Page 47 of Ruthless Bonds

Focus.

“Good morning, Alora.” Kreos leaned back in his chair, watching me closely.

“Oh, good morning, fiancé. Let me just ask you a question. Have you lost your mind?”

He chuckled, stood and walked over to me. More like stalked. Like a predator coming for its prey.

And I just stood there like an idiot, instead of running for my life like that bushy-haired old man had a few minutes ago.

Kreos towered over me, and I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. Fiery blue eyes met mine, and my mouth suddenly went dry. It was like I was in a trance as he reached behind me and grabbed the tail end of my braided hair. The room was silent as he tugged on the hair tie and started unraveling the twists I’d done that morning.

I let him do it because I didn’t think I was physically capable of moving at that point. His eyes never left mine until he was done, spreading my hairaround my shoulders. He walked over to a seating area and pointed for me to take the seat across from him.

“Did you eat breakfast?” He crossed his ankle over his knee, steepling his fingers.

“Kreos, what is going on? Why do people think we are getting married?” I sat down on the edge of my seat, clasping my hands together.

“Because we are. I told you last night, remember?”

“We can’t get married. We don’t even know each other.” My nails were digging into my palms so hard I was sure I’d leave marks.

“We have the rest of our lives to get to know each other.”

I squeezed my eyes shut and inhaled deeply through my nose. For some reason, I’d thought I would walk in here and he would tell me it was a joke or a game. But it was becoming obvious that he was deadly serious about this.

“Why are you doing this? Is this because of last night?”

“This was bound to happen,kotic.”

“I don’t understand.” I threw up my hands.

“Well then, let me explain.” He stood and grabbed two bottles of water from a mini-fridge, handing me one. “There are certain expectations of a Pakhan. Traditions that need to be upheld. The Bratva is built on power and legacy. And mine must continue. Being without a wife or an heir is seen as a sign of weakness—a crack in the façade.”

“But what does that have to do with me? I’m sure there’s some beautiful Bratva princess out there just dying for this opportunity, and you”—I waved my handup and down his body—“you will undoubtedly make her very happy. None of this needs to involve me.”

“It does. And it will. You will make a perfect wife and mother to my children.”

My heart skipped a beat, then raced uncontrollably. Mother to his children?

“Wait a damn minute.” I stood and faced him. “Not only are we getting married, but now we’re having children, too? Want to let me in on what else you have planned for my future, Master?”

His voice was calm, almost casual, as he continued. “There will be some changes. Rules to follow. We can discuss the details later.”

“Oh, no, please, Kreos. Enlighten me on the rules.”

He raised his eyebrows at my tone. Like it was shocking I wasn’t throwing myself in his arms and thanking him for the opportunity to be his wife. Oh, and mother of his children—let’s not forget that part.

“Well, for one, you will not leave the house without security. That’s for your protection.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, who’s going to protect me from you?”

“Not even the Devil himself could,” he murmured. “In addition, you won’t work. Driving yourself is out of the question. I’ll need to vet your friends for security concerns. Though I don’t expect you’ll have that much free time given your new responsibilities at home with me.”

Red-hot rage flooded through me. I was glaring at him so hard it seemed impossible that he hadn’t burst into flames yet.

“And my photography? The internationalcompetition? I know you know about that, since you know everything else. You just want me to give that up?”

His face softened as he cupped my cheek. “I’m aware of your accomplishments, Alora, and I’m extremely proud of you. But you don’t need to worry about winning competitions anymore. It’s fine for a hobby, but you won’t need to work. I will give you everything you’ve ever wanted. You’ll never want for anything,kotic. Ever again. You or your sister.”

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