Page 6 of Sinful Union

She looks determined.

Her hand is warm in mine, soft against my calloused palm. She hasn’t pulled away. I don’t grip too tightly, but I don’t let go either.

I slide the diamond ring onto her finger, watching as the fire in her eyes flickers. There’s a moment of hesitation, a slight crack in the mask she’s wearing.

When she looks at me, I feel it in an instant: a spark, a visceral connection, something neither of us can fake.

Her eyes widen just slightly. It’s the smallest reaction, but I still see it, just like I see the other thing she’s trying to hide—lust.

It’s still there, just like it was six years ago; that same fire; that same hunger. I see it in the way her breath catches, the way her fingers tremble slightly as she slips the simple platinum band onto my finger.

She doesn’t look at me again after that, but it doesn’t matter.

I’ve seen enough.

She’s still mine.

She always was.

Chapter 3

Kat

The reception is exactly what I expected—a display of wealth, power, and carefully crafted illusion.

They spared no expense. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the room, glinting off crystal glassware and polished silver. The scent of expensive champagne and fresh floral arrangements lingers in the air, while the din of constant conversation hums in my ears.

Bratva politics disguised as a celebration. Everything about tonight is meant to send a message, a reminder to everyone in attendance of the bond between the Andreev and Fetisov families.

I can feel the stares, hear the whispers behind raised glasses, but neither holds my attention for long. Someone else already has it.

Pavel stands in the center of the room, commanding the space with his presence. Of course, he does; he’s impossible to ignore.But it’s to whom he’s speaking that makes my stomach knot: Viktor Novikov.

Viktor is the leader of the Novikov Bratva, the man whose family is supposed to align with ours once Pavel is dead. The tension between them is obvious. I spot guards posted here and there, as if they’re expecting a war to break out at any moment should the conversation take a turn for the worse.Pavel is calm and confident, sweeping his hand back and forth as he speaks.

Viktor’s fingers twitch at his sides, his jaw tight. He’s barely keeping it together. I wish I could hear what they’re saying. Whatever it is, it’s not sitting well with Viktor. Based on the sharp glint in Pavel’s eyes, I can tell he’s pressing him—backing him into a corner the way he does so effortlessly. Viktor looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

The plan is simple: I kill Pavel, and in the confusion, the Novikovs step in. We ally, and when the dust clears from Pavel’s assassination, my family will have solidified itself as the most powerful in the city. But seeing how Viktor’s lip curls as he looks at Pavel with barely concealed contempt, I start to wonder how smooth this transition is going to be.

“Stop staring. You’ll give yourself away.”

Vlad’s face is frustratingly neutral, but I know him well enough to see past the mask. There’s the faintest trace of concern in his eyes. “You know, most women would spend their wedding reception celebrating, not skulking around trying to listen in on conversations.”

“Please don’t tell me I’m being that obvious.”

“Only because I know you so well. Come have a dance with your brother. We need to act natural.”

I don’t argue. Instead, I let him take my hand and guide me onto the dance floor. The music swells around us as he leads me into a smooth waltz. We’re moving in perfect rhythm, but, then his grip tightens slightly.

“You need to do better at playing it cool,” he says.

I force a smile, tilting my head as if we’re discussing something pleasant. “You don’t think I’m acting cool?”

Vlad smirks, but there’s no humor in it. “You’re staring at him like you want him dead.” His tone is pointed.

“I thought you said I wasn’t being that obvious.”

“Not yet, but you’re awfully close. Hence, why I stepped in.”

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