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Father gently kisses me on the temple. It’s just another opportunity for him to display his power, although I do know that he loves me in his own twisted way.
“Now that we’ve discussed this,” my father continues, “there’s no reason for you to be here. Get out of my house.”
I tense, expecting violence from Nikolai. I hold my breath and narrow my eyes at my now ex-fiancé, aware that he can have quite a temper.
Fearing that the cold-blooded entrepreneur will snap and attack my father, I stand up and put myself between them. At least then Nikolai has to go through me before he can get to him.
“It’s time for you to leave,” I tell him, my voice only slightly softer than my father’s.
Though I can’t deny that I’ve been having fantasies about Nikolai’s strong body wrapped around mine, I never wanted to be married to him. Or to anyone else, for that matter. I can’t wait for him to leave so I can finally take a breath and put this horrible nightmare out of my head.
“Really?” he asks, standing up and eyeing me as a wolf would a sheep.
His question almost sounds innocent, but there’s nothing sweet or pure about it. His words are as sharp and predatory as the glint in his eyes.
“We have an agreement,” Nikolai continues, and though he speaks to my father, his eyes are locked on mine. “I didn’t get where I am by allowing people to weasel their way out of their part of a deal. I will get what’s mine. Katarina and I will be married.”
There’s a distinct challenge in his eyes, as if he’s waiting for my reaction. His irises almost dance as he awaits my response, and despite the heat in them, he looks calm and at ease.
But I know that’s not the case.
He’s wound tighter than a fucking spring. I don’t know much about his appearance, but this doesn’t seem right. He doesn’t look like the Nikolai who stood in his office oozing arrogance. No, he looks a little crazed. The new injury along his eye doesn’t help put my mind at ease.
Yet despite knowing better, I’m still drawn to him.
Damn hormones.
Without another word, Nikolai turns on his heel and storms out of the office. As he disappears, I stare in shock at his retreating back. Only when he’s out of sight do I release the breath I was holding.
“You did well, printsessa,” my father tells me with a surprisingly gentle tone. “Go and enjoy your freedom.”
“Thank you, Papa,” I say, hoping that he can see in my eyes how much this means to me.
I flee his office before he can change his mind and promise me to one of his other business partners. God forbid he actually makes an arrangement with Boris Olenko and hands me over to Fedot. Though I like Fedot and find him rather handsome, I did hear about the plans for him to move to Russia. There’s no way I’m willing to live in Moscow.
I head upstairs, eager to celebrate my broken engagement. Whatever Nikolai might’ve wanted with me, whatever undeniable attraction the two of us have, my father just severed it.
When my father speaks, his word is law. There’s no man in the world he takes orders from.
I’m officially a single woman.
My phone starts buzzing in my hand. I glance down at the name on the screen and smile.
“Perfect timing,” I tell Mila on the other end. “Get your ass ready. I’m free of Nikolai.”
“Woo-hoo! What happened?”
“My father broke the engagement.”
“Congratulations, Kata. Where do you want to celebrate?” she asks.
“Solanum,” I reply without missing a beat. “It’s the hottest place in town right now.”
“Pick me up at nine,” she says, and I make a sound in agreement. “I’ve had my eye on the new DJ over there.”
“I’ll be sure to bring my best wing-woman game,” I joke.
Mila bursts out laughing. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll see you soon, Kata.”
