I should have listened to Cristian, I think, going to my bed and pulling out the knife I’ve hidden there since I was sixteen.
Father always said a Dante should never be without protection.
He was talking to my brothers, but I’m a Dante too.
The blade is small but deadly sharp.
Perfect for slipping between ribs when Maksim is distracted in our marriage bed.
The thought makes me sick, but not as sick as imagining his hands on me, on my child.
I practice the motion under my covers, visualizing the kill. One swift upward thrust beneath the sternum, straight to the heart. No hesitation. No mercy.
With the Pakhan dead, the Bratva will fracture, buying me precious time to disappear.
I'll need money. Documents. A solid escape route.
My fingers settle on my stomach. "We're going to find your father," I promise.
For the first time in weeks, I feel a semblance of hope. I refuse to be a victim any longer. I'll walk down that aisle with my head high, say my vows with conviction.
And then I'll carve my own freedom with my blade.
The next day, I feel my strength and confidence return. I have a plan and it might fail, but at least I’m doing something instead of giving in.
When I’m called to Alessandro’s office, I enter with indifference, not caring anymore about what he says.
But my heart stops when I see Maksim pacing, his face contorted into rage. "You promised me a virgin!" Maksim roars, slamming his fist on Alessandro's desk. "Your sister is damaged goods!"
I flinch at his words but keep my chin raised. How did he find out? A spy in our house?
I suppose it doesn’t matter now. But that’s good, right? He doesn’t want damaged goods. For the first time since Cristian left, I can breathe.
Alessandro remains unnervingly calm. "Cristian Bonetti took advantage of her. He became obsessed, stalking her. We've dealt with him."
What? No. Let him cancel the wedding. I can’t believe Alessandro is spouting the lie that Cristian suggested.
"You expect me to believe your own bodyguard defiled her under your nose?" Maksim sneers. "Your incompetence is staggering."
Adriano shifts beside me, his hand moving subtly toward his concealed weapon.
"The wedding is off," Maksim continues. "This alliance is finished. Prepare for war."
Yes. I look to Alessandro, hoping he sees the pleading in my eyes.
"Let's be reasonable," Alessandro says, raising his hands placatingly. "The alliance benefits us both."
I watch this negotiation of my life in horror. Not once does anyone ask what I want or how I feel.
"I won't be made a fool," Maksim says, eyes landing on me with such hatred, I struggle not to recoil. "To parade a whore as my bride?"
Alessandro stands. "She's still a Dante. The political advantages remain."
Maksim's eyes bore into me, his lip curled with disgust. I meet his gaze without flinching, though my heart is racing a million miles a minute.
“Do they?” Maksim sneers. “I’m better off with you dead.”
I gasp at how bold he is.