For the first time since I can remember, the vulnerability I’ve spent years running from creeps in, and that’s when I remember what my father once said. That love is a weakness.
But he was wrong. There’s power in it too.
And in her eyes, I find that power.
It’s then I realize something I’ll never admit: I’m not in control anymore. And it’s the most alive I’ve ever felt.
I start toward her as she begins her descent, one step at a time. By the time she reaches me, I’m already taking her hand. She places it in mine without hesitation, and I pull her in, not giving a single fuck who’s watching. My lips find her cheek, warm skin that smells like vanilla and danger.
“I think my heart forgot how to beat,” I murmur against her skin.
She turns her face, her smile jerking at the corner. “Might want to get that checked, husband. Doesn’t sound normal.”
A laugh rumbles out of me, unfiltered and real.
“Nothing about this is normal.” My thumb brushes across her cheek. “But for the first time, I don’t want it to be.”
Her eyes meet mine, holding me in place, and the world outside of her doesn’t even exist. She’s the only thing that makes sense in this mess, the only thing worth holding on to. And somehow, for the first time in a long time, I find myself hoping.
Not for peace, nor for power. But for a future that includes her.
EMILIA
The night air is cool against my skin as I sit beside Konstantin, his palm heavy and possessive on my thigh.
He’s always touching me, no matter where we are. It’s as though he needs to make sure that I’m real. And I realize I like it. Maybe it’s that quiet protectiveness, the ownership, the claim. Whatever it is, I don’t want him to stop.
Guests dance and laugh as I scan the scene from our long table beneath the stars, the estate sprawling out before us like a kingdom.A good few hundred people have gathered for the reception, enjoying the endless food and entertainment. Glittering vases with hanging Swarovski crystals adorn each table. Acrobats twirl and flip, suspended in the air like circus performers. It’s hard to believe all this is for us.
Us.
It seems strange to think of Konstantin and me as anus, but for all intents and purposes, that’s exactly what we are.
A sharp pang hits my center, the betrayal crashing into me. Because that’s what this is. I’m betraying my brother by even allowing myself to think of Konstantin as anything other than the enemy.
But what if I had it all wrong? What if he didn’t do it? What if I’ve built this entire mess on a lie?
Does that change anything? I’m a fed, he’s a criminal. What future can we possibly have together?
“Are you enjoying yourself?” The question cuts through my thoughts like a blade.
Startled, I turn toward him. “What? Oh…yes. Everything is beautiful.”
His gaze sharpens, as if he can see straight through to my subconscious.
Then, just as quickly, a tight and unreadable smile tugs at his mouth. “I’m glad. I want to make you happy, Tessa. I want to give you everything you could ever want.”
My heart twists in my chest, caught somewhere between longing and confusion. Who could possibly say no to that?
But I know better. Nothing he offers comes without a cost.
And I don’t mean the billions he has. I mean the kind of price that can’t be measured in money. Only in the pieces of yourself you lose trying to survive someone like him.
But I want him. My God, no matter how wrong it may be, I want Konstantin Marinov with every fiber of my being. And if there’s a way that I can keep him and save my brother at the same time, I’lltake it. Because being with him has been more than I ever thought it would be.
My pulse skitters, and I take a long drink of ice water to cool the fire rising in my body.
“This dress is beautiful on you.” His fingers lazily roll up my thigh.
