Page 24 of Twisted Vows

“Do I have a choice?” I reply, keeping my tone steady. “If I don’t succeed, I won’t live to see my next birthday.”

He exhales sharply, almost like a laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “This one is different, Ari. You’re not just playing for yourself anymore. Every move you make reflects on the family. On me. On all of us.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you?” He steps closer, lowering his voice further. “Because there are wolves in this room who would love nothing more than to tear this alliance apart before it even starts. Salvatore isn’t here to wish you well. He’s here to find cracks.”

I glance toward the crowd, my stomach tightening as I spot Sal lingering near a cluster of Bratva men. His expression is unreadable, but his presence feels like a shadow crawling across the room.

André follows my gaze. “Keep your eyes open. One misstep from you or Maxsim, and you know what happens.”

“War,” I murmur, my throat tightening around the word.

“Exactly.” His grip on my arm softens slightly. “I know you didn’t choose this, but you’re in it now. And whether you like it or not, you’re a queen on this board. Queens don’t get to hesitate.”

His words linger long after he strides away, his presence replaced by the weight of his warning.

“Shall we?” Maxsim’s voice pulls me back to the moment, his hand extending toward mine, his eyes encouraging me to accept.

Our first dance. A performance for the crowd.

I chafe against the idea of him leading me around like a puppet on display but know refusing would lead to gossip we can’t afford. Placing my hand in his, I feel the coolness of his skin against mine as he guides me to the center of the room.

The band strikes a slow, sweeping melody, and we begin to move together, our steps perfectly in sync despite our lack of familiarity.

My stomach rumbles as we make our first turn, and I try to remember the last time I ate. “What I would give for a cheeseburger.”

Maxsim’s gaze flickers with amusement. “This marriage might be easier than I anticipated.”

“If you believe that, then you’re a fool.”

“I’m a lot of things, but that isn’t one of them.” He pulls me closer. “All you’ve asked me for is food.”

“I didn’t ask you for anything.” I shift away, irritated by his comment.

“If you express a desire, then it’s my duty to satisfy it.” I ignore his hand, tightening around mine as we spin across the floor. “But make no mistake, Ari. I will be the monster in your story.”

“I know.” We stand chest to chest and stare at one another, and for the first time, I feel a tiny thread of connection building. “I also feel confident you will surrender your life if it means saving mine.”

“Your very own hero in villain’s clothing.”

“We’re going to work on this fairytale hero fetish you have.”

“I look forward to it.”

There’s amusement in his soft voice, and I feel a distinct lack of defiance for the first time since this nightmare began.

My husband doesn’t want to control me…he desires something darker, something I might want to explore.

Could falling for Maxsim be my most reckless act of all?

CHAPTER TWELVE

Tempting the tempter?

Maxsim

The door clicks shut behind me, sealing us in. The room is bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, shadows stretching across the silk sheets and polished wood floors.

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