Page 159 of Brutal Vows
I still haven’t committed to living with him. Or to signing a wedding license to make the church marriage legal.
The only thing we’re both on board about so far is the meeting of sperm and egg.
“Yes, I’d like to see your home. But first, I’d like to see the marriage contract.”
He quirks his lips. “You’re very interested in that contract, aren’t you?”
“There might be a few items I’d like to renegotiate.”
“Hmm.”
“What a safe response. Show me the contract, Quinn. Let’s get it over with.”
He pulls it up on his laptop.
It’s twenty-seven pages long.
Scrolling through the document, I say faintly, “What the actual fuck?”
Pacing behind me with his arms folded over his chest, Quinn says, “Did you think the terms joining two international criminal empires would be scribbled on a napkin?”
“No. I didn’t think it would be the Magna Carta, either.”
“Keep reading.”
I do. It goes into remarkable detail about trade routes, payment terms, assigned territories, who reports to whom, how disputes are to be handled, termination triggers, jurisdictions and the hierarchy of said jurisdictions’ managers. Among other things.
It’s possibly the most complicated prenuptial agreement ever created.
“What’s this section about someone named Stavros? It’s very ambiguous.”
Quinn peers over my shoulder to read. “It’s a condition Gianni agreed to fulfill as part of the bargain.”
“So what is it?”
He straightens and looks down at me. “Gianni has to kill Stavros. Personally. And show proof.”
“I see. And what did this Stavros do that Declan wanted it in the contract?”
“He’s Sloane’s ex.”
“Was he abusive?”
He snorts. “Stavros couldn’t manage to abuse a wasp that was repeatedly stinging him in the face.”
I furrow my brows. “So why does Declan want him dead?”
“It’s a long story.”
I say firmly, “Then I’ll settle in as you tell it.”
Sighing, Quinn turns away and starts pacing again. “A man named Kazimir Portnov is in control of the Bratva here in the U.S. He goes by Kage.”
“Yes, I’ve heard the name.”
“Declan asked for Kage’s help when Riley was kidnapped and taken to Moscow. In return, Kage got a marker from Declan. He had to do Kage a favor, no matter what it was, no questions asked.”
“Okay. I’m following.”
