Behind me, I imagine Cristian's jaw clenching, his hands tightening into fists.
I'm stabbing him with every false word of enthusiasm.
"You seemed less than thrilled earlier."
"Pre-wedding jitters." I smile so widely my cheeks hurt. "Plus, a girl likes to be wooed, Maksim. Ambushes aren't exactly romantic."
He laughs, seemingly pleased by my playfulness. "I'll remember that."
Inside, I'm screaming. The girl who stood up to her brothers, who demanded respect in family meetings, who earned her place through intelligence and strength, is now demeaning herself.
But what choice do I have? Every word protects Cristian.
"Honestly, Maksim." I place my hand over his, praying he doesn’t notice how much touching him makes me sick. "I'm almost offended you'd believe some silly letter over me. After all these meetings and plans?" I gesture dramatically at the scattered wedding samples. "You think I'd go through all this trouble just to back out?"
His eyes narrow slightly, assessing my performance.
"I've sat through hours of floral arrangements, cake tastings, and venue tours." I roll my eyes with exaggerated weariness. "If I weren'tcommitted, don't you think I'd have found a more efficient way to escape?"
A chuckle rumbles from his chest. "Perhaps. You are smarter than I think people give you credit for.”
“Thank you. Finally, someone notices.” I smile like he’s handed me the sun and moon. "Besides," I continue, leaning forward conspiratorially, "when have the Dantes ever been known to be indecisive? Once we commit to something, we follow through. Remember that about your future wife."
I feel Cristian's eyes burning into my back as Maksim's smile widens.
"I've always admired that Dante determination," Maksim says, lifting my hand to his lips, and I swear I can feel my lunch trying to come back up.
"Then trust it. The wedding will happen exactly as planned."
“You know, I didn’t want to hurt you. I merely intended to take you somewhere safe until our wedding day. To ensure nothing interfered with our arrangement."
He didn’t want to kill me, and I have no doubt he wanted to take me somewhere “safe” until the wedding. But I’m sure pain was a part of his plan.
"I'm sure your intentions were purely honorable," I say.
His laugh is harsh. "We're beyond pretense, aren't we? You know what kind of man I am, just as I know what kind of woman you are."
"And what kind of woman is that?"
"One who understands sacrifice." His fingers brush my cheek. I fight the urge to recoil. "One who recognizes her place in our world."
Behind me, I hear Cristian's barely audible intake of breath.
"I understand sacrifice," I agree, meeting his gaze. "I also understand consequences."
His eyes narrow slightly. "Meaning?"
"Meaning that trust works both ways. You can't expect me to enter this marriage with open arms when you've already shown what lengths you'll go to when you feel slighted."
Maksim studies me for a long moment. "You're more like your brothers than I gave you credit for."
"I'm a Dante," I say simply.
"For now. Soon, you'll be a Vasiliev, and we'll have plenty of time to adjust your perspective."
The threat in his words sends a chill through my body, but I refuse to let him see how he affects me. I know it’s part of what he enjoys. Like a cat toying with a mouse.
"I look forward to our wedding day," I lie.
