Page 67 of Shot For Mercy

“Then I’ll make a decision.”

I’ll be honest, I really don’t want to do this. I know he deserves the truth, but it’ll hurt Cole, who is most definitely listening in. But I can’t deny Matteo this. and I’ll have to set my feelings aside for him.

“Okay.” I take a deep breath. “I’ll tell you everything.”

Matteo nods, leaning back against the cushions and getting comfortable. As he should be, considering this is a long fucking story. He’s silent, waiting for me, and I sigh yet again.

“It was almost twenty-one years ago when I met your mother…”

And then I proceed to tell him everything.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

My father always makes me come to these ridiculous events, which seems pointless at just sixteen years old, but he doesn’t seem to think so. He tells me that every one of these events will teach me how to be Don one day, but if he knew I’m just paying attention to the girls, he’d have steam coming out of his ears. I’m supposed to be listening to the speakers and learning about donations; instead, I’m plotting with Alessandro. While I can’t make many demands, I wanted to at least have my brother at my side tonight, and father made it happen. After lots of begging, but still.

Alex and I are sitting at one of the round tables across from the podium. It’s dinner time, which means this fancy evening is just getting started. After, comes the dancing and even more drinks. Not that I’m supposed to be drinking, but I’ve been stealing them from tables when people walk away. Sue me, I don’t regret a damn thing. I need the liquid courage to get through this stupid night. The way I see it, nothing good can come of it. I might just die from boredom. Is that a thing? Can I perish just from listening to one of the guest speakers? I don’t know—and I don’t want to find out.

The round tables are adorned with white tablecloths and champagne-colored runners, tall candlesticks in the middle as centerpieces. Expensive bubbly is being passed around on trays, and I grab one and chug it in one go before the server can notice that I’m underage. He flinches at the realization, and I raise an eyebrow. But he’s too much of a coward and wants to keep his job, so he walks away quickly.

This party is pretentious as fuck, though. There’s an open bar with only top-shelf liquor, an ice sculpture, and even a chocolate fountain. Servers are starting to bring out the main course, and while I’m starving, I’ve also noticed a really pretty girl at the table next to ours. She’s sitting right next to Andrey Sokolov, who I’m assuming is her brother if their resemblance is anything to go by. I’ve personally never been into blondes before, but I can’t deny she’s beautiful. Pale blonde hair, almost silver, with equally light blue-gray eyes. She’s fucking gorgeous, and while I wouldn’t marry her for an alliance, maybe I can convince her to have some fun with me tonight.

“Don’t even think about it,” Alessandro murmurs, always the voice of reason. “She’s spoken for.”

“I don’t want to marry her.” I shrug with a grin, and Alex narrows his eyes on me. “What? I can’t tap that?”

“Tap?” Alessandro huffs. “Who even says shit like that? And sure? How long will you last, though, two minutes?”

“Oh, hush.” I roll my eyes, ignoring his bad mood. He’s the grumpiest motherfucker I’ve ever met. Maybe he’s the one who needs to get laid. But no, she’s mine. I’m not offering her up to him. “I’ll last long enough.”

“She’ll turn you down,” Alessandro says with a grin, as if the thought brings him joy. “There’s no way you’re fucking her. It would be stupid on her end.”

“And why would it be stupid?” I raise an eyebrow.

“You don’t even know who you’re dealing with, do you?” he asks, grin widening. “God, you’re such a twat.”

“I’m assuming she’s the Pakhan’s daughter.” I snap my fingers repeatedly, trying to remember her name. “She’s?—”

“Natasha,” Alex murmurs, “and she’sbetrothed.”

“She’s got a few more years, though, right?” I raise an eyebrow. “She doesn’t look old enough to get married.”

“Yet,” Alex emphasizes. “She’s seventeen.”

“Oh, so one year older than me.” I shrug nonchalantly. “Not a big deal, right? I’ll fuck her once and that’ll be the end of it.”

“You act like she’ll agree.” He smirks. “As if she’ll give you the time of day.”

“She will.” I look him dead in the eyes. “In about an hour she’ll be in the bathroom with me, getting railed against the stall.”

“Okaaaaay.” Alessandro snorts. “That’s very graphic.”

“Don’t doubt me, brother.” I grin at him, and he rolls his eyes. “I always get what I want.”

“Are you sure she’s worth the trouble?” Alex asks, and I shake my head.

“No trouble.” I sit back in my chair, spreading my legs and looking right at her. Natasha. “Only a good time.”

“Sure,” Alessandro says dryly. “Until she’s not.”

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