Page 64 of Sinful Games

Nineteen

“It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”

?William Blake

Caia

The car parked outside the restaurant, and as I stepped into the freezing night air, my breath puffed out like a ghostly wisp. I pulled my coat tight, bracing against the cold, and counted to three before heading for the entrance.

Inside, a piano played softly, and the smell of herbs filled the air. But the dining area was eerily empty as I took off my coat and hung it on the rack.

“Miss Mankiev, this way,” a waiter called, breaking the silence as he gestured to a dark corner. He led me down a dimly lit hallway to a hidden room where my father usually did his shady deals.

As my heels clicked on the wooden floor, the waiter opened the door, releasing a cloud of cigar smoke that made me cough. I covered my mouth and hesitated, my heart sinking as I walked in to see my father’s raucous laughter—something that made me cringe.

The room was set up with a long wooden table, dark napkins, ivory dinnerware, and an assortment of spirits—vodka, champagne, and wine—alongside plates of cheese, olives, figs, dried fruits, and almonds.

My father was sitting next to Igor, and Alexsei was across from him, munching on almonds. Their laughter stopped when they saw me.

My father jumped up with a grin and clapped his hands. “Here’s the star of the night! Come, moya printsessa, take a seat.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me toward Alexsei.

I glanced around, confused and uneasy.

Igor was busy with a piece of cheese, avoiding my gaze, while my father sank back into his chair, looking pleased with himself.

Feeling Alexsei’s intense stare, I discreetly moved my chair, trying to distance myself—not just from his gaze, but from the heat of his body and his dangerously tempting scent.

“I didn’t realize this was a business meeting,” I said, standing up. “I can come back later if you want.”

“Sit back down,” my father said, handing me a glass of champagne. “We need to celebrate, Caia!”

“And what are we celebrating?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The room fell into a thick, uncomfortable silence. My heart was pounding so loudly it drowned out everything else.

“Your marriage to Alexsei, of course.”

His words hit me like a sledgehammer. I felt my grip slacken, and the glass slipped from my hand, shattering on thefloor with a crash that seemed to reverberate through the room.

I jumped up so fast my chair toppled over with a loud clatter. “What?!”

My father’s stare could have frozen lava. “You heard me. Sit down.”

I turned to Romaniev, who seemed completely unfazed, casually munching on almonds as if we were discussing the weather instead of my impending nightmare. He took a slow sip of his vodka, his face blank and detached.

No.

No, please.

No!

“Are you all out of your freaking minds?!” I shouted, my voice trembling.

My father’s expression hardened. “Caia, this is not a negotiation. The contract is signed.”

WHAT?!

“No way! I’m not doing this!” I yelled, charging toward the door.

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