Page 41 of Bound Vows
I blink back tears as I say, “Thank you for coming, Max. It means everything to have family here. I hope you’ll stay for the reception.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Max turns to Andrei and extends his hand. “Congratulations, Volkov. You’ve married into a family that takes loyalty very seriously.”
“As has Maya,” Andrei replies as he accepts the handshake. “I look forward to working with the Mastroni organization in our new capacity as family.”
Max grunts and replies, “I’m sure you do. Though family relationships can be… complicated.”
Vincent approaches next and offers his congratulations, though his hand doesn’t move far from his jacket pocket. “Beautiful ceremony, Maya.”
“Thank you, Vincent.” I lean in to kiss his cheek and whisper, “Be careful.”
“Always am. Congratulations, Volkov. Maya’s a remarkable woman.”
“She is indeed,” Andrei agrees. “I consider myself fortunate to have won her hand.”
The rest of the receiving line runs together as family after family offers congratulations that feel more like condolences. By the time we’ve greeted everyone, my face hurts from smiling, and my feet ache from standing in heels designed more for appearance than comfort.
“Ready for the reception, Mrs. Volkov?” Andrei offers his arm.
“As ready as one can be for celebrating one’s captivity,” I reply while accepting his escort. “Though I suppose calling it captivity is inaccurate now that it’s legal.”
He tilts his head and chuckles. “Now it’s marriage, which is a different kind of captivity. Though I intend to make it as pleasant as possible.”
As we walk toward the reception tent, I catch my reflection in the estate’s windows and see a woman who looks like she belongs in this world of violence and luxury. Mrs. Andrei Volkov, wife of one of the most dangerous men in the Bravata, legitimate partner in an empire built on blood and fear.
Maya Mastroni died the moment I said, “I do,” but whoever takes her place will not be the submissive little wife everyone expects. This marriage might be legal now, but it’s still a strategic move rather than surrender, regardless of how my traitorous body responds to my new husband’s touch.
Chapter 18
Andrei
Watching three of my most trusted lieutenants question my judgment while my bride changes out of her wedding dress upstairs proves that even matrimonial bliss comes with obstacles. It’s not the first time they’ve expressed their disapproval, but now that the deal has been sealed, they seem especially interested in voicing their objections.
“The marriage was a mistake,” Denis announces from his position near the study’s fireplace, and his scarred face screws up as if to emphasize his point. “Marrying into the Mastroni family makes you vulnerable to manipulation and betrayal.”
“We’ve been through this, boys. The marriage provides legitimacy and political cover for our expansion into Italian territories,” I reply from behind my desk, pouring vodka for myself and deliberately not offering any to my ungrateful subordinates. “Maya’s cooperation ensures smooth transitions rather than bloody wars.”
Alexei snickers and shakes his head. “Boss, with respect, you’re thinking with your dick instead of your brain. This woman has you twisted around her finger.”
I set down my glass and fix him with a stare that has made men twice his size reconsider their life choices. “Explain.”
“You’ve given her access to sensitive information, allowed her to communicate with her family, and now you’ve legally bound yourself to someone whose primary loyalty will always be to her blood relatives.” Alexei gestures toward the window where wedding guests are still departing. “Half the families at today’s ceremony are probably planning how to exploit this weakness.”
I drain my vodka and reach for the bottle. “The only weakness I see is my organization’s inability to recognize strategic advantages when they’re presented. Maya’s ability to weasel intelligence out of our competition has already proven invaluable. Her family connections provide access to territories we’ve spent years trying to penetrate.”
“And she’ll use that remarkable ability to gather intelligence against you, Andrei,” Katarina interrupts from the doorway and enters without invitation. “Every conversation she has with her brother is another opportunity to compromise our security. The more she sees, the more she will relay.”
“Maya’s communications have been monitored and controlled according to specific parameters. Her cooperation has been exemplary.”
“Her cooperation has been an act designed to lower your guard.” Katarina snickers and adds, “She’s playing a longer game than you realize, Andrei. This marriage gives her access to everything we’ve built.”
“And what would you recommend, Katarina? Annulment? Divorce? Perhaps an unfortunate accident that makes me a widower before the honeymoon? Or maybe you have alternative suggestions for how I should handle my personal life.” I lean back in my chair and study her face, searching for signs of the jealousy I know drives her objections.
“I’m suggesting you remember that Elena died because you underestimated your enemies’ willingness to target the people you care about.” Katarina’s voice drops to a whisper. “And this time, you’ve invited the threat into your home.”
The mention of Elena’s name lands like a bullet to my chest, and I watch my lieutenants’ faces as they survey the damage. Katarina has just crossed a line that few people survive, but she’s not entirely wrong.
“Elena died because I failed to anticipate my enemies’ tactics.” I stand and move to the window. “Maya’s presence in my life creates different risks that require different solutions.”
