Page 88 of Betrayed in the Dark
For the first time since we arrived, Mikhail grins. “And why is that? Is the bride having cold feet?”
“We know you’re involved in this,” Vin accuses, taking his seat. “And we won’t be idly sitting back while you fuck with our sister.”
Kazimir grins wickedly. “Maybe we can just fuck her instead, then?”
I jump from my seat, repercussions be damned, as I lunge for his throat. “You fucking bastard!”
But before I have a chance to touch him, two pairs of hands grasp my shoulders. I look to see Mauro and Leo pulling me back.
Kazimir laughs. “This one’s a little temperamental.”
My chest heaves as I rock my neck from side to side, my fingers curling into fists.
“You say one more thing about my sister, and I will cover your atrociously decorated rooms with your blood,” Vin threatens, somehow keeping his cool. “In the five minutes we’ve been here, you’ve insulted my sister-in-law, threatened my brother, and now you dare to offend my sister.” He bangs his fist on the desk. “I consider myself to be a calm man, but you are testing my patience, and I advise you to stop.”
The temperature in the room drops a few degrees.
Mikhail taps a finger on his desk, his gaze fixed on Vin. “The wedding is between Alastor and Madeleine. So, tell me, why have you come to us about it?”
“We believe there is a contract between them,” Leo answers. “Something that Alastor is using to hold over Madeleine’s head, forcing her hand in this marriage. And we believe you are involved.”
Mikhail’s hand freezes. “Where is your proof?”
“On New Year’s Day, you met with Alastor just hours before he met with Madeleine,” Vin states as he leans forward.
Mikhail’s expression darkens. “How do you know this?”
“We have our ways.” Silence ensues, and Vin leans back in his chair. “The next day, their engagement was announced.” He clasps his hands together, his eyes sending an ominous message to each brother. “I don’t claim to be the brains of my family, but it’s not too difficult to put the two pieces together. So, it’s time for you to tell us what game you’re playing.”
Kazimir pulls a knife from his pocket and taps the blade against his knee. “You think you can come into our home and tell us what the fuck to do?” He waves the knife animatedly. “That’s not how this fucking works.” He points the tip of the blade directly at Vin. “I should kill you right now for insulting us.”
Vin grins. “Ah, but you can’t.”
“Yeah?” Emil asks. “Why the fuck not?”
“Because then you would be violating your contract with my dear cousins, the Marchettis,” he explains. “And trust me, you do not want to make enemies of them.”
Kazimir turns to Mikhail. “What the hell is he talking about?”
Mikhail sighs, lowering his head. “Well played, Vincenzo.”
I glance between the Alarie men, feeling confused about what Vin is referring to.
“Mikhail…” Luka steps toward his brother and looks down at him. “The only active contract we have with the Marchettis is regarding Liliya.” He then turns his gaze to Vin. “You don’t mean to tell me that this asshole—”
“Yes,” Mikhail clips. “This asshole is going to be your future brother-in-law.”
Well, shit.
Kazimir doubles over in laughter. “How the fuck did Marco get out of that?”
“We needed a favor, and the Marchetti family never just does anything out of the goodness of their hearts,” Vin clarifies. “He wanted out of the marriage contract. I took his place. Simple.”
“Yeah, there’s just one problem,” Luka says seriously, crossing his arms over his chest. “She ran away months ago, and we can’t fucking find her.”
“That’s not my problem,” Vin responds, waving his hand dismissively. “The contract is still valid. So, it’s in your best interest not to kill me so that when your sister decides to return home, we can marry. Considering, of course, that she even wantsto. If she doesn’t, you’ll have to find someone to replace me because I won’t be forcing her hand.”
“Oh, Jesus Christ, Vincenzo Alarie has a fucking heart after all,” Kazimir says with mock laughter.
