Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 68192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Get yourself together.
I turned to face him with an obviously fake smile. “I’ve found it fascinating, so much so that I needed a moment away from the crowd.”
He glared at me. “I see. What has fascinated you the most? Nikolai’s engagement or the number of friends who’ve come to support him?”
The motherfucker deserved a punch to the face. I fisted my hands at my sides instead. “From what I’ve heard, his engagement was expected, right?” He didn’t manage to hide his surprise from me. He really thought my family didn’t know his plans. “As far as the number of guests, I assume they are all either here to suck up to you or plot your demise.”
“Which of the two will you be doing?”
“Neither. I’m here to negotiate.”
He raised his brows. “You’re not happy with our current agreement?”
“No. I’m not, and neither is Remington.”
He sighed dramatically. “I suppose I can spare a few moments to talk.”
Before I could respond, movement caught his attention, and he stared out the window. “That’s my son out there.”
I nodded. If he’d seen me staring at Nikolai, there was nothing I could do about it. “He’s a fortunate young man to have secured Miss Ivanov as his bride.”
Dimitri chuckled, but there was no mirth in the sound. “She’s a rebellious little bitch. I’m the fortunate one. It’s an alliance I’ve worked hard for.”
He wanted me to argue, but I wasn’t going to take the bait, no matter how disgusted I was that he’d describe his son’s fiancée that way. “Isn’t your son enjoying the party? Did he need to escape?” Dimitri looked ready to explode, but he held himself in check. “He likely needed a moment to recover from the excitement of my announcement, just like you did.”
“I was surprised to see him after the toasts. I thought you’d send him away after the toast since you don’t want him involved in your sordid business dealings.” As if I believed that bullshit he’d spewed when Nikolai and his mother were sent away. Dimitri didn’t give a fuck about protecting Nikolai. He was being used as a pawn.
Dimitri glared at me. “Tonight is for celebrating, not for business.”
“Once he’s married, will he take an active role in your endeavors?”
“His role in my business is none of your concern.”
“Of course not. I was merely curious. He seems like such a polite young man, I can only imagine what living with the Ivanovs will be like for him.”
The glare Dimitri gave me was meant to intimidate, but it did the opposite. It made me want Nikolai even more. I turned back to the window, taunting Dimitri by watching Nikolai again. Had he ever been with a man? Was he willing to admit what he wanted? Did it matter?
I could be very convincing. But I also knew the consequences of indulging myself.
Since the night I’d been betrayed and then arrested, I’d kept my hands and my dick out of places they shouldn’t be. I’d played the game like a master, protecting my family, building our wealth, never putting my needs ahead of theirs. Was Nikolai worth breaking that promise I’d made to myself?
He turned and looked at the window as if he felt me watching him. His father gestured for him to return to the terrace. He nodded, but he walked backward for several steps, keeping his gaze on mine. My cock stirred. What was it about him that had me salivating? I didn’t know, but I wanted to find out.
“Nikolai has been sheltered,” Dimitri said. “I didn’t want him tainted when I offered him to our allies.”
Holy fuck, had he never been touched? Would I be the first man he’d kissed? This only got more tempting the more I learned. It also made me more furious with Dimitri for denying Nikolai the life he should have been living for the past four years. From what I understood, he’d barely been allowed to leave the apartment he and his mother shared in Chicago.
I knew better than to take things with Nikolai any further. I couldn’t risk my family. I shouldn’t damage the alliance Remington wanted to pursue, but no one would have to know, would they? I could play with Niko, be satisfied with my silent revenge, then walk away. I’d get him out of my system, and he’d have a chance to experience someone less chilling than Ivanov. He deserved that, didn’t he? I wouldn’t hurt him. I couldn’t say the same for his future father-in-law.
I had to know if the arrangement was exactly what I thought. “So Ivanov prefers his men untouched?”
“Stay away from my son.” Dimitri took a step toward me, and I was prepared to defend myself. I could take Dimitri in a fight, and I had my gun in easy reach. I’d managed to hide it well enough to go undetected by Dimitri’s guards.