Page 15 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

Her words linger in my mind as I retreat to my office. I spend the morning buried in paperwork, of which there is a surprising amount considering my profession, trying to ignore the nagging feeling that I’m handling this situation all wrong.

I could get someone else to do it, but the endless forms and documents manage to capture my attention until around noon, when a commotion in the hallway draws my attention.

I open my office door to find Felicity arguing heatedly with Viktor.

“I’m just going for a walk. You don’t need to follow me like a shadow.”

Viktor’s expression remains impassive. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Pimaslov, but I have my orders.”

“They’re ridiculous orders.” She turns, seeing me in the doorway. “Kiril, tell him to back off. I’m not a child who needs constant supervision.”

I cross my arms, leaning against the door frame. “Viktor is doing his job. If you want to go out, he goes with you. That’s non-negotiable.”

Her eyes flash with anger. “This is insane. I can’t live like this.”

“You’ll learn to,” I say with a lack of compassion that must grate, because she glares at me even more. “It’s for your own good.”

“My own good?” She scoffs. “How is being treated like a prisoner for my own good?”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “Because there are people out there who want you dead. Do you understand that? This isn’t a game, Felicity. Your life is in danger.”

She meets my gaze, still defiant. “And what kind of life is this? Trapped in a gilded cage, unable to even take a walk without an armed escort?”

I clench my jaw, frustration building. “It’s the life you agreed to when you married me.”

“I agreed to be your wife, not your captive, and you sure as hell didn’t tell me what kind of life I’d be accepting. I would have taken my chances on my own.” Her chest heaves in her anger, and I try not to notice the way her body moves. She’s so incredibly attractive that it hurts.

We stare at each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, I turn to Viktor. “Take her for a walk. Stay within two blocks of the building. Pay attention and report back to me in an hour.”

Viktor nods, his expression neutral.

Felicity looks surprised, then wary. “Really?” she asks. “Just like that?”

I give her a hard look. “Don’t make me regret this decision. Follow Viktor’s instructions to the letter. If you try to lose him or disobey his orders, you’ll lose all outdoor privileges. Understood?”

She nods, relief mixed with lingering frustration in her expression. “Understood.”

As they leave, I return to my office, my mind churning. I’m being harsh, but her safety is my top priority. Still, Elena’s words nag at me. There has to be a way to keep her safe without making her feel like a prisoner.

I spend the next hour alternating between work and glancing at the clock. When Viktor returns with Felicity, a knot of tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying releases.

She looks calmer and gives me a small nod as she passes my office, though she doesn’t linger to talk.

It’s a small step, but perhaps it’s a start toward finding balance. I’ll need to think of other ways to give Felicity some freedom while still keeping her protected. It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary.

This arrangement between us is far from ideal, but we both have to make it work. For now, I’ll take this small victory and hope it leads to more understanding between us in the future.

8

Kiril

Iwake early the next morning with fresh plans. Felicity needs clothes, and I want to see her smile. It’s a simple enough solution to the issue of her being locked up all the time. If we’re indoors instead of out on the street, things can be a lot safer.

I knock on her bedroom door, hoping she’s not still sleeping. “Are you awake?” I ask.

There’s a rustling sound, then her voice, slightly muffled. “Yes, come in.”

I enter to find her sitting up in bed, locks tousled from sleep. She looks vulnerable, and she pulls her blanket up to her chest, hiding her body from me. It’s funny because I’ve already seen all of it, but we’ve taken a huge step back. Maybe I should’ve had her in my room from the beginning, that way she couldn’t pretend like we’re just friends.

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