Page 15 of Ruthless Reign

Her eyes narrow on me. “Nothing’s the matter. At least, nothing that concerns you.”

Irritation flickers in my gut, and just to provoke her, I lean down and whisper in her ear, “I think perfect little Elizaveta Ivanova wants to know what danger feels like before she’s locked down for the rest of her life.”

My words are a taunt, but she doesn't flinch or look away. She holds me in her steady gaze, daring me to continue.

“Maybe I already know what danger feels like.” She flashes me a hard smile, one that doesn’t come close to reaching her eyes, as she pushes away. “And I’m not always perfect, but it’s easier if I pretend that I am.”

Liza pops a piece of gum into her mouth, straightens her shoulders, and strides back inside, leaving nothing but an uneasy weight in my chest.

I light another smoke and run an agitated hand through my hair.

I’m full of shit too. Here I am, lying to myself that I feel anything but an irrational sense of possession when I’m in Liza’s company. This can’t continue, pining over a business associate’s soon-to-be wife. That’s the kind of sin that blackens your soul. Worse. It’s the kind of obsession that gets you killed.

There’s only one thing to do.

I take my phone out of my pocket and text Tanya, one of my regular hook-ups. She has short blonde hair and deep brown eyes—the exact opposite of Liza.

Next time I see Liza, I'll have had so much pussy between now and then that she'll be nothing but a blip on my radar.

CHAPTER SEVEN

LIZA

Kira is already seated, waiting for me in a private booth at the back of the restaurant. She waves to get my attention as I enter, and I return the gesture. I walk over with a confident stride, keeping my back straight as I weave through the tables.

Kira insisted on lunch today, and I know exactly why. We didn't have a chance to talk privately at the party, but her worried looks following Anatoly’s announcement spoke volumes.

“Did you have fun last night?” I try to sound casual as I pick up the menu, using it as a shield to avoid eye contact.

Her hand slams down on the table, capturing my attention. My teeth sink into my bottom lip as I lower the menu to meet Kira’s intense gaze.

“What the fuck was that?” she hisses, leaning forward. “Anatoly just decides you’re getting married in a month and announces it to everyone?”

Tucking a piece of hair behind my ears, I choose my next words carefully. “He wanted to surprise me,” I say evenly. “We’ve been engaged for a year; it’s not like I didn’t see this coming.”

An unsuspecting waiter decides to make his appearance at that moment. “Have you had a chance to look at the menu?—”

My five-two dynamo of a friend shuts him up with one raised hand. “We’re going to need a very generous bread basket, everything on the menu with carbs, a virgin cocktail for me, and a bottle of wine for my friend.”

The waiter scurries away.

I reach for my water glass. “I don’t need a bottle of wine. I’m perfectly fine.”

“How is that? You’re marrying a man you hate. Help me here. What am I missing?” Her intense hazel eyes search my face for answers she's not going to find.

Sitting in my room for hours after the party, one thing became very clear in my mind—Anatoly holds my future in the palm of his hands. He wants ultimate control over me, and if I don’t allow him that, my sister will pay the price. She’ll be eighteen in a few months, and my parents will be able to use her as a bargaining chip.

I’ve thought about running away with Sofiya so many times, but what kind of life could I offer her? With no money and no university education, it wouldn’t be much of one. And with the money and resources at Anatoly’s fingertips, if he wanted to hunt us down, he could. We’d always be powerless.

“Okay, Earth to Liza. Now I’m really worried.” Kira frowns, biting into a breadstick. “Why aren’t you freaking out? Before I left for New York, you would have done anything to get out of the marriage.”

“True,” I say as calmly as I can muster. “But I’ve had time to think, and while Anatoly may not be my first choice, let’s face it—marrying him takes care of a lot of my problems. It means security for my family, and you know… He’s not all bad.”

Kira blinks at me warily. “I don’t believe for one second that you want to marry Anatoly. I know Maxim could help if you gave me the word.”

I shake my head resolutely. I know Kira would do anything to help me, but last night was a reminder of how deeply connected the Belov and Petroviches are. Asking her to choose between me and her husband's business partner would put her in an impossible position, and the stress would undoubtedly be bad for the baby.

No matter what, I won't drag her into this.

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