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Frustration clouds my vision. Why is the woman who never dated before marriage such an expert on the institution? “Are you saying a union with zero chance of feelings developing is a better option?”
“Yes. I’ve had a crush on you for a year, ensuring any arrangement between us will end in a fiery ball of anger and resentment.” She bites her lip. “Why make an already disagreeable situation any worse than it should be?”
“So marrying a stranger is preferable to me?”
“Yes, Yuri. I’ve said it in enough ways for you to understand.” She pushes her shoulders back. “And why do you care who I will spend my life with? You have no interest in a relationship, fake or otherwise.”
“I care about you, Lina.”
“I appreciate that, but I have a fairy godwitch who will help me navigate the next chapter.” She steps forward. “I’ve had very little control in my life, and I am ready to change that narrative. Marrying you will be too confusing, and right now, I can’t afford the distraction.”
“I’m the best person to keep you safe.” Her head drops, and she shakes it. “You don’t believe me?”
“You are a powerful man used to commanding those around you. If we marry, I will end up as a puppet in my own life, with you pulling the strings.”
“You make it sound like my intentions are self-serving and Machiavellian.” I stand and walk around the back of the couch. “I have more money than I can spend in a lifetime and command respect from hundreds of men.”
“I know you aren’t interested in the fortune.”
“Then why paint me in such an unforgiving light?”
“I won’t risk my heart with you.”
“I see.” Which is a fucking lie. I don’t see it at all. So what if a union between us is a gamble? Walking out your front door every day is a wager that has a chance of not paying out. Risk is part of life, and to pretend otherwise is foolish. “I’m sure you’ve had a long day, so we can discuss this more tomorrow.”
“There is nothing to discuss.”
“I will come back with a ring.” I pick up our bowls and hear her sputter as I walk into the kitchen. She may think she can marry someone else, but she is wrong.
“No ring, Yuri.”
I rinse my hands and dry them slowly. “That’s ludicrous. Every wife wears a ring. Not only as an outward sign of her commitment but a reminder of the one she’s made in her heart.”
“You have lost your mind.” She leans against the doorway. “And what do you know about wedding traditions?”
“It’s going to be a large ring. Not only because of my position within the syndicate but because those fucking brats on their way in from Russia need to understand I will kill anyone who so much as looks at you.”
“Do these delusional states happen often?” She pinches her mouth together. “There is medication, so don’t feel like you have to suffer.”
“I am as sane as anyone in the syndicate.” I lift her hand and study her ring finger. “How do you feel about an emerald? It’s not traditional, but it would match your eyes.”
“How do you feel about being stabbed in your sleep?”
“You could’ve just said you wanted a diamond.” I kiss her lightly and feel the usual electricity zip between us. “I will let Gianna know that Bratva Tinder is closed.”
“You should leave now.”
“Alright.” I study her hand again and decide an emerald would be perfect. “I will see you tomorrow, and we can discuss the details of our nuptials.”
“Or your burial.”
Feeling lighter than I have in days, I release her hand and stride out of the apartment. No one comes between me and my best intentions, and Lina will soon understand that I’m her best choice.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Lina
“Is he still there?”
