My father is an important man with a job that has taken him everywhere. Sidorov Developments is just the ordinary day-to-day job he inherited from my grandfather, but his power lies in what he does for the Bratva. The range of what that includes is vast and way beyond my scope.
Like most men of status who keep women out of business, my father did the same.
Trying to figure this out is going to be like a fruitless attempt to pick a needle out of the sea. It doesn’t help either that while I was carted off to this prison, everyone else went to talk, leaving me in the dark.
I wonder if Viktor’s hands are tied too.
If not, would he fight to marry me?
I’ve always thought of us as a couple, even though Dad only allowed us to start dating when I turned eighteen. I knew I wasn’t the only woman on Viktor’s arm, and I didn’t expect him to be a virgin like me either.
I’d seen him with women multiple times at events like fundraisers, and I’d heard things from Lorelai. Things I didn’t want to hear.
But now I wonder if he loves me enough to challenge Desmier and rescue me.
I know how the Knights operate when it comes to oaths and blood contracts, so Viktor might not be able to do anything, regardless of how he feels.
But would he try?
Even if he did, it might not help me right now.
As it stands, the only thing I can do for myself is find out more information.
When I see Desmier, I’ll ask what’s going on then try to negotiate my freedom.
Surely, I can make him see this can’t work and people don’t do shit like this anymore. This isn’t the Viking age or the time of sea pirates when a man would just grab a woman and keep her under lock and key.
It’s—
My thoughts are invaded by the ominous sound of the door opening. Even before I look around, I know it’s not the rude woman coming in. There’s a shift in the air, like an omen of danger.
So when I meet the bright hazel eyes of my captor, I’m ready for him. And I can see straightaway from the stern expression on his face that talking to him is going to be difficult.
He walks in, and the door swings shut, the sound of the click lingering like a reminder that I don’t know who I’m dealing with.
The biker jacket is gone, but he still has the same drifter look, enhanced by the expanse of muscle on his arms, which I can clearly see now, bulging against his fitted T-shirt.
My eyes flick to the clothes folded in his hands. I spot a gray T-shirt and something stretchy like yoga pants. I assume those are for me, and my stomach drops.
The beginning of a smile tips his full, sensual lips, revealing dimples that make his already handsome face more striking. I stare back at him, trying to figure him out, but I can’t. His personality seems to have several things going on, and I’m not sure what part of him I’m going to get.
From the predatory vibe emanating from him, I know to stay focused because despite everything, he’s dangerous. All the Volkovas are, but this one is the one to watch.
Especially with that rune on his wrist.
The only time I’ve ever seen it was in books about the Viking gods and paintings of Raventhorn, the founder of the Knights.
Desmier stops paces away, his smile coming to fruition and his scent wrapping around me.
“Alone at last, Princess.” A twinkle lights up his eyes as he holds out the clothes for me to take. “These are for you to change into. Your clothes will be brought over tomorrow.”
Over my dead body.I want to tell him just that, but I hold my tongue. It’s best not to start my negotiation with a hostile attitude. At the same time, I don’t want him to think I’m weak.
Ignoring his outstretched hand, I set my shoulders back and glare at him.
“What is going on?” At least I sound more confident than I feel. I’ve always been good at that, and I’m glad to see some things haven’t left me.
“I was right. You are as fiery as a Valkyrie.” His voice takes on a sing-song edge, irritating me. “I wonder what else I’ll find out about you.”