Across from me, a breathtaking sunset unfolded like a masterpiece. It didn't matter how many times I'd watched this scene; it would never get old. The sky itself seemed like it was on fire as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

I felt my tension dissipating like the smoke dancing lazily around me as my mind reeled with the different ways this union could end.

Lorena and I were two people who loathed each other, and now I couldn't help but wonder what life would be like for the both of us. We'd come this far without having any proper plans whatsoever. Now what?

The Bratva and the Campbell Enterprise both had gotten the alliance they needed. But what was the fate of the two people who had sacrificed themselves to make this happen?

PakhanArtem had told me once that whether or not I'd live a happy and fulfilled life with my new wife was entirely up to me.

I puffed another round of smoke, scratching the back of my head, confused about what to do next. Lorena was a beautifulbride who had stolen my breath the moment I set eyes on her walking down that aisle.

She’d looked amazing in that dress, and although her smile was fake, it still lit up her face. She was gorgeous, no doubt, and maybe if she wasn't such a spoiled little brat, things would have been different between us.

“If you want this marriage to work, you two have to agree to make it work.”PakhanArtem's voice echoed in my head.“You're decades older than her, Alexei. Do the right thing.”

What was the right thing to do? And why shouldIbe the one to do the right thing?

I wiped a palm across my face, lost in my own thoughts. It was a fucking maze in my head, and I was trapped, trying to figure my way around it.

Even if I wanted to do the right thing here, Lorena would only frustrate my efforts. She hated me and hadn't come to terms with her reality yet. I wouldn't have her insult me or be arrogant because she knew I wouldn't physically lay a finger on her. What should I do then?

I leaned forward, elbows on the polished handrail as I smoked my worries away.

It wasn't until after the sun had completely set, giving way to the night, that I decided to go lay my head. Maybe a little rest would help clear my mind.

I headed back inside, through the living room, up the stairs, and then to my bedroom. The door faintly creaked open, and I walked inside, eyes fixed on her.

Lorena was seated on a wooden chair by the window, clad in an oversized T-shirt—one of mine. I hated sharing my stuff, but somehow, it was different tonight. Instead of anger and irritation, I felt something else—attraction.

She had her alluring legs pulled up against her chest, her bare feet tucked beneath her, giving her an endearingly vulnerable air.

Her long, wavy brown hair—a little moist from the shower—cascaded down her back as she looked out the window, gazing at the celestial canvas. Her eyes were lost in the starry expanse; her lips parted like she was whispering into the night. The moon's ethereal light cast an otherworldly glow on her face, illuminating every inch of her skin—every contour of her features.

Again, I lost my breath just staring at this delicate creature, kissed by the moonlight. Her arms hugged her legs, pulling them closer to herself, and her lips curled into a bright smile.

Was she communicating with the goddess of the moon or what?

There was something undeniably alluring about her, a quiet sensuality that seemed to draw me in like a moth to a flame.

She was so beautiful that I almost decided at that moment that she could wear anything in my closet—anything at all. Over the years, I'd had countless women in my bed, but none of them ever dared wear my shirt. It was a rule I always warned them about: “Don't fucking touch my stuff.”

Yet, this defiant little devil didn't only touch my stuff; she had the effrontery to select from my shirts. That ash color she'd picked was a good choice, though.

I knew Alexandra had no idea Lorena was going to do this; she'd have strongly advised against it.

But that wasn't the point. The point was that she broke one of my major rules, and I wasn't the least bit pissed off about it. I never thought my shirt would look this good on someone other than me.

She turned around and caught me staring with a faint smirk on my face, but I was quick to wear a blank expression. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as her lips curved into a smile. Lorena got off the chair and headed toward me, her feet soundless against the marble floor.

I shut the door behind me and took gentle steps further into the room.

“Hi,” she said, her voice low and husky and her face relaxed.

Okay, what's going on here?I wondered, narrowing my eyes with a slightly tilted head. “Hey,” I replied with the same tone.

My eyes discreetly roamed her body, drinking in the sight of her slender form shrouded by the ash-colored oversized T-shirt. The last three buttons were undone, revealing a hint of her cleavage—a tantalizing glimpse of skin that sparked a flicker of interest within me.

“Alex said not to touch your stuff, but I couldn't help it. Sorry,” she muttered, lips pressed into a fine line, but her eyes were devoid of fear.