Heart of Mercy

SERENA VENERA

I don't like the idea of being tied down to someone. I don't like relying on others, I never have and never will.

I handle my own problems. I make my own decisions. I clean up my own messes.
It's simple that way.

Predictable.

Controlled.

And then he arrives out of the shadows, like he owns the place. Like he owns me.

I don't want his help now.

But I was raised in a world where emotions don't exist, and a deal is done. Violence is normal, and mistakes are paid in blood

In my situation, marriage was the only thing that bought his silence

My entire life changed because I made a deadly choice

I've never let someone control me like this

Too bad Roman Volkova never loses, and is now making his victory by making me pay for my mistake

ROMAN VOLKOVA

Control is dangerous. It's not something I've fought to obtain for a long time, I've always had control. My job is to get things done when needed, no questions asked.

Nothing moves unless I allow it to. No deal closes without my approval. No one crosses a line without consequence.

I could've thrown her to the wolves, instead I gave her a choice.

Marry me. Or don't, face the consequences.

She calls it blackmail. I call it survival.

The people hunting her won't stop until she's dead.

She doesn't realize I'm the only one she should be scared of.

I've seen how she carries herself like she's disguised as silk, how she refuses help, and how she thinks it'll cost her blood.

She might hate me now.

But I'd rather have her despise me as my wife than a memory

She's mine whether she likes it or not.