Page 24 of Imperfect Desires

Yelena sits easily, one leg crossed over the other. I sit beside her, more cautious.

My father’s gaze sweeps over us. "I have two important matters to discuss with you."

I tense.

Yelena tilts her head. "Good news or bad news?"

"That depends on how you look at it."

He leans back, his hands steepled in front of him.

"First," he says, "I’ve been contacted by the head of anEllinikifamily."

My breath stills.

"The Greek Mafia?" Yelena asks.

My father nods. "They are proposing an alliance. Through marriage."

My heart stops, and my hands curl into fists on my lap. A cold pressure settles in my chest.

An arranged marriage.

My father’s gaze sharpens. "It’s a strategic opportunity. The Greeks are getting more powerful. An alliance through marriage would secure our influence across Europe."

My stomach twists painfully.

"To… which of us?" I ask carefully.

My father’s expression remains unreadable. "That’s yet to be decided."

Before I can even process the weight of those words, Yelena speaks. "I’ll do it."

My head snaps toward her. "Yelena—"

"If they’re worthy," Yelena adds smoothly. "I’m not marrying a fool or a weakling."

My father’s mouth twitches in amusement. "I would expect nothing less."

I stare at Yelena, stunned.

"Why would you offer yourself so quickly?" I ask.

Yelena’s gaze flicks toward me. Her smile is faint. "Because it’s business, Alina. And it’s smart business."

But there’s something else beneath her tone. Something guarded. And it makes me uneasy. I feel like she offered herself because she thinks I have not gotten over Lev.

"I’m not so sure it’s that simple," I say quietly.

My father’s gaze slides toward me. His expression sharpens slightly. "Is there a reason you would object to this arrangement? Do you want to be the bride instead of your sister?"

I hesitate.

I don’t have a reason. Not a logical one, anyway. But the thought of kissing another man—being bound to another man—makesmy chest seize painfully. Because part of me is still tethered to someone else.

To Lev.

My father’s eyes narrow slightly. He’s watching me too closely. I steady my expression.

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