Page 44 of Wicked

The room falls silent as I cross the threshold. All eyes turn to me, and a chill runs down my spine. Even though I know I’m nothing more than a commodity, being the center of such attention is unnerving.

A young man not much older than me steps toward us. His black suit fits him like a glove, emphasizing his broad shoulders and powerful build. His sharp features, dark hair, and penetrating gaze make him a masterpiece of virile beauty. But there’s an aura of danger that surrounds him.

“Remy, it’s good to see you,” the man says.

Remy’s jaw clenches. I can tell he’s trying to keep his temper in check. “And you, Alex. What brings you here?”

Alex turns his gaze to me, and my skin prickles with awareness. “I’m here to find a wife. My father insisted.”

I smile at him. “Looks like we have something in common.”

His serious expression melts, and he grins. “Glad to hear it. I wasn’t sure what kind of woman to expect, but I didn’t expect to find one as beautiful as you.”

Remy growls softly. “Careful Vishekov.”

“Is there a problem? She’s one of the assets, and I’m one of the buyers. This event is for us to get to know each other.”

I watch Remy’s eyes darken. “Of course not,” he says gruffly.

If he were so worried about who I’d be speaking with, he never would have entered my marriage contract into this auction. Now, he has to deal with the consequences.

Alex offers me his arm. “Let me get you a drink...” He pauses and shakes his head. “I’m sorry, I’m so rude. What’s your name?”

“Ella,” I say, taking his arm. “I’d love a drink. Thank you.”

I glance briefly at Remy and see his eyes darken with barely contained rage.

We stroll across the room, arm in arm, and I can feel Remy’s gaze on us every step of the way.

Alex orders me a drink, and I take it with shaking hands. He’s attractive, young, and exactly the kind of man I should be drawn to. And yet here I am, listening to him speak but unable to get my mind off my stepdad.

I’m playing with fire, and I know it.

16

REMY

I’m going to kill him.

Sitting at the dining table across from Ella, I watch Alex fucking Vishekov make her laugh. It sends liquid fire through my veins.

He’s young, charming, handsome, and fucking perfect for her.

Although his family is questionable, the Vishekov Bratva have been trying to push their way into Chicago for years. I sense this is their play to get me to allow them in, but there’s no space for them. Too many wolves are fighting over territory, and after the war a couple of years ago, I won’t start another.

I didn’t expect to feelthispossessive watching her with another man. She smiles at him. A genuine, warm smile that makes my heart ache.

She’s too good for anyone here—too pure.

And certainly too fucking good for me.

I down another glass of scotch and stand from the table, marching toward the bar.

Ella hasn’t torn her eyes off him since he sat beside her. I hold the tumbler so tight I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter in my fingers.

“Scotch on the rocks,” I order.

The lady smiles at me in a flirtatious manner. “Of course, handsome.” She winks.

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