Page 46 of Sinful Wrath

Fuck.

“Fine.” I rub my hand over my jaw.

Alexei squeezes my shoulder once before turning his back on me and heading back up to his office.

I stare after him, trying to ignore the panic building up inside my chest.

It seems I’m running out of time, and I’m no closer to getting Lucia to back out of this marriage than I was two weeks ago. If anything, the last week of sharing dinners has only brought us closer together, and I only have myself to blame for that.

I can’t waste another day. It seems I’ve lost sight of my goal, but this meeting with my brothers was the wake-up call I needed.

Tonight, I’m going to show Lucia another side to me.

A side that she won’t find so appealing.

11

LUCIA

I’m suitably disappointedthat I won’t be having dinner with Mikhail this evening.

For someone who doesn’t talk very much, I’m finding him to be very good company. Not only that, but his culinary skills are a welcome bonus.

But for tonight, I’m on my own, heating up leftovers and parking myself on the couch in the movie room while I wait for him to come home.

I could have easily snuck out tonight to go and see Elle and spend a few hours enjoying some cocktails, but I’m actually craving a night in for once.

Perhaps Mikhail is having more of an influence on me than I thought…

Though, it could just be down to the insane amount of candy he has on hand.

As I settle in on the couch with my huge bowl of carbs and get myself ready for an evening of trashy reality TV, my phone starts buzzing next to me.

I instantly wonder if it’s Mikhail letting me know he’ll be home for dinner after all…

The hope that thought brings with it makes me blink.

But then I see who’sactuallycalling, and I let out a huff of annoyance.

“You’ve been put through to inmate two-six-five-nine, your call is being recorded?—”

“Lucia,” my father snaps, and I roll my eyes.

“Just trying to make light of my new situation, Papa. Turns out prison can be fun when you’ve got snacks.”

“I need you to be serious.”

“I am being serious.”

“I’m calling about your wedding.”

“What about it?” I mute the television.

“We have set a date. The ceremony will happen here at the penthouse in a week.”

“That soon?”

“Yes, the sooner we have our family legally bound to the Koslovs, the better. I need to ensure your protection, Lucia.”

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