Stories that make even hardened soldiers like me sick to the stomach.
"Your role," Alessandro continues, "is to guard my sister during the preparations. You'll escort her to all meetings with Maksim and ensure her safety until the wedding."
Valentina's laugh is sharp. "My safety until I'm handed to a man who's rumored to have beaten his last wife to death." She stands, smoothing her dress with a calmness that surprises me.
"Valentina." Alessandro's warning tone doesn't faze her.
"No, it's fine. At least Cristian is competent." Her eyes meet mine for the first time. "If I'm to be sacrificed, I'd prefer not to be murdered before the actual ceremony."
This isn’t right.
Alessandro knows the type of man Maksim is.
I glance over at Adriano, who glares at Alessandro. “This is wrong, Brother, and you know it,” he says.
Alessandro’s jaw tightens. “She agreed. And you both know that this is necessary to stop this war. I’ll make sure your safety is insured.”
I can see that Alessandro believes what he’s saying, but I don't know how he can make those assurances.
Maksim has a reputation for violence and unpredictability.
There’s no doubt that Valentina’s life is at risk as his wife.
Inside, a primal need to protect Valentina grows. "When do we start?"
“Right away. Wherever she goes, you go. Tomorrow, you’ll escort her to meet Maksim for lunch to discuss wedding details." Alessandro tosses a folder onto the desk. "Security protocols are in there. You'll take two men with you, more if you need them. But you're personally responsible for her safety."
I give a curt nod, keeping my face impassive even though deep down, anger builds.
This is wrong.
Every instinct screams it.
"Understood, Don Dante."
Valentina moves toward the door, pausing beside me.
She's close enough that I catch the scent of her perfume, something delicate and floral that seems at odds with her fierce spirit.
"Let's hope your skills are as good as my brother believes," she murmurs.
“I’ll protect you with my life, Ms. Dante.” And I mean it. I glance at her brothers, wondering why they’ve agreed to this marriage.
The door clicks shut behind Valentina, and I remain standing at attention for several moments, waiting until Alessandro dismisses me with a curt nod.
I retreat from the office.
In the hallway, I let out a breath.
This is totally fucked.
Valentina Dante is a dead woman walking.
Or maybe Alessandro is right in that Maksim won’t dare kill her.
But he’ll hurt her.
He’ll do his damnedest to break her.
