"Well, you're a powerful man and I think it will strengthen both of our families if we form an alliance."
His eyebrow rises almost imperceptibly. "You speak for the Kuznetov Bratva?"
I lift my chin. "I do."
"Hmm." Though I suspect he doesn't believe that, he doesn't challenge me. "Why would I align myself with such a minor family?"
I feel the sting of that. My father might not be on the same level as the Volantes but he rules over a significant territory.
"My father's an important man."
"In Russia, perhaps. On the international stage, he barely registers."
Okay, the alliance angle clearly isn't going to work. "Well, there are other benefits. I'm young, attractive. I'm quick to learn. I can attend events on your behalf, represent your interests."
"You think I can't do that?"
"I heard you don't go out much."
He doesn't respond and now I'm not sure how reliable my information is. I thought I could be useful to him by networking at parties and galas. Maybe he's not as reclusive as rumor suggests.
"Uh, well, I'm sure you want an heir."
"You're offering the use of your womb?"
That makes me cringe. "I'm offering to have a family with you. Not now, of course, but when we know each other better."
"You want children?"
"Someday. I'd love three, at least."
As an only child I often felt I was missing out on something. Gabriele, I know, has two brothers, so I'm hoping he likes the idea of replicating his own childhood.
He nods as though he finds my answer acceptable but again gives nothing away. It's frustrating. I'm usually good at reading people. This man gives me little to work with.
"And what do you get out of it, Katya?"
"Well, I'm used to a certain lifestyle." This is one area where I will admit to being shallow. I enjoy the perks that come with having money and can't imagine living more modestly. I bat my eyelashes at him in what I hope is a seductive manner. "I've always wanted to marry a rich, powerful man."
"Is that so?" Something in his manner has changed. It's subtle but there's a tautness in his shoulders. "Sergei Litkov and Boris Orlov weren't rich and powerful enough for you?"
A chill runs down my spine as I sense a trap is being sprung. "What?"
He shakes his head.
"Really, Signorina Kuznetova. Did you think I'd agree to meet without already knowing everything about you?"
I swallow hard. Damn!
TWO
Gabriele
Within minutesof meeting Katya Kuznetova I'm certain I was right about this woman being a good fit for me. She's challenging enough to be interesting but nothing about her suggests I couldn't keep her under control.
She's exactly what I hoped she would be when Niamh first told me about the beautiful Russian who'd approached her at a party, hoping to become my wife. Niamh had seen her potential immediately and now so do I.
That Katya is beautiful is indisputable. Tall and slender, she commands attention. Other men might pick her based on her stunning appearance alone.
