Page 5 of Brutal Monster
"You've been researching me."
"Of course." He moves us effortlessly through the crowd. "Just as you've researched me. Knowledge is survival."
I study his face—the hard angles, that scar, eyes that miss nothing. "And what have you concluded?"
"That your father chose better than he knows." Vanya's voice drops lower. "He thinks he's arranging a merger. I think he's creating something far more... interesting."
My pulse quickens traitorously. "This is business, Mr. Zhukov."
"Vanya," he corrects. "And yes, it is business. The continuation of your empire. The expansion of mine. Protection against your stepbrothers when your father passes."
"You're very direct."
"I don't see the point in pretending. We both know why we're here." His thumb traces a small circle against my back. "The question is whether we can make this arrangement work to our mutual benefit."
"And how do you propose we do that?"
He spins me out and pulls me back, closer than before. "Trust. Honesty. Respect for each other's territories and methods."
"Those aren't typically the foundation of arranged marriages in our world."
"I'm not typical." His eyes hold mine. "Neither are you."
The music shifts tempo. We adjust seamlessly, as if we've danced together for years. It's unsettling how naturally our bodies respond to each other.
"Your father wants to secure your position," Vanya continues. "My advisors want expanded influence in the south. But what do you want, Inez?"
No one asks me that question. Ever.
"I want to keep what's mine," I say finally. "I've worked too hard to let Emilio or Adan take it."
"And what would you give to keep it?"
"Not my independence."
He nods, as if I've confirmed something. "I wouldn't ask for it. A caged bird doesn't sing as sweetly."
"I'm not a bird."
"No." His eyes darken. "You're a queen looking for an ally, not a savior. I respect that."
Something shifts between us—a recognition. This man sees me. Not as Juan Bravo's daughter. Not as a woman to be controlled. But as an equal.
"And what do you want from this arrangement?" I ask.
"Besides the obvious business advantages?" His gaze drops briefly to my lips before returning to my eyes. "A partner. Someone who understands the weight of the crown."
The music builds toward its conclusion. Vanya pulls me closer, his cheek nearly touching mine as he speaks directly into my ear.
"We could be formidable together, Inez. In business and..." His breath warms my skin. "Other endeavors."
Heat coils low in my stomach. I force myself to step back as the music ends, breaking the spell.
"I think it's time we joined the lawyers," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
He studies me for a moment, then nods. "As you wish."
As we walk off the dance floor, I feel his hand at the small of my back again—proprietary, confident. A silent claim.
