Page 2 of Sinful Union

“It’s nothing,” I say. “Just a few nerves.”

“Ah, totally normal.”

“Yes, that’s it, just last-minute butterflies,” I add with a smile in a cheerful tone.

“Good.”

A soft knock at the door interrupts us. I turn, waiting for the person on the other side to speak.

“It’s time.” The deep, resonant voice of my other older brother, Vlad, comes through.

“I can tell him I’m not done yet, if you need a few more minutes,” Courtney says.

The offer’s tempting, but I shake my head.

“No, but thank you. Time to get this show on the road.”

I steal one more glance at my reflection before turning and striding toward the door.

Vlad stands on the other side, his expression warm but serious. He has always been my anchor, my quiet support, when Piotr’s fire becomes too overwhelming.

Vlad is tall, handsome, and solidly built, with the same blue eyes as our father. His dark hair is slicked back. He’s dressed in a perfectly tailored tux, looking every bit the supportive brother.

He looks me over, his lips curving into a faint smile.

“You look beautiful,” he says softly. “Mother would be proud.”

“Don’t start,” I reply, waving him off with mock irritation.

He chuckles, holding out his arm. “Ready?”

Not even a little, but I take his arm, straightening my back. “As I’ll ever be. Let’s do this.”

We walk in silence for a moment, his presence grounding me. I know what’s on his mind. Unlike Piotr, Vlad is totally against this plan.

He sighs heavily as we make our way through the halls of the church.

“You don’t have to do this,” he finally says.

“Yes, I do,” I reply firmly.

He shakes his head. “I know your reasoning. I know you want revenge. And I know that Piotr has put pressure on you to—”

I pause, turning to him. “You think this is all Piotr’s doing?” I ask, my voice low. “Like I’m some naive little girl who can’t make my own decisions?”

Another sigh. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then tell me what you meant.”"They’ll kill you the second they suspect," Vlad growls, crushing my hand in his. "Pavel’s not some lovesick boy anymore—he’s Pakhan now. I can’t lose you.”

“You’re not going to lose me.”

“I don’t doubt your confidence,” he says, “or your ability. But things can go wrong. And Pavel…he’s not exactly an easy mark. Satisfying your vengeance might be too high a price to pay.”

A flash of anger hits me. “This isn’t just about petty revenge. This is about family,ourfamily. This is about Ana. She’s not going to be safe until that fiend is out of the picture for good.”

“I know, I just don’t want to lose you.”

I take his hand, squeezing it gently. “You won’t. By this time next week, Pavel will be dead, and our troubles will be over. Have faith, brother.”

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