Page 17 of Bound to a Monster

Literally, not figuratively.

Dad will shoot me in the head.

I feel like I’m marching through waist-deep running water as I follow my family up the steps of a very nice Old City row home. It’s an expensive house, and I’d probably feel a little impressed if I weren’t too busy freaking out.

Maybe I can run. If I break to the left and keep going, maybe I can get away. I’ll live out my final days somewhere out west and change my name to Serena Rose.

“I’m glad you made it, Mr. Marino.” A man’s voice. He’s older, around my father’s age.

“Call me Bruno. You must be Oleg.” The men shake hands and exchange pleasantries as we’re led into a formal sitting room.

Lev’s father is a burly Russian man with a loud laugh and sharp eyes. I can see some of Lev in him, the same brows, the same hair, though Oleg’s is graying and thinning slightly. He’s in expensive but understated clothing, just like my father. Both have on glittering gold watches.

Daniel and Luca join the conversation, and I’m left at the end of the couch, losing my mind. Oleg seems completely uninterested in me and instead focuses on my father and my brothers, asking them questions about business and family like he’s trying to dig for information. Which is fine because my brothers are doing the exact same thing.

Everyone’s feeling each other out.

“My apologies, it seems like my son’s running late.” Oleg gets to his feet, a flash of annoyance on his face. “If you’ll excuse me?—”

But he doesn’t get far. The door opens, and there he is on the threshold wearing a slim-fitting suit that shows off his muscular torso and makes him look like a capitalistic kingpin surveying his corporate holdings.

I nearly scream. I’m so nervous my legs are shaking.

It’s really him.

Step. No, Lev. No, my future husband. Whoever he is, he’s standing right there, shaking my father’s hand and turning toward me.

We lock eyes, and I know he knows.

For an instant, he goes very still. The charming smile falters. The mask slips for only a beat, and he looks at me with real surprise.

Something ugly and dark slips across his face.

But it’s gone a second after. He shakes hands with Luca and Daniel before Dad brings him over to introduce me.

“This is your future wife, my daughter, Carmela,” Dad says, gesturing to me.

I stand on unsteady knees. I try to meet Step’s gaze—no, damn it, his name is Lev—but I can’t manage it. Instead, I thrust a hand at him.

“Everyone calls me Carmie,” I mutter, looking at his shoes. They’re dull, like he wears them too often.

“Good to finally meet you, Carmie,” Lev says, slipping his hand into mine. His grip is firm and warm, and I can’t help but think of that palm on my ass and his fingers in my hair.

Holy shit. Holy shit. This can’t be really happening.

I’m about to vomit all over the floor.

There’s an uncomfortable beat as Lev stares at me, still grinning, the image of a dashing young man. Except we both know how supremely fucked this is.

Then the men take over. They start talking business again, and I’m forgotten for a little while, left to sit on the end of the sofaand stew in my misery. Lev hasn’t called me out yet, but he keeps throwing me looks, occasionally dark and rage-filled, but always covered by his ease and his laughter. He’s got my brother telling him stories and pouring him drinks from the bar cart in the corner, and I can already tell they’re going to rave about my future husband on the ride home. Meanwhile, Dad and Oleg are having a head-to-head near the window, both holding a glass of whiskey.

I’m forgotten. At least, I think I am. Except Lev reminds me over and over that he knows I’m there.

His gaze is like poison.

“We should give these two a few minutes alone together,” Oleg announces and gestures at my brothers and my father. “Why don’t we go visit the game room and let them talk?”

“Fine with me,” Luca says and elbows Lev like they’re already best friends. Oh my god, those two are going to behorribletogether. “Just be careful, okay? We wouldn’t want any accidental babiesbeforethe wedding.”

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