Page 54 of Imperfect Desires

Alina turns toward me. "Tell her."

Scarlett’s eyes cut toward me. "Viktor?"

"I’ve arranged a marriage for Alina," I say flatly.

Scarlett’s breath catches. "You… what?"

"Thiago’s cartel."

Scarlett’s eyes widen. "Viktor…"

"It’s strategic."

Scarlett steps forward slowly, her hand resting on the edge of the desk. "You’re serious?"

"Yes."

Her lips tremble. "I can’t believe you."

My jaw tightens. "It’s done."

Scarlett’s hand curls over the edge of the desk. "How could you?"

"Because it’s necessary."

Scarlett’s breath shudders. "You’re not doing this for Alina. You’re doing this because of Lev."

My gaze sharpens. "Lev doesn’t matter in my decision-making."

"Doesn’t he?"

"Lev made his choice." My voice lowers dangerously. "He made the choice to betray me."

Scarlett’s eyes darken. "He fell in love with her." She says, pointing to a now sobbing Alina.

"That’s the same thing. Falling in love with my sister is the same thing as betraying me."

"No, it’s not."

"Do you know how many times I have trusted Alina’s security to him?"

"So, you’re punishing him by marrying off Alina?"

"I’m securing her future. Our future."

Scarlett’s face tightens. Her eyes darken with quiet devastation. "You’re going to regret this."

"I don’t care."

Scarlett’s mouth presses into a thin line. "And what if Lev comes back for her?"

"He won’t."

"And if he does?"

My pulse spikes dangerously. "Then he dies."

Alina, who’s been staring at me with tears streaming down her eyes, takes in a breath, shudders fearfully, and says, "Viktor…"

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