Gregor puts a hand on his son’s arm. “Maksim, we can’t risk a war. You can’t go after Enzo despite what he’s done. Despite what he may do to Kira.”
A look of pure anger crosses Maksim’s face. “You’re just going to stand back if he hurts her?”
“Of course not. But if Enzo wants peace, he’ll know he can’t do that. I am giving my daughter over to him and it’s the last thing I want. But we have no choice. We have to do this and we can’t risk a war from happening.” He pauses. “I can’t risk you getting shot again.”
Maksim’s eyes widen. Our father is never soft when it comes to Maksim. It’s usually only me.
“Now, Kira, you’ll do your duty,” Gregor says to me. “You’ll marry Enzo. You’ll make us proud. And you can come home any time you want.”
“Even though you’re mad at me for betraying your trust?”
“Yes. You’re still my daughter. My little princess. You’re always welcome home.”
My tears hit me before I can stop them and I run into my dad’s arms. He holds me tight just like he did when I was a little girl.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “For sneaking out all those times. I’m sorry I disappointed you.”
“You did but you’re doing the right thing now. By marrying Enzo, you’ll be responsible for creating peace between the Bratva and the Mafia. I am proud of you, my darling.”
I hold onto my dad a moment longer before pulling away. I know I’ll always have a safe space with my brother and dad but the problem isn’t them. It’s Enzo. Will I ever feel safe with him?
The urge to run is coursing through my body. But I have to do this. The consequences of running would be astronomical. It could destroy everything.
After my family leaves, another knock on the door comes. I’m expecting to see Irina or Natasha but instead, it’s two women I’ve never met before.
“Yes?” I ask, opening the door.
The older woman looks to be in her sixties with dark red hair and a simple dress suit on while the younger woman looks to be around my age. She has a graceful aura about her with her soft brown hair and black dress that makes her resemble Audrey Hepburn.
“I’m Francesca Bianchi, the aunt to Enzo. And this is his sister, Gianna. I thought it was time to meet the woman my nephew will be marrying.” She looks me over with an upturned nose. “And I must say… you’re disappointing, my dear.”
I blink, unsure of what to say. “Sorry?”
She motions for me to step back so she and Gianna can enter the room. Gianna hasn’t said a word yet. In fact, she keeps her chin ducked and her eyes downcast. Either she’s shy or she’s afraid. I’m not sure which.
“I mean, look at that dress.” Francesca waves her hand towards my wedding gown. The princess one I chose – not the one Enzo tried to force me into.
“What’s wrong with my dress?”
“It’s so… frilly.”
“I like it and it’s my wedding day, so…”
“Of course, of course. I was just expecting my nephew to marry a woman with more class than you possess, my dear.”
“Why do you keep calling me ‘my dear?’ You’re clearly being sarcastic about it. It’s condescending, you know.”
Francesca looks shocked to be called out this way. I’m suspecting from my short time with her that she’s never been called out before. Even Gianna raises her head with wide eyes but still doesn’t say a word.
“You are a brash little creature, aren’t you?”
“I am not a ‘little creature’ as you call me. I am the daughter of Gregor Petrov. I will be married to Enzo Bianchi. I am a woman.”
“I know class when I see it and you don’t have any, my dear. I am against this marriage. I never wanted my nephew to marry a Russian. It’s unbecoming. He should be with a good Italian girl but no one would listen to me. So here I am.”
“What are you hoping to achieve?”
“That you’ll say no to this marriage.”