“Yes, baby angel?”
“Is Papa looking into possible suitors for me?”
A delicate frown appears between her brows. “What makes you think that?”
“Isn’t that my destiny?”
“You’re still young. Your father won’t marry you off when you’re just seventeen.”
“Going on eighteen. And does it really matter if he does it now or a few years from now?”
“Oh, Anni. Is that why you were hell-bent on going to college? Did you think you only had a few years before your freedom was confiscated?”
“Isn’t that the case?”
“Adrian would never make you marry someone against your will. Do you have that little faith in your papa?”
“I have little faith in his world.Ourworld. Women are just a flashy accessory and a currency for the highest bidder. I’m aware that I’m expected to strengthen the Bratva’s alliances with anyone they deem worthy.”
“They’d have to kill me before I’d let them use you as a pawn.”
“Thanks, Mom. But I don’t want to be the reason behind our family’s misfortune. When thePakhanorders Papa to marry me off to one of the other leader’s sons or into one of the crime organizations, the only thing he can do is agree.”
“He won’t.”
“Then he’ll just be labeled a traitor and be driven out.”
“Anni…”
“It’s okay, Mom. I made peace with this fate a long time ago. Well, not really peace. Understanding, I guess.”
“No, it’s not okay.” She inches closer to the phone, her expression serious. “Yes, the world we live in is brutal, but that doesn’t mean your papa and I won’t stand up for you. Besides, if you happen to fall in love, who would dare make you marry a stranger instead?”
My lips part.
That’s it.
How come I’ve never thought about this before? Well, I have, but I didn’t think it’d make a difference.
That is, until Mom just confirmed it.
Papa wouldn’t make me marry anyone against my will, but he’ll be more convinced if I actually have a boyfriend.
I’ve never had one before. Sure, I’ve flirted and made as many friends as possible, but I’ve never made it official. That would’ve meant putting the poor boy in direct conflict with Papa, Jeremy, and their equally ruthless guards.
Just thinking about the scowly face of Kolya, Papa’s senior guard, makes me shiver. He’d rip the poor guy to pieces before he could even introduce himself to Papa.
Yikes.
But if it means I’d get out of my predestined cruel fate, then maybe it’s worth a try.
“Anni? Are you still with me?” Mom’s voice brings me out of my thoughts.
“Uh, yeah. What’s up?”
“Don’t tell your papa what you just told me or he’ll be upset.”
“I will be upset about what?”