Page 78 of Seduction (Wicked Vows)

Markov presses the gun to Irina’s head. “Now you. Confess your role.”

“I orchestrated the attack,” she admits. “It was simple enough. I used his phone to coordinate it, and his foolish men followed blindly.”

“Why? Why would you do this?” my father demands.

“Because they were a threat to you, and it’s my intent to take over the Ivanov family. You’re so powerful, Petr. So, so powerful. Can’t you see how we could rule together?”

I finally speak up. “She said the same damn thing to Markov when you weren’t here,” I seethe.

My father stares. “Markov. Please. Release her. Allow me and my men to take care of her. Send my deepest apologies to your family for what the Ivanovs have done.”

Markov stares. Shakes his head. I don’t believe my father any more than he does.

He looks back at me, and in his eyes, I see what I longed for—a plea for forgiveness and a pledge that the two of us matter. I choke back a sob.

Markov’s voice booms through the room, every word loaded with the weight of years of enmity. “Your life is forfeit for what was done, for what your men have done, even if not directly on our behalf,” he says, standing tall and unyielding before my father. “There is only one way forward. Only one way to bring peace between the Romanovs and Ivanovs and put it all to rest. No more hiding. No more betrayal. We face this like men.”

My father nods, but I think he’d give Markov—or whoever he is—anything right now.

“Release her, Markov, and our families can form an alliance.”

Markov stares and seems to think this over.“We’re in agreement, then. We’ll honor a time-honored tradition that brings families together. Give me your daughter, Ivanov.”

My father casts a knowing glance between Markov and me. His eyes linger on my tear-streaked face. Silence engulfs the room, tension thickening the air with old grievances.

“My daughter?”

“Give her to me. Give me Vera, and we will end the feud between our families.”

I stare, disbelieving.

“Take her,” he says, his voice resolute. My blood turns to ice. “If this is what it takes to end our families’ feud, to prevent further loss, so be it.”

Mutterings from the Ivanovs’ corner swell like an impending storm. Disbelief and anger ripple through them, yet their leader raises a hand, commanding silence.

“No!” Irina struggles within Markov’s firm grip. “Petr, you promised me!”

“You betrayed me,” my father booms, stepping toward her. He reaches out, wrenching her from Markov’s hold. I flinch as he raises his hand to strike her, but she seizes her opportunity. With a swift knee to my father’s groin, she breaks free, reaching into her dress to draw a concealed gun.

“You will not hold me back!” she screams, her voice a mixture of fury and desperation. “After everything I did for you. After everything you’ve promised me!” She aims the gun and pulls the trigger. “You’re a lying cheat! How dare you!”

My father’s guards react instantly, weapons drawn, but it’s too late. A gunshot rings out.

“Father!” I scream. “No!”

But it’s too late. His body hits the floor and blood pours from him. Her bullet struck her target: straight between his eyes.

As Irina pivots, her gun now aimed at me, Markov acts. With no hesitation, he leaps in front of me, intercepting the bullet meant for me. His body slams into mine as we hit the floor together.

“Nooooo!” I cry out in horror.

Too late, one of the guards fires, striking Irina. She falls, her threat ending with a thud against the floor.

My medical training kicks in amid the chaos. Authority surges through me as I rise to my feet, facing the guards.

“You!” I command, pointing sharply. I’m taking no risks. “Make sure she’s secured immediately! My father is injured, and I am his daughter. Do what I say!”

My father is more than injured. Even I know that.

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