“Kirill, leave,” I say, trying to muster the strength in my voice. “I need to be alone.”

He follows me inside, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. “I’m not going anywhere until you agree,” he states, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I whirl around, facing him, my anger flaring. “No! I won’t agree to this madness!”

His eyes darken, and a dangerous edge creeps into his voice. “You think you have a choice?” he asks, stepping closer. “I can force you if I have to.”

Fear spikes through me, but it’s mixed with an unexpected surge of arousal. There’s a darkness in him that’s both terrifying and strangely enticing. My heart pounds as he moves closer, his presence overwhelming.

“Kirill…,” I start, but my voice falters.

He pins me against the wall, his body pressing against mine. “You have no choice, Violet,” he growls, his breath hot against my ear. “You will agree. Do you understand?”

The intensity of his gaze, the raw power in his voice, sends shivers down my spine. I’m scared, but there’s a part of me that’s drawn to this darkness, this commanding force that is Kirill.

“Say it,” he demands, his voice low and dangerous. “Say you agree.”

My breath catches in my throat, my body trembling. His grip tightens, and I can feel the heat radiating off him, his dominance overwhelming.

“Yes,” I finally gasp, the word escaping my lips. “I agree.”

He holds me there for a moment longer, his eyes searching mine, ensuring the truth of my words. Then he steps back, releasing me, but the intensity doesn’t fade. “Good,” he says, his voice softer but still firm. “We’ll make the arrangements.”

I feel the intensity of his gaze boring into my soul. The heat between us is palpable, a dangerous mix of fear, anger, and something else—something electric.

My eyes dart to his lips, and for a fleeting moment, I want to kiss him. I want to give in to the raw, magnetic pull between us. Just as quickly as the thought comes, Kirill lets go, stepping back. Relief and disappointment flood through me, and I realize how close I came to doing something incredibly stupid.

The door swings open, and Dimitri strides in with a few men, their presence a jarring intrusion into the tense, intimate moment. I dart away, trying to compose myself, pretending like I didn’t almost kiss Kirill.

“Dimitri,” Kirill says, his voice returning to its usual calm and authoritative tone. “Everything secure?”

Dimitri nods, glancing between Kirill and me with a knowing smirk. “Yes, Boss. We’ve got the perimeter covered. No one’s getting in without us knowing.”

“Good,” Kirill responds, his eyes briefly flicking to me before returning to Dimitri. “Violet needs to be safe at all times. Make sure the men know their shifts and stay alert.”

Dimitri’s smirk widens slightly as he nods. “Understood, Boss. We’ll keep a close watch.”

I stand there, feeling a bit like a deer caught in headlights. The intensity of the moment still lingers, and I struggle to steady my breath. Kirill’s presence is overpowering, and I can feel the heat of his gaze even when he’s not looking directly at me.

Kirill turns back to me, his expression softer but still commanding. “Get some rest, Violet. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

I nod, trying to keep my composure. “Alright. Thank you, Kirill.”

He gives me a curt nod, then turns to Dimitri. “Make sure everything is in order. I don’t want any mistakes.”

Dimitri’s eyes flicker with amusement, but he remains professional. “Of course, Boss. Consider it done.”

With a final glance at me, Kirill heads toward the door, followed by Dimitri and the other men. As they leave, the tension in the room dissipates slightly, but the weight of what just happened remains heavy on my shoulders.

I take a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. I almost kissed Kirill. What was I thinking? The realization of how close I came to crossing that line is both frightening and thrilling. I can’t afford to get distracted. There’s too much at stake.

As I head upstairs to my room, I can’t help but replay the moment in my mind. Kirill’s intensity, his unwavering command—it’s all so overwhelming. I need to stay focused, to remember why I agreed to this in the first place. For my safety, for my father’s legacy, and for the chance to prove myself.

Lying in bed, I stare at the ceiling, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and determination. Kirill’s presence lingers in my mind, a constant reminder of the path I’ve chosen. This fake marriage, this alliance—it’s my best shot at securing my future.

Even if I hate it.

Chapter Sixteen - Kirill