Page 19 of Heritage of Fire

“Let me know if you need anything, okay?” Kate says.

I offer Kate a quick nod as she stands and makes her way over to the table where my family and Luka are seated together. I’ve been so easily discarded by my family. I served my purpose, and now I’m left to crumble into pieces.

The ballroom quiets as dinner service begins. Dishes of lamb and risotto are delivered to the tables. Nikolai glances in my direction, and our eyes meet for a moment before I jerk mine away, a plate of risotto having been placed in front of me. I don’t touch it. I typically have to wait for my father to start eating. Glancing at their table, I see they’ve already been served. Hunger is the last thing on my mind.

The fork to my right sparkles under the chandelier lights. I pick it up and push the risotto around on my plate. Anxiety over this evening, of leaving here with a man I don’t know, crashes into me, and I need air.Now.

My chair groans as I push back from the table, the scrape against the floor short and loud, but no one bothers to look. They’re too taken with their own conversations and filling their bellies on my family’s dime.

I hurry to the closest double doors. The terrace is a seamless blend of natural beauty and comforting indoor amenities. My heels click over the polished stone, past plush seating beneath a pergola and dimly lit lanterns. I trek to the stone banisters that flank grand-looking steps leading down into the gardens and the rolling hills beyond.

The music from inside is barely audible now, the silence giving my mind room to think—although, entertaining my predicament only causes more pain. Several tears trickle down my face. I try to take steadying breaths.

“Are you all right?”

A voice, full of raw texture and alluring charm causes me to jump, and I turn, eyes widening when I find Nikolai standing behind me. It’s the first words he’s spoken to me, besides the spoon-fed vows we spit out, and I don’t know how to respond.Am I all right?

Absolutely not.

Why does it feel like he’s handling this better than me? His expression is calm; he seems unfazed by this morbid scenario of us now being married. He just stands there, hands in his pockets, head tilted to the side as if he’s trying to figure out what my problem is.

“Just needed some air,” I stumble out.

His eyes drop to my mouth for a second, then down to where I’m spinning my family’s ring on my finger. The awkward silence perpetuates between us. The evening air is chilly, but it offers a gloriousnumbing, and I start to turn back toward the hills, ready for him to leave and go back inside.

“You didn’t eat.”

My gaze snaps to him. His lips have pulled into a thin line. He noticed I didn’t eat?

“I wasn’t hungry.” More like I couldn’t stomach the food.

He glances back to the ballroom. Servers are refilling drinks, and aside from Luka and my father, each group is keeping to themselves.

“We should probably speak with your father about arranging your items to be moved …” Nikolai’s words trail off when he sees my head shake.

“I have a bag with me. I don’t need anything else.”

I packed last night, choosing some of the clothes I thought would be appropriate to wear for … whatever I’m going to be doing as this man’s wife. A few of my favorite thrillers line the bottom of my suitcase, and I have my personal toiletry items.That’s it. Nothing else from my room wasme, so I saw no reason to take it.

An expression of confusion on his handsome face threatens a smile from my own, but I snuff it out.

“Look, Luna …” My name on his lips draws my gaze directly to his. “This isn’t what either of us want, I know. I don’t expect a real marriage from you, and you shouldn’t expect that from me. Contractually, I’m bound to youonlybecause it binds our organizations together.”

His words cut deep. I didn’t want this, far from it, but knowing I’m a contract to him—not a person—means I’ll live the rest of my life alone. And what if thiscouldwork? He’s murdered the option before we’ve even started.

Everyone knows most mafia men aren’t even loyal to the women theychooseto marry. But the double standard remains. If a man seeks pleasure elsewhere, it’s normal. If a woman in our world does, she’s ruined.

“I understand,” I say, turning back to the gardens, the spring chill seeping into my bones.

The moon hangs low, glowing bright, and I focus there, swatting away the tears dripping down my face. The faint sound of Nikolai’s footsteps gradually fades, leaving only my unsteady breaths for company.

Yeah, Ireallywant to leave this reception.

Chapter 10

Nik

“It’s so nice to meet you, Nikolai,” Luna’s mother, introduced to me as Maria, says. She leans in for a hug, interrupting my meal. Her form is dainty like her daughter’s. “This is Isabella, my youngest daughter.” She motions for Isabella to come forward, and Luna’s sister gives a brief smile.

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