Page 15 of Sinful Lies

“It could… It’s a risk we’ll have to take.”

My thoughts are running a million miles an hour.

This is the most insane idea I’ve ever heard of.MarryingDimitri Koslov?

I shake my head. “How do you know this will even work?”

“Because I will make sure of it.”

I look into Dimitri’s dark eyes and see nothing but sheer determination.

“This would solve both our problems, Zara.”

I hate the fact that I’m actually considering this, but Dimitri makes a good point.

If Giovanni knew I was married to a Koslov, he likely wouldn’t come anywhere near me. Not unless he had a death wish. It would mean I could stay at my job, and I wouldn’t be living in fear of what he might do every minute of the day. “If we do this, I have one condition.”

Dimitri’s lips twitch, but he nods for me to continue.

“We have a small wedding. I don’t need this to get back to my family,especiallymy sister. They wouldn’t buy it anyway, seeing as I’ve never introduced a boy to them before. Well, unless you count the time I was nine and married Sam who lived next door…” I scrunch my nose, my cheeks heating as I realize what I’ve just given away.

“You’ve never brought a boy back to your family?”

Of course, he didn’t miss that information.

“Can we stick to the subject at hand?”

“You’re the one who started rambling.” Dimitri chuckles.

“Do you agree with my condition or not?” I place my hands on my hips.

“I couldn’t care less about the actual wedding, Zara, so yes, I agree.”

I hate the fact that Dimitri is coming to my rescue. I want to be able to handle Giovanni on my own, but I’m terrified. Given our history, I know exactly the sort of thing he’s capable of. And if this past week is anything to go by, I know he’s not going to stop until he gets his hands on me.

The thought makes my blood run cold.

What other choice do I have?

Right now, marrying Dimitri Koslov seems like my only option.

“I guess you’ve got yourself a deal.”

5

DIMITRI

I can’t believeI’m actually getting married. Granted, it’s a fake marriage, but still. I never thought it would actually happen for me. I’ve not exactly got a stellar track record when it comes to women, and for good reason.

I prefer to keep my distance. It’s better for everyone involved.

Alexei will be pissed when he learns of our engagement, but I don’t care. If he wants to spring a betrothal on me and expect me to roll over and accept it, then he doesn’t know me at all.

He’s giving me no choice. There is no way in hell I’m going to marry Lucia Conti. I don’t care if it’s in the best interest of our family, I just won’t do it.

It might make me a selfish prick for dragging Zara into this mess in order to give me an out, but she will be using me just as much as I’ll be using her.

Granted, linking her to the Koslovs brings a new sort of threat, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. If Alexei and Bianca can make it work, then so can Zara and I.

---