Finally, she stops pacing and fully faces me. “I won’t marry you, Leonid. I don’t care if you’re the mafia boss or the mafia fisherman or whatever. I reject your proposal.”
Now that gets me upset.
I straighten up from the wall. I’m not sure what gave her the impression she gets to decide she can’t be mine, but she’s in for a shock. “You don’t have a choice.”
Her nostrils flare. “I would rather die.”
Something dark inside me tightens at the mention of her dying. I don’t like that word one bit, especially when it has to do with her.
Her chest rises sharply with reach breath.
“Careful, ptichka. No one’s dying.”
“Don’t call me that. My name’s Elena.” She closes her eyes and inhales deeply. “What makes you think I’d want to marry you?”
I know how stubborn and strong-willed she is, and I don’t want this conversation to stretch on any longer than it already has, so I decide to come clean. “I believe Henry might’ve been the actual spy on the dock. He used you to distract us.”
A flicker of pain crosses her face. She shakes her head in disbelief. “That can’t be true. Henry isn’t that kind of person.”
This time, I don’t feel jealous. The pain on her face makes my chest constrict. I prefer when she’s being stubborn and smart-mouthed. “You don’t know who he really is, Elena. He disappeared after you got kidnapped.”
“Maybe he was afraid you’d kidnap or kill him, too.”
“It isn’t that. I’ll give you the details when I’m sure,” I explain, slowly closing the distance between us. “But this marriage has to happen. Whether Henry’s behind everything or not, whoever set you up won’t let you live if I let you go.”
She chuckles dryly, her eyes still gleaming with rage. “So you’re saying I’m safer with you than I am out there on my own? Leonid, do I look stupid to you?”
My gaze sweeps over her, from the loose strands of honey-blonde hair falling from her messy bun to her lips, then down her chest before descending to the curve of her hips.
She’s beautiful. Intoxicating. Smart.
God, she has no idea what she does to me.
Of all the words I could use to describe Elena, stupid isn’t one of them. Still, I know her well enough to realize arguing with her won’t yield the result I want. “No, but you don’t have a say in this. It’s either marriage, or you say goodbye to the idea of ever seeing your friend again.”
Her jaw ticks. “You wouldn’t dare.”
I keep my voice calm and controlled, even though she’s making it incredibly hard for me to keep the desire burning inside me in check. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.” I pause. “The wedding’s in a week.”
Marking that as the end of the conversation, I turn to leave. I’m at the door when Elena’s voice halts my steps.
“I’ll marry you on one condition.”
I turn to face her. “What’s that?”
“My parents and Audrey must be at the wedding,” she says sharply, like she’s negotiating the terms of our marriage rather than asking for permission. “I’ve been gone for days now, and I know they’re worried. I need to let them know I’m alive.”
I planned for this wedding to be within the bratva. I don’t want Vasili getting information on my bride or her family. Bringing them here would be exposing both Elena and them to more danger.
“You can speak to them on phone, but I can’t promise they’ll be at the wedding. That’s asking for too much.”
Her brows furrow and her lips thin. “You’re asking for my entire life.”
I find it fascinating how she never gives up, even when backed into a corner. She always finds a way to get what she wants.
All my life, Tatiana is the only person I’ve ever felt inclined to give in to. But now, I feel the same way about Elena. For some reason, I want to give her whatever she asks for, even if it comes with a risk. I’ll just have security tightened on our wedding day.
“Fine. I’ll send an invitation to them.”
