Page 77 of Seduction (Wicked Vows)

I ignore the drink, my heart hammering in my chest as I turn to Markov, whose stern expression has not softened. His eyes remain cautious.

“Don’t trust her, Vera,” he says.

“And Markov,” Irina continues, turning her attention to him, “is not merely a visitor and certainly not my nephew. You see, Vera, I hired an assassin. It was easy enough to seduce your father and convince him I had a nephew in need of a job. My aim was to eliminate you, as you are the only obstacle between me and my goals.”

The word ‘assassin’ echoes in my mind, drowning out all other thoughts.

There are things you don’t know about me, Vera. Things that, if known, you could never forgive.

“Ironically, I had no clue who Markov really was but knew he was not the man I hired. I wanted to see his end game. I wanted to see how I could manipulate the situation to get what I needed. So, I waited. I couldn’t just kill you outright; it had to appear accidental.”

I stare at Markov, whose narrowed eyes remain intently focused on Irina. His hand is hidden in his pocket. What is he concealing? He can’t simply kill my father’s mistress without consequence.

“Petr was called out just now because one of his men has been found dead. That will keep him busy while we decide our next move. Get rid of her, Markov,” she directs, nodding at me. “Then you and I can dominate the Ivanov empire. It’s as simple as. . .” She snaps her fingers.

“Never,” Markov asserts firmly. “You will not harm her!”

“Oh, dear,” Irina sighs, feigning disappointment. “I’ll have to move to another plan.”

My world tilts on its axis. What is happening? Who are these people?

They both deceived me. Everything has been a lie.

“You used her.” Markov seizes Irina, swiftly disarming her. He shakes her violently.

“Markov!” I shout, even though I doubt that’s his real name. “Stop!”

“She just confessed that she wants you dead,” he growls, lifting her off the ground by her neck. She struggles vainly against his grip. Suddenly, there’s a pounding at the door, and I hear my father’s voice.

The door bursts open, and my father rushes in, flanked by his guards. “What is the meaning of this?” he thunders.

Markov releases Irina, positioning her in front of him with a gun to her temple. I stare, disbelieving.

“Petr,” she pleads. “Petr, help me!”

My father stares at Markov, realization dawning. “You would kill your own aunt?”

“They aren’t related, Father,” I say in a choked voice.

My father stares. “Who are you?”

Markov stands resolute, the most commanding presence in the room. Despite my heartache, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride in him.

“She deceived and betrayed you,” he declares. “She intended to murder your daughter, but now, the truth must be revealed.” He fixes his gaze on my father. “Tell your men to stand down, or I will kill her.”

My father glares at Markov but gives the order.

Markov continues. “My name is Nikko Romanov. I am here on behalf of the Romanov family, your rivals from America. You attacked my brother and attempted to poison his wife. I came to seek justice. Tell the truth, Ivanov, or your mistress dies.”

My father’s face drains of color. “Romanov,” he whispers, recognition and fear bleeding into his voice.

“The truth!” Markov thunders. I gasp.

“I never ordered such a thing,” my father protests, shaking his head. “Yes, there were tensions, but I never sanctioned violence against your brother.”

Markov’s eyes narrow, his suspicion evident. “Yet you acknowledge the incident I refer to.”

The room spins, the revelation overwhelming me. Spots cloud my vision.

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