Hell, she’s so young, she’s probably never been in love and now never will be.
My gut clenches at what she’s going to have to endure.
Not just a loveless marriage, but that motherfucker will likely touch her in ways that don’t include tenderness.
For that alone, Maksim deserves to die.
But that’s not my call.
My duty is to protect Valentina from the monster her brother is handing her over to.
3
VALENTINA
I stand alone on the terrace of my family's estate, stealing a moment before I need to help Katerina finish getting ready for her walk down the aisle to marry my brother Luca.
I’m over the moon that my brother has healed and found happiness, especially after all the pain my father inflicted on him, exiling him and keeping him from Katerina and their son, Enzo.
Today, he’s a successful Don in Chicago and about to marry the woman he loves.
Then he takes his wife and son back to Chicago. Just when I could really use him here, he’ll be gone again.
I suppose he’ll return when I take my walk down the aisle, but it won’t be filled with love and happiness like today is.
I shiver when I think of Maksim and the way he looks at me like he’s calculating all the ways he can try to break me once I belong to him.
The rumors surrounding him are the stuff of nightmares.
His collection of knives that aren’t for show but for use.
How he once beat one of his lieutenants to death with his bare hands for some minor transgression.
The mysterious death of his first wife.
His own men fear him.
What chance do I have?
I’ve had nearly two weeks to settle into the idea that I’m marrying Maksim. But now, suddenly, the reality of my future crashes over me.
I’ll sleep beside a man who cares for nothing or no one besides himself. Bearing his children.
I hope he’s a philanderer so he can get his rocks off with someone else.
Oh, how I wish Luca would stay.
Maksim may be a monster, but even monsters have fears.
I've caught the way he watches Luca.
How he tenses when my brother turns his sights on him.
The infamous Pakhan is afraid of Luca Dante.
"You touch my sister, and I'll carve out your eyes." Luca's words to Maksim during our last meeting still ring in my ears.
My brother’s threat was said with a cold certainty that sent a visible shiver through Maksim's men.
