Page 42 of Beautiful Sinner

“I’m going to tell Viktor you’re hurting me.”

He laughs like he’s not worried one bit. “Sure. Tell him. But he won’t believe you. I won’t leave any marks behind. There won’t be any evidence.” He lets my arms go. A slight red mark is left behind but it fades within seconds, taking any proof that Connor hurt me away with it.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he continues. “I want you to like me. But if Matteo is getting in the way, then I need him out of your life.” His eyes rake me up and down. “You better be a virgin on our wedding night. I don’t like sloppy seconds.”

“Why are you not telling Viktor about this?”

“Because this is a little secret I can hang over your head. I want power which means I need to marry you. I can’t ruffle Viktor’s feathers. This stays just between us. For now. I’ll use this information if you ever piss me off. Got it?”

All I can do is nod.

He winks, then leaves the room with a whistle and all I can do is slump to the ground, terrified out of my mind.

It’s Matteo who calls me instead of the other way round. I stare down at his number in the privacy and safety of my own room. Everything inside of me wants to answer but I know it’s not possible. Connor is becoming more of a problem. He will try to kill Matteo if I don’t keep my distance but for Matteo’s sake, it’s better if I stay away so I don’t answer.

In the morning, I’m presented with a large magazine full of wedding dress options. Mrs. Green, our housekeeper, proudly tells me she’s been keeping this for me for when the day came I’d get married.

“Thank you,” I say, forcing a smile to my lips. I can tell how happy she is but of course, she doesn’t know how bad Connor can be. She doesn’t know that he tried to hurt me.

I can tell Viktor and he’ll end Connor’s life but I’m worried that Viktor won’t believe me. The reality is, if Connor’s not the man I’ll marry, then Viktor will just eventually find someone else for me to marry and none of the options will be Matteo.

“It’s time to go flower shopping,” Inessa announces as she comes into the kitchen. “Come on. We’ll make it fun.”

The hundreds of flowers I’m confronted with at the flower shop is too much. Too much for my nose, for my eyes, and evenfor my ears because everyone keeps congratulating me on my upcoming wedding and I’m tired of hearing it.

“Let’s find you the best flowers,” the shop assistant, Brittany, says.

My heart is not in it so Inessa takes over and helps me pick out my bridal bouquet.

“Are you ok?” she asks when Brittany heads into the back to bring out more flowers.

“Matteo called me last night.”

“And?” I can see Inessa’s eyes tighten. She doesn’t approve of this but she’s trying to be supportive.

“And I didn’t answer. Connor needs to be my future.”

“You don’t sound happy about it.”

“He cornered me in the kitchen yesterday,” I whisper. “He gripped my arms tight.”

“Why didn’t you tell Viktor? He’ll break ties with Connor if he knew.”

“But then Viktor is back to square one when it comes to this war he’s in. I can’t see him get hurt and Connor might be a good ally for him to gain more power. And I can’t risk Connor saying something to Viktor about Matteo. I just can’t.”

“I can speak to Viktor for you. I can tell him I don’t trust Conner. That might make Viktor more aware of the situation without you having to say anything.”

I sigh and turn away from the large sunflowers right in my face. “You can try. But please don’t bring up Matteo. I can’t risk him getting hurt.”

“You were supposed to tell Viktor about him.”

“I know. I was going to until Connor dragged me into the kitchen.”

She squeezes my arm and I try not to wince. It’s the same spot Connor gripped tightly. “I’ll talk to Viktor without bringing Matteo up. But talk to your brother eventually. Please.”

Brittany comes back out with more flower options to choose from and I plaster a smile onto my face and focus on finding the best flowers for my upcoming wedding that I want no part in.

Matteo