I know. God, I know.
“Fifty percent of your business for the protection of the Vetrovs and the Koslovs. You’ll be untouchable. Your business will survive. You have everything to gain.”
Everything he says is the truth. I have no choice, but I can’t bring myself to open my mouth even though I have no other option but to agree.
“A marriage between you and Damien.” Alexei’s words don’t register at first.
“What?” the word drifts over my lips.
“A marriage,” Alexei repeats as he begins to walk toward me. “An alliance between the Hemsleys and the Vetrovs. Damien gets half of the business. He’ll run it on my behalf once we’ve taken care of your Blanco problem.”
A marriage?
To Damien Vetrov?
Mother of saints.
Slowly I turn my gaze to Damien, and my eyes flit over his face. He looks impassive as if it’s not his life we’re talking about as well.
Alexei lets out a dark chuckle, “Surely you weren’t raised thinking you’ll marry for love?”
“Of course not,” I bite the words out. “It’s just… sudden. I need time to consider it.”
Alexei slowly shakes his head. “Time is not a luxury we have. Do you agree or not? I need to know if I’m staying or going home. Time is money.”
My heartbeat matches the seconds as they pass. My eyes go to Demitri’s expressionless face, then back to Alexei’s dark stare.
I’ll have the Vetrovs and Koslovs on my side for life. I’ve lost all the love in my life, but I can buy the loyalty of these men.
My lips part, and then the words leave me, “I agree.”
The corner of Alexei’s mouth lifts, and then a smile spreads over his face, and somehow it makes him only look more terrifying. “Congratulations, brother. I bargained a wife for you.”
“Thank you,” Damien replies, not sounding upset at all.
“Are we done?” I ask, needing to get away from their intensity and demands. I need to think. I need to process.
“For now,” Alexei murmurs.
Without sparing any of them another glance, I leave the dining room.
I have no idea what my future holds except that Damien will be at my side every step of the way. Not out of love but because of self-interest.
The alliance has been made.
The price of their loyalty is the cost of the four lives I’ve lost. Cillian. Sean. Dad. Mom. They all died for the business, and now only half belongs to me.
DAMIEN
Alexei chuckles at Winter’s quick retreat from the dining room, then his eyes settle on mine.
“I saw the way you looked at her. I figure this deal is a win for all three families. You’re good?”
I nod. “Yes.”
I’m more than good. Alexei just gave me everything. A formidable business to help me take a seat of power in The Ruin and the woman I’ve wanted to claim since the first moment I saw her.
There’s only one problem. Winter looked indifferent about the alliance. As if I’m nothing to her, and it doesn’t sit well with me.
“I want this marriage officiated before we do anything to help her. I’ll arrange for an Orthodox priest to come here. Tomorrow.”
“The sooner, the better,” I agree. “Thank you, Alexei.” My eyes go to my brother, and seeing the pride on his face fills my heart with a burst of warmth.
I leave the dining room and heading up the stairs, my body tenses, and my eyes narrow. Winter better not think this will be a marriage in name only.
Over my dead body.
Turning down the hallway, I see Winter rush into a bedroom and follow after her. I shove the door open, and it has her quickly turning to face me. Stalking into her bedroom, I spare the luxurious furnishings nothing more than a glance before locking eyes with her. For seconds we stare at each other.
Winter lifts her chin in defiance, the spark I’ve become addicted to igniting in her emerald irises.
“You’re not happy?” I ask as I slowly step closer to her.
Her features tighten. “I agreed to the alliance. Happiness has nothing to do with it.”
I stop several inches from her. “The marriage will happen tomorrow. Alexei won’t help unless we’re legally bonded to each other.”
“I figured as much,” she mutters.
Lifting my hand to her neck, I wrap my fingers around her throat and brush my thumb over the scar. I feel a tremble ripple through her body, and it pleases me.
Leaning down until I feel her breath on my face, I murmur, “Don’t make the mistake of thinking this marriage will be in name only.”
Her eyes widen at my words. “You expect it to be real?”
“Of course.” The corner of my mouth lifts. My words are low and unyielding as I say, “The payment I demand for the debt you owe me is your body, your heart, and your soul.”
Winter’s breaths begin to speed up, her expression tightening with defiance. “I will never bow before you,” she grinds out through clenched teeth.