. He wants me to go against this. He wants me to worm my way into Dominic Montclair’s heart. To help bring him down.
But what if I don’t? What if I just live my happy life and abandon the Bratva?
What if Dominic Montclair is my key to freedom?
Chapter 10
