“Well, he knows Maksim ambushed us. You did get through last night, right?”
I watch him dress, memorizing the lines of his body, the way he moves.
Last night belongs to us alone, a secret I'll hold fiercely.
A memory I’ll relive over and over to help me survive the rest of my life.
“Yes, but it was quick. Right after that, you pulled me from the car.”
“I’ll just say we escaped and we’re safe, then arrange to get you home.”
“What about the car?” I ask.
“Chances are it’s been reported stolen. Plus, we could use more men to transport you. I’m sure Alessandro will want to send someone.”
“That’s it?”
His brow furrows. “What more is there?”
There’s the letter I forged. How he took my virginity.
“Nothing, I guess.”
He unboxes the phone and prepares to call.
“Do you think Maksim’s ambush will change anything? I mean, would it nullify the arrangement?” I ask, even though I know it won’t.
Cristian’s eyes are filled with pity. “Maybe, but I doubt it. If his actions are a reaction to the letter, then Alessandro’s move is to continue to honor the agreement.”
I look down, knowing he’s right.
“It’s fucked up, Valentina. If it were me, I’d burn the Bratva down, but Alessandro is still getting his bearings after your father’s death. He has to tread lightly.”
I nod.
He kneels before me, cupping my face in his hands. "I’m still trying to figure something out, Valentina. I promise. But from now on, you need to tread lightly too. Promise me you will.”
I close my eyes, savoring his touch one last time before we have to return to our roles and pretend last night never happened.
“I promise.” Of all the vows I’ve ever made, this one is the hardest. But I need to protect Cristian as much as he protects me.
So from now on, I’ll be the dutiful sister sold off in a business deal.
The trophy fiancée to a maniacal man.
But deep down, I’ll pray that Cristian will find a way to set me free.
To set us both free despite the impossibility of it.
20
CRISTIAN
Last night felt like freedom.
Like something I was meant to do.
This morning, with reality breaking through, I see it for what it truly was—a betrayal of everything I stand for.