Page 15 of Deceptive Vows
Fate wasn’t something I believed in. My world was one of deals, alliances, and bloodstained logic. And yet, there she was, defying everything. It was maddening. I shouldn’t want to know her, but the pull was undeniable.
Away from theclub’s shadows, I could truly see her. Rich mahogany hair cascaded over her shoulders, honey-colored eyes with a quiet defiance that hinted at battles fought beneath that polished exterior. She intrigued me in ways I didn’t have time to explore.
Pasha watched me for a long moment before breaking the silence. “I’ve known you a long time, my friend, and you say she isn't the one. I think we both know that isn't true.”
“Like I said, it isn't the time for relationships."
In our world, marriages were transactions. Vows were binding contracts to strengthen families, not promises of love. But with Thea... the idea of binding myself to her felt like something else entirely—a need to understand the secrets she guarded.
And that was dangerous.
I forced myself to focus. Whatever spell she’d cast would fade. It had to. A relationship forged in blood and revenge had no hope. But as her smile lingered in my mind, I couldn’t shake the thought that maybe she was the exception to every rule.
“Now it’s clear why you were still thinking about her.” Pasha settled into the blue armchair across from me with a knowing smirk. “She is fire and brimstone.”
I laughed. “And a man would walk away feeling lucky to have been blistered.”
“Did you suggest this marriage alliance because it’s a good strategy or because you want her?”
“Both?” I sighed. The truth was, my wants meant nothing. She didn’t know or trust me, and based on our circumstances, she never would.
He set his ankle over his knee. “You know, we could forge a real alliance. You could marry her and see where it leads.”
“Nyet.If Lucas agrees to the plan, I’ll stick to it.” I was juggling too much to add feelings to the mix.
“You’ll be spending time with her either way. Maybe it could become more...”
“Don’t.” I shook my head. “This is business. That’s all.” I needed to remember that too.
“What about that fortune teller in Voznesenskaya? Remember her?”
I waved him off. “Since when do we listen to drunken village witches?”
Pasha leaned back, smiling. “She said you’d be drawn to fire. Seems she wasn’t wrong.”
My jaw tightened. “My friend, even if shewasn’t, a fire burns. I’m not sure I can afford the scars.”
His phone chimed. He answered, eyes never leaving mine. “Mr. Kalantzis, I’m pleased you called.” He smiled. “Yes, we could meet to discuss Nazar’s proposal. My penthouse tomorrow morning? You have my word, no harm will come to you or anyone with you.”
My eyebrows shot up. If the Kalantzis were agreeing, my money was on Thea convincing them. No way would I let my sister do something so dangerous. Then again, this worked in my favor. While nothing real could come of it with Thea, that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the game.
Rakingmy hand through my hair, I opened the door and greeted Lucas and Thea. My men had already checked them before allowing them into the private elevator, a necessary precaution given the circumstances. The arrival hadn’t been subtle—Pasha and Lucas agreed to make it a show. We wanted Marco to know we weretalking to them.
It took effort to maintain my composure when Thea came into view. Yesterday, she’d dressed for business. Today, she was a predator in broad daylight. I dug into her past the night before by scrubbing databases, sifting through sealed records, and found what most would’ve missed. Before she became Thea Kalantzis at age ten, she’d been Abigail Stewart. The Kalantzis family gave her a new name—one that suited the sharp edges and quiet confidence she wore like armor.
Her blue dress hugged her curves, a strategic slit revealing her legs. I forced my gaze back to her face, refusing to let my thoughts wander.
As she passed me, she brushed her hand against my chest. “Good afternoon, lover.”
She would test my patience… and my willpower. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Lucas sighed and shook his head at his sister’s behavior. “Thank you for the invitation.”
Pasha stood at the edge of the living room, arms crossed. “I appreciate you coming.” He gestured toward the couch. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Thank you, but I don’t drink,” Thea replied.
I frowned. “I saw you?—”
