"I look forward to seeing you in white," Maksim says, his eyes traveling over my body. "A virgin bride in white. How traditional.”
His emphasis on "virgin" sends ice through my veins. Does he suspect? Has someone seen Cristian climbing to my balcony?
I force my face to remain neutral despite the growing panic. “Tradition is important in both our families.”
"Yes. I'm particularly fond of the wedding night traditions."
Behind me, I sense Cristian's tension radiating like heat. One wrong move and everything will explode.
As Maksim continues discussing our honeymoon and wedding night, my mind drifts to last night on my balcony.
Cristian's strong hands cradling my face.
His whispered words against my hair. "We'll find a way, Valentina. I swear it."
But hope is dangerous.
Meeting with Cristian outside his bodyguard arrangement is dangerous.
Yet I can't stop myself from waiting by the window after everyone sleeps, listening for his quiet knock.
"Valentina?" Maksim's sharp voice pulls me back. "You're not listening."
"I'm sorry," I say, forcing a smile. "Just imagining our big day."
His eyes narrow, and I’m sure he doesn’t buy it. He rises and adjusts his tie. “Doesn’t matter. In the end, you’ll be mine. You’ll learn to listen. To obey.” He leans down close to me. “I won’t have it any other way. The sooner you understand that, the better it will be for you.”
24
CRISTIAN
Maksim's fingers dig into her flesh just enough to make her wince. That tiny expression of pain snaps something inside me.
I've watched men die.
I've killed men myself. But seeing her trapped here, being pawed at and tormented by this monster who plans to break her spirit, it’s all I can do not to kill him right now.
My hand slides to my holster, fingers curling around the grip of my gun.
“You’re expected at home, Ms. Dante,” I say, stepping forward.
Maksim's eyes narrow. "You forget your place, dog."
"And you forget she's still a Dante," I reply, daring him to force me to kill him.
He laughs, turning to Valentina. "Your brother should train his pets better."
When he reaches for her again, everything slows down. I watch himpull her up and tug her hard into his body, his hand sliding down to her ass.
I do the only thing I can. I draw and fire in one fluid motion.
The bullet catches Maksim in the temple, spraying crimson across the pristine wedding plans.
His body crumples before he even registers surprise.
His two guards reach for their weapons, but I'm already moving.
Two more shots, two more bodies hit the floor.
