Page 85 of Pretty Little Princess

“No, Cassio,” I insist, gripping his hand firmly. “I don’t want you to do anything. It’s fine. Everything will work out in the end… It might not be what I would call ideal. But really, I don’t want you to hold onto any guilt about this. It was my decision from the start–or at least, it’s what I would have chosen if I were given the option. Okay? All that matters to me is that you’re safe and happy.”

Cassio smiles sadly, his eyes telling me that he’s less than convinced.

Then a light knock on the door interrupts us.

We both turn to look and find Nico filling the doorway.

“Visiting hours are over,” he teases. “You’re time’s up.”

“I didn’t realize I was on a clock,” Cassio grumbles.

I squeeze his arm, silently letting him know how much it means that he came to see me, even though I’m sure he’ll catch hell from my father. Nothing the twins do is right in my father’s eyes, so anytime I get to see them, I consider myself lucky.

Nico pats Cass’s shoulder as Cass leaves. Then my oldest brother closes the door quietly behind him.

“Why?” he asks simply. Because only Nico knows that I’ve chosen to sleep with Pyotr. Twice.

I shake my head and swallow hard as I cast my eyes to the floor. “He offers me a small glimpse of what it’s like to be free?” I suggest, because I can’t think of a better explanation.

Nico sighs heavily, scrubbing his face with his hands before combing his fingers through his hair. “He’s not good enough for you,” he states frankly.

I study my brother carefully.

“I don’t know how yet, but I’ll find a way to dissolve this ridiculous contract before it ends in marriage,” he states calmly.

“Nico,” I warn, my voice more motherly than I had intended.

“Don’t try and argue it with me,” he states, his voice growing more authoritative. “He’s a worthless piece of shit who’s fucked it up far too many times.”

“Nico!” I gasp, my anger rising. “Don’t say something like that. I’ve put myself in this position and will deal with the consequences. This time, it’s your job to butt out.”

“Fuck that. I’m tired of letting the little Veles Prince play his mind games. He dragged you to New York and used every trick in the book on you, then returned you home in pieces. At the very least, I should do the same to him.”

“Nico, stop,” I demand, my tone more forceful. “I know you mean well and that your heart is in the right place. But this is my decision, and I don’t want you to do anything.”

“That’s what you said last time, and look at where it got you.”

“And the last timeyoudid something, I got sent to New York,” I snap.

I won’t admit that the direct consequence of his actions led to Pyotr shoving his cock down my throat. That would definitely send him over the edge. But Nico needs to hear me this time. He’s already proven that listening to my wishes is not a go-to move.

Nico falls silent, his jaw snapping shut, and as the tension stretches between us, he releases a heavy sigh. Letting his head hang, my oldest brother shows a rare glimmer of remorse. “I’m sorry, Scout. I know it’s your life. I just fucking hate that you’re even in this position. It’s not right. The burden Father’s put on you.”

If Nico only knew. But in truth, even though I was forced into the arrangement with Pyotr, it’s not so clear-cut anymore. Because despite all the pain and confusion, Iamfalling for him. If only Father doesn’t completely destroy our chances of happiness in the meantime.

I never thought I’d hear myself say I’m ready to marry the man I’ve been promised to against my will. But now that I know Pyotr, I find it hard to hate my future.

Not after our conversation the other night.

Our relationship might be unconventional, romance borne out of necessity to start. But in truth, I have hope that Pyotr and I could be happy together. If only we can make it down the aisle.

29

PYOTR

“He was apoplectic,” my mother gushes on our drive from the private airfield to the Marchetti house. “I thought Don Lorenzo might have a stroke right there on the phone. I couldn’t have planned it better myself.”

“Youdidplan it,” I growl, staring out the tinted car window as I fight to keep my temper in check. My anger has done nothing but mount over the past week–since I betrayed Silvia and left her in her father’s abusive hands.

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