Page 131 of Sinful Lies

“I never thought I was capable of ever feeling that way about someone, but Zara is everything to me, and I don’t want to live in a world when she doesn’t exist.”

“How fucking poetic of you,” Massimo spits.

“Poetic or not, it is what you should want for your daughter. But I can tell you now, even if anything happens to Zara, I will never marry your daughter, but I can make it my mission in life to make sure she never has a happy moment ever again. Not that you care, apparently. Don’t you love your daughter enough to want what is best for her? Because that is definitely not me.”

Massimo huffs as he storms over to his drinks cabinet and pours himself another large scotch.

“I couldn’t give a shit about her finding love or being happy.” He downs the drink and wipes his mouth on the back of his tattooed hand. “My focus here is purely business. Igor Ivanov is making moves, and I want to make sure Lucia is protected at all costs.”

I frown.

That’s why he’s doing this? Because of Ivanov?

Alexei gets to his feet. “If it’s business and power you’re interested in, we can help with that.”

“Of course, that’s what I’m interested in. You think I’m playing matchmaker for the fun of it?”

Mikhail snorts beside me, and I jab him in the ribs with my elbow.

“Shut the fuck up.”

Alexei shoots us a glare over his shoulder.

“It seems we both have a shared agenda when it comes to Ivanov.” Alexei turns back to Massimo. “I suggest our two families form an alliance and go against Igor together. I can promise that you will be…substantially rewarded for your help.”

“You’ve made that promise to me before, Alexei Koslov, why should I believe you this time?”

“My brothers and I have learned from this misunderstanding.” Alexei glances over at me. “We are all in agreement that we need to do what is best for our family.”

Massimo narrows his eyes as he thinks for a moment, his ringed hand rubbing over his jaw as he glances between me and Alexei. “What’s in it for you? Seems like an easy deal.”

“We have our own reasons to want Igor dealt with, and we’re at a point where we will do anything to get the job done. With your help, we can get the job done quicker.”

When Alexei doesn’t elaborate more, Massimo turns his attention back to me.

“I would also like to point out that Zara’s father is a respected cop.” Alexei seems to sense where Massimo’s thoughts are leading. “Killing his pregnant daughter might start a war with the police force that you will not win.”

Massimo nods. “I want my daughter protected. There are other senior men in the Koslov bratva that would be a fine match for Lucia. Make sure it is done, and you have yourself a deal.”

His eyes flick to Mikhail, and my body tenses.

Is he being serious rightnow?

I know I said it as a throwaway idea before, but I was venting at the time. We can’t ask this of Mikhail.

Except, I don’t see any other way out of this. If I ever want to see Zara again, I have to ask my brother to marry a woman he’s never met. A fate I was too much of a coward to face might now fallen on him.

“Mikhail…” Guilt weighs heavily on my shoulders.

He dips his chin in confirmation. “I’ll do it.”

Massimo narrows his eyes at Mikhail, and I hold my breath.

Please let this work.

“Dante!” Massimo yells.

The doors to the study immediately open and our escort arrives. “Retrieve Zara from her holdings.”

---