Page 62 of Brutal Mercy

“And when are you going to realize money isn’t an issue? I want you to have those things. I want you to have whatever your heart desires.”

“A kitten.”

She’s fucking adorable. We’re right outside the ballroom, and I say, “Maybe we can head to the shelter and pick one out.”

She goes still, looking like she’s barely breathing. “Are you serious? You wouldn’t mind?”

“Not if it’s what you want.” I’m more of a dog person myself. We have a few guard dogs on the property. But if she wants a kitten, fuck, I’ll get her as many as she wants.

Inside the ballroom, there are three rows of seating on either side. I spy Athena near the front in a black dress. It’s not traditional, but then, nothing about this union is normal. Ares is beside her, observing the scene. The Russian entourage is already here as I walk down the aisle with my bride.

I settle her in one of the chairs in the front row. It looks like all we’re waiting on is Father Rosario.

Roman and Rurik approach, and we shake hands.

“Gentleman, let me introduce you to my bride, Luna Massimo. Luna, these are Roman and Rurik Orlov.”

Roman and Rurik smile at her. But their gazes dip to her injured ankle. And fury ignites in their gazes. Luna holds out her hand to shake theirs.

“I would get up. But someone left my crutches upstairs.” She cheekily grins.

“Mrs. Massimo,” Roman takes her hand. Instead of shaking it, he leans down and brushes his lips over her knuckles. “It is a pleasure to meet you finally.”

And I want to kill the fucker for touching her. My fingers itch to draw my gun.

No. Can’t do it. We need them to rescue her sister.

Then Rurik does the same. And I ball my hands into fists to keep myself from reaching for the Glock.

Father Rosario arrives, all smiles because he gets to perform another auspicious wedding for the Massimo family. More like he enjoys the cash I toss his way that supports his gambling habit.

“If everyone could take their places,” Father Rosario says near the front.

Athena and Rurik stand before him, promising to love, honor, and cherish one another without even looking at each other. I pray my sister doesn’t do something stupid. She knows how much we need this alliance to succeed.

And marrying a stranger worked out for me. Rurik’s not a half-bad-looking bastard. I’m sure he and Athena will get along fine.

But Luna reaches for my hand while they recite their vows. I thread my fingers through hers and squeeze.

Once Father Rosario proclaims them husband and wife. I press a kiss against the back of Luna’s hand. “Give me a minute, and then I will help you back up to the bedroom.”

“You know, if I had the crutches, I could get there myself.”

Up a flight of stairs on crutches? I don’t think so. “Nope. And don’t argue because it’s never happening.”

Rosa wheels in buckets of champagne, and we all toast the bride and groom. Athena hasn’t looked at me once during the ceremony. She’ll forgive me eventually.

While her new husband is having his car loaded with Athena’s belongings, I pull her aside. “Call me if you need anything.”

“And what if I want a divorce?” she asks, glaring with such fury that I’m taken aback.

“Athena?”

She blows out a frustrated breath. “I know. It’s part of the family legacy. That women are forced to be bartered off in marriage for alliances. It’s all very old-school and archaic. And it is a tradition that really needs to fucking die. Ever hear of a little thing called women’s liberation?”

I grip her by the shoulders. “You’re my sister. I’ll be there for you, always. My new bride is rather fond of you.”

“I like her too. You did good there, even if your motives weren’t altruistic.”

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