Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'15

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "So what now?" I asked, my voice laced with irritation.

I wasn't sure if he was going to continue letting me choose how we spent the day or if he suddenly had something else in mind. For a moment, it looked like he was about to respond, but then his phone buzzed.

He glanced at it, read the message, and his entire demeanor shifted. The flicker of amusement vanished, replaced by that familiar cold detachment.

"Well actually," he said, slipping the phone into his pocket, "I have some business to attend to."

I blinked. "What? But the day just started."

"I'm aware. But this can't wait," he said flatly, already walking past me toward the steps.

I followed behind him quickly. "So you're just going to ditch me again?"

"I'm sure you'll be fine," he replied, not bothering to look back.

Anger surged through me. I shoved him. Hard.

He stopped in his tracks and turned slowly, his expression sharp.

"This was supposed to be our day. A normal, fun day," I said, crossing my arms.

He laughed—a cold, humorless sound. "I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. There is no we."

He turned and walked away, already on the phone, speaking in Russian.

I stood there, fists clenched. My chest burned with frustration. Every time I let my guard down, he reminded me of exactly what this was: a marriage in name only.

I followed behind slowly, wishing I could teleport back to the hotel and lock myself away. But then a strange feeling crawled up my spine. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

I stopped.

Something wasn't right.

"Czar," I called out, my voice louder than I intended.

He stopped and turned, eyes narrowing.

A rustle behind me.

I didn't think. I spun around and threw a punch. My fist connected with something solid. A man.

I didn't wait. I ran toward Czar, my heart slamming against my ribs.

He was already pulling a pocketknife from his waistband. "Go to the car!" he shouted.

I sprinted, my sandals digging into the forest path. I could hear footsteps behind me. Whoever it was, they were fast.

Panic shot through me like lightning. I veered off the path and into the trees, branches whipping my arms and face. My lungs burned. I pushed harder.

Eventually, I ducked behind a thick tree trunk, crouching low, gasping for air. I couldn't hear anyone nearby, but I didn't trust it.

I peeked around the tree.

Too late.

A man grabbed me from behind and threw me to the ground.

"Well, that was easy," he sneered, raising a gun.

Without thinking, I kicked his shin. He staggered but didn't drop the weapon.

He fired—missed.

I kicked again, this time harder, aiming between his legs. He let out a strangled groan and bent forward.

I used the moment to drive my foot into his face. He collapsed.

I grabbed the gun.

I aimed it directly at him. My hands were shaking, but I kept my grip firm.

"No, that was easy," I whispered.

"Zariah?!" Czar's voice cut through the trees.

"Over here!" I called.

He emerged a moment later, his gaze sweeping over the scene. He walked straight to me, took the gun gently from my hands, then knelt beside the man and pressed the barrel to his temple.

"Who are you working for?" Czar asked.

The man said nothing.

Czar smiled faintly. Then he pulled the trigger.

I turned my head sharply, my stomach flipping. The gunshot echoed.

"Was that really necessary?" I asked, trying not to vomit.

"No. But I enjoyed it," he said, unfazed.

I shook my head, bile rising in my throat.

"Listen, Zariah, he was a threat. You're lucky you were able to handle him. He wouldn't have given you mercy like you gave him."

I swallowed hard and nodded.

"What does he want?" I asked, my voice thin.

Czar's jaw tensed. "I don't know. Someone like him doesn't come after me unless they're being paid—and paid well."

My heart dropped.

"But... he came after me too."

Czar looked at me, and something passed between us—uncertainty, fear, reality.

This was my life now.

There would be no peace. Only danger. Fear. Looking over my shoulder every second.

I stared at Czar. Suddenly, the reality of what I had signed up for hit me like a brick wall.

"What are you?" I whispered.

He stared at me for a moment, then said quietly, "I've done some things, Zariah... some real bad things."

~~~

I was so excited to update!! I just got back home a few days ago and the first thing I thought about were you guys so here is  a quick update! I will also like to point out that this book will be moving a tiny bit slower than the "Lust" Series. I want to take my time and let Zariah and Czar actually build a bond together before they rush into anything. So I hope you guys liked this update. Don't forget to comment, vote, and share. Until next time my lovelies.