I keep my gun hand steady despite wanting to paint Maksim’s hedges with his brains.
The tactical part of my brain calculates variables—four Bratva guards within earshot, two more at the perimeter.
My SUV is parked ninety seconds from our current position. Maksim's security response time is likely under thirty seconds.
Not great odds.
But looking at Valentina, her face pale, eyes wide with fear she's desperately trying to hide, I'd take worse odds any day.
"Let me make something clear," I say. "Miss Dante agreed to marry you. She didn't agree to be mauled before the wedding. Alessandro's orders were explicit about protecting her virtue until your wedding night."
Maksim's shoulders tense under his expensive suit.
I can practically see the calculations running through his mind—kill me now and risk open war or swallow his pride and bide his time.
Maksim's face shifts, the murderous rage morphing into smug amusement.
He lifts his hands in mock surrender and takes a single step back from Valentina. "Such dedication to your job. The Dantes train their dogs well."
I keep my weapon steady.
If I pull this trigger, I'm a dead man, but so is he.
It might be worth it if I knew Valentina could get out of here unscathed.
"My apologies for the… enthusiasm." Maksim straightens his tie. "I simply got carried away at the thought of my wedding night. You can hardly blame a man for wanting to sample something that looks so delicious, no?"
My finger twitches against the trigger.
The casual way he speaks about her like she's a meal makes my blood simmer.
"A virgin bride is rare these days," he continues, as if we're discussing the weather. "Alessandro assured me she's pure. I trust that's still the case? You've been doing your job properly, yes?"
I force my face to remain neutral even as I picture putting a bullet between his eyes. "Miss Dante is a lady and she'll be treated as such."
Maksim laughs. "Of course. A lady now…" His eyes rake over Valentina's body. "And whatever I want her to be after our vows."
Valentina's jaw tightens, her eyes flashing with defiance even as her body remains rigid with tension.
My hand twitches.
This motherfucker must die.
She gives me a small head shake to warn me off. "I appreciate your enthusiasm for our upcoming marriage." She smooths her dress, a casual gesture that radiates dignity as she steps away from the wall. "But I'm afraid I need to leave now. My brothers are expecting me home."
Maksim's eyes narrow.
I can see that he wants to assert dominance, but he's smart enough to know that antagonizing the Dantes unnecessarily is dangerous ground.
"Of course," Maksim finally says. "Family is important. Soon enough, you'll be observing Bratva traditions instead."
Slowly, I lower my weapon, sliding it back into my shoulder holster.
My hand stays close, the jacket open enough for quick access.
"Shall we?" Valentina extends her hand to Maksim.
He takes it, pressing his lips to her knuckles, and the urge to shoot him surges again. "I look forward to our next meeting, my dear."
