Page 15 of Beautiful Beast

For one thing, he’s a lot more handsome than I thought he’d be. Brown hair, five o’clock shadow, broad shoulders, good features. At least he won’t be hard to look at.

But I’m not sure any of that is a consolation if he’s going to beat me like my father does.

As I walk down the aisle, my eyes catch Nadia’s. She looks like she might cry or scream or run away. She does none of those things, though. Instead, she remains quiet and watches while our father sells my life away. I don’t blame her. The last thing I want is for my sister to get hurt for trying to help me.

I reach out to her, and she does the same, but our father rips me away from her, causing me to stumble. None of the guests comment on it. It’s not customary for any people within the Bratva to comment on the inner workings of a family. People are used to turning a blind eye.

My fate brings me closer to Erik.

I give Nadia one last look before turning to the man who’s going to be my husband in a matter of minutes. Father grabs my hand and forces it out so Erik can take it.

Erik’s grip is strong and secure. I’m not going anywhere.

I’m trembling. It’s clear from the way Erik’s smile deepens that he can feel it. And he likes that I’m afraid. We haven’t said one word to each other, and already, I can tell his reputation is true: He’s a bad man.

“We are gathered here today,” the priest begins while everyone takes their seats. I drown all of that out as I look at Erik. I study his dark eyes. There are multiple flecks of brown inthem. They would be warm on anybody else but him. Not when he’s the boogeyman.

My body goes numb the longer the priest talks. The only thing keeping me standing is Erik’s hands covering my own. How ironic is that.

And then, it happens.

The vows.

“Do you, Erik Koslov, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

Erik looks me straight in the eye as he responds, claiming me as his own. “I do.” His voice is warm and rich. Smooth in nature. But there’s a hard edge to it that tells me I can’t trust him.

The priest turns to me. “And do you, Anya Belov, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“No,” I whisper on instinct.

The crowd murmurs.

Erik doesn’t even look upset. His grin only grows.

My father looks like he might jump out of his seat and smack me for saying no, but he stays seated. And that’s when I notice him gripping Nadia’s arm. I don’t have to feel it myself to know it must hurt. He’s hurt me enough times for me to know.

“You’re not supposed to say no,” the priest whispers back.

“It’s ok,” Erik says in his handsome voice. He truly is the devil—a handsome exterior hiding a darker nature underneath.

“It’s ok?” I ask.

He nods and leans in closer. “But, Anya, this is will happen. I made a deal with your father for power, which included marrying you. So, you’ll take back your no and say I do.”

A flare of anger courses through me. “And if I tried to run right this second?”

“I would just chase you. You’re not getting out of this, I’m afraid. But you have the chance to be brave right now. Just say I do.”

I gulp. “Will you hurt me if I don’t?”

His hands tighten on my own. “Will I beat you, you mean?”

I don’t give him a verbal reply. We both know what I mean.

Erik tugs me closer to him. “No, I won’t beat you. I have no desire to ruin your pretty face.”

I shiver. I’m not sure if it’s out of fear or relief.

---