Page 15 of Scarlet Vows
I hug myself, my stomach sinking because he’s going, but knowing I’m incredibly lucky to have a guy like Ilya in my corner.
Chapter Four
ILYA
I’m notable to breathe properly until I’m in my car and on the way to the mansion.
I had to get out of there fast. Because honestly? The thought of kissing Alina kept pushing forward, painting fantasies in my head. I already knew how her skin felt under my lips, so a kiss…a real one…
It made my body react in ways it shouldn’t. Made me hard, made my heart slam against my ribs, and while I fought that visceral reaction and pictured the unattractive guy I have to meet to deflate my erection, I shouldn’t have to do that.
Alina shouldn’t make me react. Not like that.
I’m going to help her. Of course I am. There never was a question otherwise. Personally, I want to find this mafia don and end him. What rights does he think he has to corner her, push himself on her, and make her agree to a date? Alina didn’t have to tell me she didn’t want to do that. It’s implicit.
Sure, he may not have known. He may even think he’s a gift from the gods for all women, but Alina would have said no.
Shedidsay no.
No to a drink, no to his attention, no to a date.
But if I have to pretend we’re engaged to get him to back off, then why the fuck not? There’s no real hardship other than blue balls.
And those are worth it for Alina.
Keeping her safe. Indulging privately in a fantasy.
The guard lets me through the gates, and I wave to him. After I park, I head into the office, calling out a “hello” to Magda and the rest of the staff. I’m not as rigid as Demyan, but they still operate like he’s here. They know I won’t put up with anything less than perfection.
In the office, I tidy the already neat space and pour a small drink from the wet bar.
Then I take Demyan’s seat, an act that still doesn’t sit right, even though he ordered me to do just that while he was away.
I sip the drink and pick up my leather folio. The papers from the lawyer are in there. But I don’t open it. I’ve no desire to read the hand-written note from my so-called grandfather. And I’ve no desire to go over the rest of the legal documents.
The estate lawyer’s from an excellent firm. She’s got no skin in the game to lead me astray.
I rest my hand on the folio.
If I’m going to take the money, the position, then I’ll need a wife. I know Demyan would be interested in the money and the power that the Belov Bratva has. Big and small, power amasses, like wealth.
He wouldn’t steal it or try to absorb it from me. But I know him well enough to see, even on the very thin surface I’m aware of, that this is something that could benefit the Yegorov Bratvaandmyself.
If I can find someone to marry me.
“Fuck me.” I mutter the words into my glass and finish the finger of vodka, then I get up and pour another small one.
It’s not lost on me, the obvious answer.
And it won’t be lost on Demyan.
Alina.
She’s the absolutely perfect choice for me to marry.
I’m already tied to this family, and bringing in more power and money, taking a bigger position, is something I’d love to do.
But strip that away and take it down to me just marrying a girl, and she would still be perfect.
