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She moves closer, evidently not wanting anyone else to hear. “When I was younger, I won’t lie., I was interested in you, Nico. But I’ve got self-respect. I wouldn’t continue to pursue a man who clearly doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

I resist the urge to tell her that’s exactly what she seems to be doing.

She scoffs, most likely reading the thought on my face.

“I know it seems like I never got over my crush. But that’s because I understand something–something you seem utterly incapable of grasping.”

“Enlighten me,” I say stiffly.

“I’ve pushed so hard for so long to be with you because it’s best for both our organizations. It will make us both more money – it will give us greater control of Dallas. I’ve tried to be a woman you’d fall for, but it’s not working, so I’ve decided to be honest.”

“You’re seeking this as a political alliance. You’re not actually interested in me.”

“Are you offended?”

“No – I’m relieved.”

The words are out before I realize how rude they are. But she doesn’t seem offended. She smiles drunkenly. “So you see that what I’m saying makes sense, then?”

“Perhaps it does, but I still can’t be with you, Anya.”

“Why?” She narrows her eyes, looking calculating, scheming. I’ve never seen her like this. “With our marriage, we could rule this city, every single corner. The smaller organizations wouldn’t stand a chance against an Italian-Bratva alliance. I’m done playing games. If you kissed me here, everyone will know that we’ve crossed the line. We’ve put a plan into action.”

“You’re like a different person.”

“I’ve always been this person, but I thought it was better if you only saw what I wanted you to see. That’s the lot for a woman like me. I stick to the shadows, show the big, oh-so powerful men the laughing, silly girl they already think I am…” She throws her head back, laughs unconvincingly, then suddenly stops. “See? It’s all a show. You need to think, Nico. About the city. About the future.”

She reaches out to put her hand on me. I glide out of the way, wanting nothing to do with her.

She stumbles. It’s bad luck. Or maybe she leaned forward too far, thinking I would catch her. She almost falls before catching herself standing upright, glaring.

“You’re drunk, Anya,” I say.

“Drunk enough to finally tell you the truth. Just kiss me, Nico. We need to stop playing games. We need to make a show of it.”

“Do you want a loveless marriage?”

“Pfft. I want what every girl wants: true love, a real relationship. But mafia princesses don’t have that privilege.”

“I’m not going to kiss you,” I tell her. “Even if I wanted to, I refuse to take advantage of a drunk woman.”

“What a hero you are,” she says sarcastically.

“Mock me for it if you want, but it’s the truth.”

When she glares at me, I see the woman she’s always been, the person she’s been hiding behind her glitzy façade. “Our lives would be easier if we simply accepted, we’re not the masters of our own destinies.” She grabs a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and tosses it back. “If you’re too blind to see that, I can’t help you.”

“Anya, I don’t want to upset you, but?—”

“Upsetme?” she snaps. “If we were together, it would stop my father and his vicious, ugly, unacceptable behavior. It would allow me to escape from his home.” She rocks from side to side, looking as if she might fall. “It would make it so I could be free – and maybe do some good in my life.”

“Wait, you don’t want to be with your father?” My mind ticks to future possibilities, contingencies layered uponwhat ifs.

“If you know my father, you shouldn’t even need to ask me that.”

She storms away, weaving from side to side as she tries to maintain her balance.

“What was that about?” Viktor snaps.