“What?” I barely get out through a tight throat.
“There’s been stirrings— whisperings, really.”
“Of?”
“Of a divide forming in the Bratva. One that allows us leverage to get you out of this mess.” I won’t get my hopes up, but because I’m so disparaged, a part of me is already clinging to the idea of this possible escape.
“There have been reports of certain Bratva members who are dissatisfied by the leadership choices. Angry about Kias’ passing. He had plenty of guys on his side who have apparently formed some sort of secret rebellion. We think that Nikolai wants to secure this union now because there’s a chance the fighting could stop if he marries into our family. The Bratva have wanted us as allies since–” Vince shakes his head, searching for the words.
Tito helps finish the thought, “Since before Pops took over for Elder San Giovanni.” And Vince nods in agreement.
“So, what does that mean?” I ask Vince.
“It means that there will likely be turmoil over this. Many people will want your union to dissipate before it ever becomes maritally binding.”
“That’s not going to stop someone like Nikolai.” I cross my arms over my chest, trying to pull at the hems of this plan, so I won’t be disappointed when they inevitably fray.
“Well, we think it might if this plan endangers his position of power. You and Adrik will be in danger. You really already are. If I—“ he motions to the boys before correcting himself. “Ifwecan bring this up, it could convince him to dissolve the contract.”
“Could.” I reiterate. “Could, might, possibly. You have no idea if anything will work. He’s a snake. And he’s already got his teeth in me. If you think for a second, he’ll so easily let me go—“
Antonio cuts me off. “Espie, please, trust us.”
“That’s a presumptuous thing to ask of me now!” I bite back, and he lowers his shoulders like a dog being scolded, shaking his head to disagree but not so stupid as to push me with actual words.
“Look, Espie, this is just going to have to be something we work out for you. If you don’t trust us, I don’t blame you. It’s shitty— what we’ve done to you.” Vince is looking right into my eyes, and I know he’s being sincere when he concludes. “But, we will do everything in our power and then some to get you out of this mess. You have my word.” I hold his gaze for a moment, and I feel everyone waiting for my response, leaning in until I take a breath.
“Fine.” I swallow. “Can I go now?” I’m cold, distant with all of them, and he nods, gesturing for one of the boys to escort me out. I stand and walk out of the room, opening the doors a little harder than necessary. Olive is waiting right at them, and she jumps back upon their abrupt parting. I grab her arm and pull her towards the stairs before she can ask me what’s going on.
When we reach our room, I push the security guy back after Olive is inside.
“I want alone time with Olive.”
“Given the circumstances—“ I don’t let him finish, instead I slam the door in his face and just before it closes, he rolls his eyes in relent.
“What the fuck is going on?” Olive bursts out, hands on her hips, brown hair swaying with the shaking of her head, eyes wild with confusion.
“Bullshit. That’s what.” I laugh to keep from crying and flop backwards onto my bed. She cuddles up next to me, brushing the hair out of my face in long strokes as hot tears spill onto my comforter without my consent.
“They’re forcing me to marry Adrik Mikhailov.”
“No.” She gasps and I nod, uselessly wiping a tear from my eye as my face contorts with a whimper that escapes from my throat. “They can’t. They literally promised you that you could choose an eligible man for yourself, Espie.”
“I know.” I weakly agree.
“What the fuck are we going to do?”
“You’regoing to live your life to the fullest, like you’ve always been able to. And I will live vicariously through you. That’s it.”
“Espie. There has to be something I can do.”
“That’s all you can do.”
“No.” She shakes her head, more adamant now. “Why did they call you in there? What did they say?”
“It’s not relevant.” I sniff, turning on my side, despondently.
“Why would Vince do this?” She breathes and I consider not telling her the truth because it’s even worse than thinking Vince is on a power trip. But I shouldn’t protect my brothers, not when they’ve failed so miserably at protecting me, so I tell her everything. Right down to Vince’s feeble plans to free me from the Bratva’s binds.