Chapter 9

ILYA

I hate it when someone barges into my office, interrupting me when I’m working.

Right now, I’m cursing at Natalie. “Did British not teach you how to knock?”

“Right.” She rolls her eyes before glaring at me. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me that you and her are living under the same roof?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“This.” She puts the ring on my desk. “What did you do to her, Ilya?”

I look at the Vasilyev ring I gave to Willa years ago. There’s nothing special about it at first glance, but a platinum band with a wolf and a letter V signet that has been passed down through generations. It’s a family heirloom that I entrusted to Willa because I thought she would be my wife.

The symbol of the wolf means loyalty and deep family bonds. That’s why my men sometimes call me Russkiy volk.

“Unfuckingbelievable. First, you barged in, and now you’re accusing me of beating her.” I cross my arms over my chest, glaring back at her. “You think so low of me, Natalie. And no, I didn’t beat her. You know me better than that. I don’t beat women for fun unless they deserve it.”

“Then why is she here?”

“It’s none of your fucking business.” I breathe noisily, bored with this conversation.

She scowls at me when she doesn’t get what she wants.

“I get it, you have a good life here.” Shrugging, she adds, “I just can’t picture you living here whilst playing an American cowboy.”

“You hate it because there’s no nightlife, no parties, no social life, and this is what I want. I want peace for fucking once.”

She takes a deep breath and steps back. Before she gets to the door, she turns to me. “Does her brother know? Gabe Linden is in a tough spot right now. You don’t wanna mess with him again. He cares too much about his family and close friends, Ilya. This is not the right time to play with fire when you’re on American soil. Don’t put yourself under the authorities’ radar. You may have bribed the authorities here, but FBI has still jurisdiction in this county.”

“She was attacked days ago by a masked man in her gallery. Linden came all the way here asking for my help.” I look at her. “It’s Willa. I’m still mad at her, at them for betraying me, for fooling me, but I can’t turn my back on her. It’s temporary. Once she recovers, I’ll send her somewhere while I find who did this to her.”

“I admire your selflessness, but is it worth it? Putting yourself in misery again. I know you still love her. Admit it or not, I can see it in your eyes, and it answers the question of why you were not yourself earlier. I’m sorry.”

I frown. “For what?”

“I shouldn’t have come here. In my defense, I didn’t know, but if you need my help, I still know people and places where I can take your queen that don’t involve horses, chickens, and hay.” She chuckles. “Seriously, Ilya. Linden is just using you because he knows how much you care about his sister.”

“I know, but I’m getting married. I want closure.”

“My arse.” She rolls her eyes. “Bloody closure? Why don’t you take advantage of this situation that presented itself, and use her instead? Call Linden and tell him marrying his sister is how you can protect her. He owes you that much.”

I blink. “It came to my mind, but no. She’s been—”

“Bloody hell.” She shakes her head in annoyance. “You’ve grown soft, mate. This isn’t you. The Ilya I know is ruthless, canny, merciless, a strategist, and intolerant. Can’t you see the sign in front of you? The answer has presented itself. Why am I the only one who sees it? You haven’t chosen the bride because you still love her. You still dream of being with Princess Linden one day.”

“I said no!” I slam my fist against the desk as I rise to my feet. “She’s not the answer!”

The impact startles her, flinching as she stares at me with horror in her eyes. She knows I would never raise my hand on her, but I can still do something to scare her away.

“Okay. I’m sorry. Just calm down.” She holds her hands up.

I take a deep breath to calm my racing heartbeat. When I look at her, her eyebrows knit together. “Maybe we should get married.”

Instead of gratefully accepting my offer, she shakes her head repeatedly. “No, no, no. Sex is good, but I don’t wanna be a pawn in your stupid games with the Lindens. I’m not marrying you so you can use me. And I don’t wanna marry a mafia.”

I don’t take offense at her comment. Then I say, “You will be well compensated. I will buy you a house in London or Birmingham, and five million pounds financial incentives if you give me an heir.”

“I said no, Ilya. I like you. I care about you. I love you as my friend and my client, but I know you love somebody else. Can I give you some friendly advice?”

“No. Thanks.” I sit back, glaring at her.

“I still give you one. For once, follow your heart. Forget about anger and revenge and blood. It won’t take you anywhere. You’re only hurting yourself in return. You’re legitimizing your business. It’s a good start. She’s here. Give it another chance. I know you’d be skeptical, and it’s a good thing. Fuck Gabe Linden. His sister is a grown woman who can decide for herself.”

“Willa will always choose her family over me.” It’s even painful for me to admit it, but that’s true.

“Bollocks. If you won’t fight for her, of course, she thinks you don’t love her enough. You are star-crossed lovers, but you and she can change it. Just fight for your love, Ilya. For fucking once in your life. Do what makes you happy. Screw everyone.”

I pick up the ring and put it on my finger. “I don’t know.”

She groans in annoyance. “God, I wish I could hit you in the head right now. Sign the documents because I’m leaving today.” She walks out.

Andrey enters with a confused look.

“What do you want, Andrey?”

“What you did back there isn’t nice, boss.”

“Tell me something I didn’t already know.” I chuckle as I pick up the documents and pen, but I can feel that he has something more to say. “Just fucking say it.”

“I asked her to describe the man who attacked her,” he says with caution.

I pull out the file from the drawer and slide it towards him.

While he’s reading the report in silence, I start signing the documents.

“The attacker’s intention wasn’t to kill her quickly.”

My hand freezes. My heart races, and I can’t think through the rage and fear choking me from within.

I’m the only one who denies the truth that I don’t love Willa anymore. In fact, the reason why I can’t pick a bride is that I feel like I’m betraying her and my promise. 

I feel like I’m cheating on her if I fuck someone else. And yes, I still dream of her being my wife and being the mother of my children, but Natalie is right. We’re star-crossed lovers.

I swallow down the bile rising in my throat. “What made you say that?”

He closes the file. “Well, for starters. It wasn’t mugging or a random homeless guy trying to steal in the gallery. It wasn’t an art thief either. Nothing is missing, according to this report.”

“I read that part.”

“According to Miss Linden, the man didn’t stink or reek of alcohol. In fact, he smelled like fresh laundry. The kind of detergent the laundromat used.”

“That’s very specific. She said he was wearing a hoodie and a mask. She was terrified. I’m sure her mind was playing tricks on her.”

“No.  The man has dark hair. I let her close her eyes—”

“You hypnotized her?” I growl at Andrey.

“I did not. I merely let her relax.”

I relax in the chair. “What else?”

“He could just shoot her or hit her with something, then stab her, but the attacker might have underestimated her, too, and thought she couldn’t fight back.”

My mind goes blank as a new fear bites me.

“Boss?”

“It’s a hit order.” Anger churns inside me as I stand up. “I need to talk to her.”