“Just tell me.” It’s a plea.
“Yesterday, after everything was over, your brother talked to me. He said he’s enforcing peace with the Syndicate no strings attached.” He looks crestfallen. “He said he’s absolving the peace treaty and that we’re free to get a divorce.”
“What?” I whisper.
“Divorce. He said we can divorce.” He keeps walking, not looking at me. “It’s up to you. We’ll do whatever you want.”
Fuck this.
“Come with me,” I order him, grabbing his hand and dragging him.
We enter the gym on the compound, where there are a few Syndicate soldiers working out. That won’t do.
“OUT!” I shout, and they all immediately comply. Seems like slashing the enemy’s throat gains you some respect around here.
“What’s going on, Katerina? Why are we in here?” Dominic looks so lost, and it’s pissing me off.
“Do you want to divorce me?” I spit out through gritted teeth.
“It’s not about what I want.” His shoulders droop.
“Answer the damn question!” I hiss at him.
“I don’t want to force you into anything,” he confesses. The guilt radiating off him infuriates me further.
“Get in the ring!”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
I kick off my shoes and slip between the cords. Silently, he follows behind me. Even if his obedience comes from curiosity,it still makes me victorious that I tamed the great Dominic Montclair.
“What are we doing–”
He’s cut off with a round kick to his side.
“Fuck!” he hisses.
“You think you can force me into something I don’t want? You really think anyone can force me to do anything?” I circle him, hopping on my toes, ready to fight. My arms are raised in a perfect boxing stance.
“No?”
“That’s right!”
“Which is why I’m giving you a choice.” His sorrowful eyes earn him another hit. He blocks my jab, so I counter with a cross.
“It’s not that simple. You don’t get to leave me that easily. You said I’m yours! You promised! So, I’m not going anywhere.”
“I don’t want you to go anywhere,” he sighs heavily. His halfhearted attempt to parry another jab fuels my fire.
“Then fucking fight for me! Be a damn man! Tell me what you what! Make me stay!”
“But–”
I try to kick him again, but he catches my leg and pulls me into him. I swing at him, but he grabs my arms. He quickly rolls us to the floor, trapping me under him.
“You want me to make you stay? Here you go!” He grins sadistically. “You’re mine, Katerina Montclair. You’re my wife. You have my last name. And you rule over my men. I won’t give you up. I won’t let you leave. Treaty be damned. It hasn’t been about the Syndicate or Bratva in a long time. I’d choose you every time. So, fuck Pyotr and his fucking offer. Divorce isn’t an option. You are my wife. Nothing can change that.”
