Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'16

I was pacing back and forth in the hotel room while Czar sat on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees as he watched me.

"What do you mean when you say 'bad things'?" I demanded, turning sharply to face him.

He let out a deep sigh and motioned toward the chair near the window. Reluctantly, I sat, never taking my eyes off him.

"My father ruled the Russian Mafia since he was eighteen. We moved to the States when I was three. I was practically born with a target on my back," he began. His voice was steady, but the weight of what he was saying made it feel heavier than steel. "My mother tried to protect us, so she sent us to private schools under fake names. For years, no one even knew my father had children. We were ghosts."

I leaned forward, trying to absorb every word.

"I had a best friend—Liam. He was the only person I ever told the truth to. He knew who my father was, what I was destined to become, and he still accepted me. My parents trusted him. He was the only person ever allowed in our home." His jaw clenched. "When we turned eighteen, the truth got out. Everyone knew who I was. I was scheduled to be sworn in before the year ended. Liam seemed proud... or so I thought."

Czar's brows drew together, his voice darkening. "The night before my initiation, my father was murdered. My mother... she was attacked. Someone slashed her face open."

My mind flashed to Irina and the angry scar across her cheek.

"At first, I didn't know who it was. Until I visited my mom in the hospital. She told me Liam did it. Killed my father. Scarred her for life."

My heart clenched.

"I was devastated. Furious. So I did the only thing I could think of—I retaliated. I went after Liam's girlfriend. He was planning to propose to her. I killed her. Just like that."

I didn't move. Didn't breathe. He looked up at me, trying to read my face.

"I didn't know she was pregnant," he added, voice barely above a whisper. "When I found out, it shattered me. If I had known... I swear, Zariah, I wouldn't have touched her. Liam knew it was me. He said he'd get revenge one day. I haven't seen him since."

He ran a hand through his hair. "After that, I spiraled—robbing, using, killing. I was reckless. By twenty-two, I cleaned up, but it was too late. I'd already earned the name: the ruthless killer."

I exhaled slowly. "So... you think it's Liam? You think he's behind this?"

He nodded. "It fits. He said he'd get me back. What better way than through my wife?"

I scoffed. "Yeah, but you don't care about me. Why would he target someone who doesn't even matter to you?"

Czar's face twisted. "Zariah—"

"No. Don't 'Zariah' me. Ever since you came into my life, it's been hell. I can't stand it anymore. I didn't ask for this. I didn't deserve this." My voice cracked. Tears were burning my eyes, and I hated how they made me feel.

Czar stood and pulled me into his chest. I didn't resist. I cried. Hard. He muttered something in Russian that I couldn't understand, but the tone was gentle—soothing.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

And something in my chest softened.

When I finally pulled away, I wiped my eyes quickly. I didn't want him to see me so raw. I turned away and went into the bathroom to gather myself.

I splashed cool water on my face, trying to wash the pain away. For a moment, I thought about my old life—college, freedom, dreams. None of it seemed real anymore. Just a fading memory.

When I stepped out, Czar was packing.

I blinked. "What are you doing?"

"We have to go," he said without looking up.

"We've only been here for two days."

"And I can't protect you here. My men are thousands of miles away, and Liam's tracking our movements. We need to go somewhere secure."

I didn't argue. As much as I didn't want to leave Bora Bora, I wanted to stay alive more. I grabbed my things and started packing too. As I zipped Czar's suitcase shut—he was still on the phone, speaking Russian—I realized how much my world had changed.

I threw on a sundress, sunglasses, and a sunhat to cover my face. When Czar hung up, we headed downstairs.

The hotel clerk raised a brow as we approached.

"You're checking out early? You booked two weeks."

"Plans changed," Czar said curtly, handing her the keys.

She nodded slowly, clearly confused, but said nothing more.

Outside, he tossed our luggage into the trunk and opened the car door. I got in silently. The drive was quiet, tense. His grip on the steering wheel was tight, his knuckles white.

I stared out the window. I thought about calling my mom, but what would I even say?

"When we get back, you're not allowed to leave the house without me," he said finally.

"Trust me," I muttered. "I wouldn't want to."

~

The flight back was just as silent. When we landed, I was drained and sore. Twenty men in black suits with guns were already waiting.

I looked at Czar. "What is this?"

"Security," he said. "For you."

Two men escorted us to the limo. I didn't speak. Neither did Czar.

When we finally got home, Lada, Annika, Anderi, and Irina were waiting in the foyer.

"Thank God," Lada breathed as she rushed forward and pulled me into a tight hug.

Czar's voice cut through the moment. "Liam's back."

Everyone turned, eyes wide.

"What do you mean, 'he's back'?" Anderi asked.

"I mean he's coming after Zariah."

All eyes turned to me.

"Then let's kill the bastard," Lada said. "You should've done it years ago."

"It won't be that easy," Czar said. "He has people now. This house is going on lockdown. Zariah doesn't leave without one of you. No more solo outings. No exceptions."

"She's not a child," Lada snapped.

"No, she's my responsibility!" Czar yelled. "Now all of you—get out!"

Everyone stared at him, startled.

"I said get out!" he shouted again before storming upstairs.

The room fell quiet.

Lada looked at me, her expression soft. "Don't worry, Zariah. We won't let anything happen to you. I promise."

I really hope so.

~*~

Yay! Another update. I hope you all enjoyed. Don't forget to comment, vote and share. Until next time my lovelies.