Page 36 of Bound Vows
I turn to face him, regretting the movement when I realize how close we’re standing. The heat radiating from his body makes my throat dry, especially when his eyes drop to my lips before meeting my gaze again.
“And security?”
“Comprehensive. Electronic surveillance, armed perimeter guards, and enough firepower to repel a small army.” Andrei reaches up to tuck a strand of dark hair behind my ear, making me shiver. “No one enters or leaves the property without my permission.”
“So, escape becomes impossible once we arrive.”
“Escape was already impossible, Maya. This simply makes the parameters more obvious.” His thumb traces the line of my jaw. “Though I prefer to think of it as ensuring our honeymoon remains uninterrupted.”
The finality in his tone settles over me like a burial shroud, but his touch sends goosebumps skittering across my skin. Three days to find a way out of this situation before I become Mrs. Andrei Volkov in front of every crime boss on this side of the country.
“What about my family? Will they be invited to watch their sister marry her kidnapper?”
“Your brother Max will receive an invitation, along with Vincent.” Andrei reaches into his jacket pocket and withdraws an elegant envelope sealed with wax. “Whether they choose to attend depends on their assessment of the risks involved.”
I accept the invitation and note how my name is written in elegant script beside Andrei’s. When our fingers brush during the transfer, heat shoots up my arm and settles low in my stomach.
“They won’t come. Max would rather die than watch me marry you.”
“Perhaps. Or perhaps he’ll recognize that attending demonstrates his acceptance of new realities while refusing suggests continued resistance.” Andrei moves behind me and places his hands on my shoulders, pulling me back against his chest. “Your brother struck me as a pragmatic man during our phone conversation.”
“My brother struck you as desperate, which makes him dangerous rather than pragmatic.” I should step away from his embrace, but his hands massage the tension in my neck and shoulders with devastating skill.
“Desperation can be channeled into useful directions with proper motivation.” His lips brush against my ear as he speaks. “Your safety provides excellent motivation for reasonable behavior.”
I hate how my body responds to him, even as my mind screams warnings about manipulation and control. When I lean back against him, his arm tightens around my waist.
“Tell me about the other guests.”
“Everyone who wishes to maintain their current territories and operations.” One of his hands slides lower to rest just above my hip bone. “Attendance demonstrates loyalty; absence suggests defiance. Most family heads are smart enough to recognize which option serves their interests.”
“And those who refuse?”
“Will discover that absence from social occasions creates business complications.” His hand moves to turn me around until we’re facing each other. “I expect full attendance given the persuasive conversations I had in Philadelphia.”
I study his face while ignoring how his proximity affects my breathing. “What kind of persuasive conversations?”
“The kind that clarify expectations and consequences in terms that reasonable people understand.” Andrei’s hands settle on my waist. “Frankie Benedetti, for example, was reluctant to attend until I mentioned how much I enjoyed meeting his granddaughter at prep school.”
My blood turns cold despite the heat of his touch. “You threatened a little girl to ensure wedding attendance.”
“I mentioned an adorable child who attends an expensive private school. Nothing more.” His thumbs trace circles on my hips. “Frankie drew his conclusions about what that information might mean.”
“You’re a monster.”
“I’m a businessman who uses available leverage to achieve desired outcomes.” Andrei leans closer until his forehead nearly touches mine. “Your wedding will proceed as planned, with full attendance from every family that matters.”
The reality of my situation crashes over me, but his touch makes it difficult to focus on anything except the way his breath feels against my skin.
“I need to see the venue,” I announce while projecting confidence I don’t feel. “If I’m going to play the role of willing bride, I need to understand the stage where this performance takes place.”
“Excellent idea. We’ll drive out tomorrow morning to review arrangements.” His hands slide up to frame my face. “Katarina has coordinated with wedding planners to create an event worthy of the occasion.”
“Katarina is planning my wedding. How delightfully appropriate.” I place my hands against his chest, ostensibly to push him away, but find myself drawn to the solid warmth beneath his shirt. “I’m sure she’s selecting flowers and decorations with my best interests at heart.”
“Katarina understands the importance of this event to our organization’s future.” Andrei’s gaze drops to my mouth again. “Personal feelings don’t influence professional responsibilities.”
“Personal feelings like being in love with the groom, you mean.”
