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"Like what?" I asked, a little nervous.

Annika shifted in her seat. "Well, for instance, we're not your average Russian family."

I nodded slowly. I knew no family was truly "average," but there was a gravity in her voice that said this went beyond dysfunction.

"See, I didn't just build power and wealth from owning businesses," Czar said. "It took more than that to become who I am."

I looked between them, my brows furrowing.

Lada stood and rolled up the sleeve of her shirt, revealing a tattoo: a crescent moon with words inked in Russian.

"We all have this mark," she said. "Soon, you will too. It symbolizes our power... and our family's legacy."

She paused, her eyes flicking to Czar. "Our father was... ruthless. He ruled through fear. And when he died, his title passed to Czar."

"What title?" I asked.

Czar looked me directly in the eyes. "Our father was the leader of the Russian Mafia."

I stared at him. "So that means..."

"I'm the leader now," he confirmed.

My heart stalled in my chest. My mind tried to grasp what I was hearing, but it all made too much sense. The bodyguards. The gun. The fear in Lonnie's eyes. The control.

Everyone at the table was watching me.

Anderi muttered, "Maybe we should've waited until after the wedding."

"I-I'm fine," I managed, though my voice cracked as I stared at the table.

Czar spoke again. "This is why I need to know where you are at all times. Once word spreads about our engagement, you'll be a target."

I looked at him sharply. "What difference does it make? You don't even care about me. You're marrying me to settle a debt. What kind of monster does that?"

Czar's jaw ticked. He didn't answer.

I stood abruptly. "I'm done listening."

He grabbed my arm. "Sit. Breakfast hasn't been served, and we're not done."

"I don't care," I said, shaking off his grip and hurrying from the room.

Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back and wandered the halls, trying to find my way to solitude. That's when I bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry," I murmured.

"No, I am," Lonnie said softly.

She looked exhausted—dark circles, slumped shoulders, lips bitten raw.

"It's okay, Lonnie," I reassured her. "I'm Zariah. And I'm sorry about yesterday. You can go home to your son now."

She shook her head quickly. "Mr. Kuzmich would be furious."

"I'm the one sending you home. You answer to me now, too. Take the day off tomorrow while you're at it."

Her eyes watered. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

She hugged me tight. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. Now go."

She didn't wait. She hurried off, and I allowed myself to smile—for just a second.

Until he showed up.

"Did you just send Lonnie home?" Czar asked, voice like thunder.

"Yes. She hasn't been home since yesterday."

"And?" he growled.

I flinched but stood my ground. "You might be cold-hearted, but I'm not."

His hand clamped around my arm, pulling me flush to him.

"You're testing me, Zariah. I let you leave breakfast because I knew you were overwhelmed, but sending my staff home without permission? Don't make a habit of it."

I stared up at him. "I will make this marriage hell for you."

His laugh was bitter. "Hell? I'm already there."

He let me go, and I stumbled back.

I turned and fled to my room, slamming the door behind me. The moment I hit the bed, the tears came fast and uncontrollably.

I hated it here.

I wanted to go home. To rewind time. To laugh with my family over breakfast. To hear Josiah's goofy jokes. To wash dishes with my dad while he told me how proud he was.

But all I could do was imagine.

And cry.


Finally updated this book and I'm so excited for the chapters to come. How do you feel about Zariah? I've believe she's very headstrong a lot different than my other female leads. Don't forget to comment, vote, and share. Until next time my lovelies.

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