Page 58 of Forced Marriage Vows

“What about Dad?” I blurt out, immediately regretting it when his expression tightens.

“What about him?”

My jaw clenches. “He needs our help, Ant.”

“And you want me to… what?”

“Ask your best friend to stop hunting him, for instance. I know he’s in hiding but he could very well be found—and if that happens, he could die.”

“So let him die,” Anthony says easily.

My lips part. “What is wrong with you? I understand you’ve never agreed with the things he’s done, but he’s still your father.”

“He’s not. I know you don’t understand it, Anastasia, but Igor’s not my father. He hasn’t been my father for a long time and I honestly couldn’t care less if he lived or died. The only family members I have left are you and our mother.”

“Of course, your mother,” I say bitterly. “Where is she right now? Sledding in Antarctica?”

His lips thin. “She’s in Mexico, actually. I spoke to her last week. She, uh… heard about the wedding.”

He means she heard her daughter was being forced into a marriage and she didn’t even care enough to call and ask if she’s okay. I run a hand through my hair, exhaling to release the pressure building up in my chest.

“She asked how you were. And she’s sorry she missed the wedding.”

I laugh. “Did she also hear that her husband’s on the run?”

“Yep, but she doesn’t give a fuck about that.”

“Is she planning on coming back anytime soon?” I question.

He shakes his head, an apology swimming in his eyes. I don’t need it, though. I’ve always known my mother doesn’t care about me, and I made peace with it a long time ago. I just wish I knew why.

“This family’s messed up,” I murmur, leaning against the counter.

“Tell me about it.” Anthony sighs. He steps toward me and pulls me in for a hug. “I’ll always love you, little sister,” he says in Russian. “Take care of yourself.”

“I will. And I love you, too,” I say against his chest. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“When have I ever?” he asks in English, making me snort. “Take care of Mikhail for me, too. He acts like a tough guy, but he’s been through so much shit. And now that he’s Pakhan, anything could happen. I need you two to be safe. And if you ever decide to give him your heart, don’t take it back. Mikhail doesn’t do well with being abandoned.”

“I would never abandon him,” I promise.

“Good. If he hurts you, call me immediately. I’ll be on the next flight to take care of it.”

I hold onto him tightly for a couple more seconds, my eyes feeling heavy.

“We’re being incredibly dramatic right now, aren’t we?” Anthony murmurs over the top of my head. “I’m not dying.”

I laugh, pulling away from him. “Good point. And it’s not like I’m going to miss your goofy ass.”

“Bullshit,” he returns, his gaze landing on the tray of brownies. “You are going to give me some of those to go, right?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “No.”

He shoots me a hurt look. “That’s a really mean thing to say to your favorite brother.”

“You’re my only brother, Anthony.”

He ends up leaving with half the tray. It doesn’t matter, though, I’m already baking another batch as soon as he’s gone, trying to get over how alone I suddenly feel.

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