I straighten in my chair, pulse quickening, attuned to a shift in Maksim and worried what it means.
Now that Alessandro is gone, does he feel he doesn’t need to act like a gentleman?
“Now it’s just us, we can speak privately."
I resist the urge to look back at Cristian to make sure he’s still there. "About what?"
“You seem… distracted today."
"Wedding details are overwhelming."
He laughs. "And yet you have no opinions on any of them." His eyes flick briefly to where Cristian stands. "I notice you keep looking to your bodyguard. Are you afraid?"
My throat tightens. "Why would I be afraid?"
"He's a violent sort. If he makes you uncomfortable?—"
"I'm not uncomfortable."
Maksim studies me, and it’s all I can do not to squirm. "Perhaps you're still thinking about our moment in the garden. I apologize if I was overeager."
"It's forgotten," I lie.
His gaze sharpens. "Then it must be him.” He nods toward Cristian.
I feel Cristian tensing behind me.
“Who?” I ask, acting like I don’t notice Cristian is still there.
Maksim scratches his chin. “Funny how you keep looking toward him but now pretend you don’t know he’s here. Either he makes you nervous or maybe there’s something going on.”
I force a laugh. "Going on? With my bodyguard? Don't be ridiculous."
“Perhaps he sees the fiery woman I see and wants her for himself.”
I shrug, even as my heartbeat races with panic. “Too bad for him.”
"Hmm." Maksim leans closer, his cologne suffocating. "Remember, Valentina, soon you'll be my wife. Your loyalty, your body, your very thoughts will belong to me. I hope you’re not having second thoughts. You seem less enthusiastic today.”
"I wonder if having your men ambush me and kill my driver might have dampened my enthusiasm for this union." The words slip out, and I chastise myself for letting them.
Maksim's smile turns cold. "Ah, so the fire still burns beneath this submissive exterior."
Cristian shifts behind me.
"Your family was attempting to postpone our wedding. I simply wished to secure our agreement." Maksim’s voice is calm, but I know better. He feels disrespected and needs to make someone pay.
I need to defuse this situation before he tries something that makes this situation worse.
"About that letter." I wave my hand dismissively, channeling every ounce of acting ability I possess. "Alessandro told me about it. Clearly, someone's trying to cause problems between our families."
"You don't say." His gaze is penetrating, searching for deception.
"Probably the Rossis." I shrug, hoping my face doesn't betray me. "They've been trying to undermine my family for years. They'd love nothing more than to see this alliance fail."
Maksim leans back, considering. "Perhaps." Then he leans closer, invading my space. "And you're certain you have no reservations?"
"About marrying the most powerful Pakhan in New York?" I flutter my eyelashes, hating myself for the performance. "What girl wouldn't be excited?"
